International Student Travel

Travel inside the U.S.

• F-1 and J-1 students and visiting scholars traveling within the United States must have the following documents with them:
  • Valid passport
  • Valid I-20 or DS-2019
  • Verification of Enrollment (suggested, but not required – You may request one from the Academic Records office.)
• If you travel while your OPT is pending, be sure to carry your OPT application receipt.

Travel outside the U.S.

• F-1 students and all dependents who plan to travel outside of the United States and return to Dickinson State University must bring their most updated I-20 or DS-2019 to the Office of International Programs in Stoxen Library, Lower Level, room 3 and get a signature for re-entry into the U.S. Remember to allow a 48-hour processing time.
• F-1 and J-1 students and visiting scholars who leave the United States must have the following documents with them to ensure their re-entry:
  
  • Valid passport
  • Valid U.S. visa stamp (except for Canadian citizens)
  • Valid I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel
  • Verification of Enrollment (suggested, but not required – You may request one from the Academic Records office.)
• If the visa stamp in your passport has expired, you will need to have your J document/I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel and get a “good standing letter” from the Office of International Programs to apply for a re-entry visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
• When traveling to a country other than your home country, be sure to confirm if you will need a visitor’s visa to enter that country. Start this early because these often take a month or more to process.
• We do not recommend traveling outside of the U.S. while your OPT application is pending, but if you do, be sure to carry your OPT application receipt and proof of employment in the U.S. to return.

Traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean

(If you are not a citizen of one of these countries, then follow the procedures below)

If you plan to visit Canada, you might need a visitor visa. Check the Canadian Consulate's website to see if you need a visitor visa and if so, how to apply. Start this as early as possible because processing can take approximately one month or longer.

NOTE: Arrivals more than a week prior to the semester start may be subject to additional housing, board, and insurance fees.