Departure

Departing the United States Soon?

If you plan to leave the United States at all (even for a short trip), and will be returning for the continuation of your studies, you will need the items listed below to reenter the U.S.:

  • A “Verification of Enrollment,” which shows all past and present enrollment (whether full-time or part-time) at Notre Dame. (This can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office in Room 105, Main Building)
  • Financial documentation showing proof that you have the funds to support your studies in the U.S. as shown on your I-20 or DS-2019. (This can be a bank statement, a letter from your academic department, etc.)
  • A valid passport (one that is not expiring within 6 months).
  • A valid F-1 or J-1 Visa (A valid visa is not required for Canadian students.) The visa is the stamp in your passport which has your photo on it. Be sure to check the expiration date and the number of entries you were granted on your visa. If the number of entries will be used up, or if your visa will expire before the date you will reenter the U.S., you will need to apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa for your reentry back into the U.S. If you had a change to F-1 or J-1 status approved in the U.S., you will also need to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa to match your new F-1 or J-1 status in order to reenter the U.S. after any departures. It is strongly recommended that you apply for the visa from your home country and not as a third-country national in another country. Due to significant changes regarding visa applications in Canada and Mexico, all students MUST consult with the International Student Advisor before planning to go there for a visa application as a third-country national. If you must apply for a new visa, please be sure to read the important information on the following link: F-1/J-1 Visas
  • For F-1 Students: All of your I-20s with page “3” of the most recent one signed by the Immigration Services office (ISO) within the past 12 months for reentry purposes. Check the BOTTOM part of page 3 of your most recent I-20. If there is no travel signature there, you MUST request a signature from the ISO. If you have a travel signature already (on page 3), but that signature will be more than 12 months old before your return to the U.S., you MUST request a new travel signature from the ISO to be able to reenter the U.S. (For example: students who had their I-20 signed for travel in May 2003 will not need another travel signature until May 2004.) The Request for I-20 Travel Signature form
  • For J-1 Students with Notre Dame issued DS-2019s: All of your DS-2019s with page “1” of the most recent DS-2019 signed by the ISO within the past 12 months for reentry purposes.
    Check the “Travel Authorization” section in the bottom right corner of your DS-2019. If there is no signature there, you MUST request a travel signature. If there is a signature, and it will be more than 12 months old before your return to the U.S., you MUST request a new travel signature from the ISO. Click here for the travel signature form. (J-1 students with non-Notre Dame DS-2019s will need a travel signature from the agency/organization that issued the DS-2019.)

SPECIAL NOTES:

Students Who Graduated and are Doing OPT—To reenter the U.S. after a departure, please be reminded that you will need a valid passport, a valid F-1 visa, a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a letter from your employer stating your dates of employment and salary, and all of your I-20s with page “3” of the most recent one signed for travel purposes WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. FOR STUDENTS WITH DEPENDENTS: Since the OPT dates (and extension of your F-1 status) do not appear on the dependent SEVIS I-20, your dependent(s) will need a copy of your most recent I-20 to take with them if they will be leaving and reentering the U.S. during your OPT period. They will also need a copy of your valid/unexpired EAD.

Students Who are Planning to Visit Other Countries—You must first contact the embassy of that country (at least 1 month in advance) to see if you will need a visa, EVEN IF YOU ARE JUST GOING TO CANADA OR MEXICO. Contact information for different embassies in the U.S. can be found on our “Links” page.

Travel to Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands (Other Than Cuba) for Less Then 30 Days-If you are planning a trip to any of the countries listed above for LESS THAN 30 DAYS, you may not require a new F-1/J-1 visa to reenter the U.S. if ALL of the following conditions apply:

  • Your I-94 is clearly marked for “D/S” (Duration of Status).
  • You make it clear to the Immigration Border Patrol Officer before leaving the U.S. that you will return in less than 30 days. You must NOT surrender your I-94 card upon your departure because you will need it to reenter the U.S.
  • You travel with your current/valid passport & I-20/DS-2019 with the required travel signature (not more than 12 months old for currently enrolled students).
  • You do NOT apply for a new F or J visa while in Mexico or Canada. (If you apply for a new visa there, you MUST reenter on your newly approved visa. If that application is delayed, you will need to wait in that country until the application is processed. If that application is denied, you will NOT be able to return to the U.S.)

The following students are NOT eligible for the automatic visa revalidation for trips to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for LESS THAN 30 DAYS and WILL need a valid F or J visa to reenter the U.S., even after a short trip:

• Citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba.

Special Registration Students—Please be reminded that you MUST depart the U.S. through authorized ports ONLY. Failure to do so could result in a denial at the U.S. Port of Entry upon your return.