Requirements for Re-entry to the U.S.

Updated 11/21/2024

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Current F-1/J-1 Students and Scholars

Students and scholars may travel internationally during scheduled university breaks, but keep in mind that international travel is in a fluid state, and new travel restrictions could arise at any moment.  Students and scholars returning to the U.S. from a temporary break should ensure they have the required documents to re-enter the country.

Special note for J-1 Scholars: Per the Department of State regulations, scholars are not permitted to travel outside of the U.S. for more than 30 days.

Required Documents for Re-entry to the U.S.
  1. Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the re-entry to the U.S.)
  2. Valid F-1/J-1 visa in passport (except students from Canada)
  3. I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature from OIS
Recommended Supporting Documents
  1. Financial support documents (i.e., proof of funding)
  2. USC acceptance letter (F-1/J-1 students) or invitation letter (J-1 scholars)
  3. Paper receipt of Form I-901: SEVIS fee payment
  4. Copy of USC transcript and/or proof of course registration – F-1/J-1 students only
  5. Contact information for OIS

F-1 Students: OPT/STEM OPT Extension Pending with USCIS

OPT: Filing for post-completion OPT has no effect on students’ ability to travel internationally and return to the U.S. before their I-20 program end date (i.e., graduation date). Prior to the graduation date, the student is a current student for travel purposes. Students are strongly advised against traveling internationally after their I-20 program end date until they have received their EAD.

STEM OPT Extension: Filing for STEM OPT Extension has no effect on students’ ability to travel internationally and return to the U.S. before their post-completion OPT EAD end date. Prior to the OPT EAD end date, the student is on approved OPT for travel purposes. Students are strongly advised against traveling internationally after their OPT EAD end date until they have received their STEM OPT EAD.

If travel is unavoidable, students must travel with their I-797 Notice of Receipt and all other required documents listed below. Students are encouraged to consult with an OIS advisor before traveling internationally with a pending OPT/STEM OPT Extension application.

Required Documents for Re-entry to the U.S. 
  1. Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the re-entry to the U.S.)
  2. Valid F-1 student visa in passport (except students from Canada)
  3. OPT/STEM OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature from OIS
  4. I-797 Notice of Receipt
  5. Expired OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — STEM OPT only
  6. Proof of employment — STEM OPT only

F-1 Students: OPT/STEM OPT Extension Approved by USCIS

Required Documents for Re-entry to the U.S. 
  1. Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the re-entry to the U.S.)
  2. Valid F-1 student visa in passport (except students from Canada)
  3. OPT/STEM OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature from OIS
  4. Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  5. Proof of current employment or offer letter (if currently employed)

Contact Information for Students Detained at Port-of-Entry

  • Students detained by U.S. immigration officials at an airport or land border port-of-entry, may call the USC Immigration Clinic Emergency Hotline at (213) 740-7435 and leave a detailed message including name, date of birth, nationality, current location, airline and flight number, phone number and email address. A representative from the Immigration Clinic will provide initial guidance.

Emergency Contact Information During University Break

  • Send an email to the OIS email account (ois@usc.edu). This email account will be checked periodically during university holidays. Only inquiries requiring immediate attention will receive a response during office closures.
  • Students experiencing a true emergency at U.S. Port of Entry can call the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (213) 740-6000.
  • Students detained by U.S. immigration officials at an airport or land border port-of-entry, may call the USC Immigration Clinic Emergency Hotline at (213) 740-7435 and leave a detailed message including name, date of birth, nationality, current location, airline and flight number, phone number and email address. A representative from the Immigration Clinic will provide initial guidance.
  • The USC Immigration Clinic will only assist students detained by U.S. immigration officials. Please do not contact the Immigration Clinic for any other OIS or immigration related matters.