Travel Outside the U.S.

Last updated December 19, 2025

Be aware that as federal developments related to immigration occur, the information provided below may change. 

The ongoing news surrounding traveling has caused concern for both immigrant and non-immigrant communities. As such, it is advisable for those with upcoming travel to seek legal guidance and take additional precautions before traveling. First, consider if your trip is essential. We highly recommend speaking with an experienced immigration attorney before you leave the U.S. if you plan to travel and re-enter the United States, regardless of immigration status.  Re-entry may be denied even if you previously held a valid visa. Please also make sure to read the latest travel email from Office of International Services.

Please note that travel and re-entry for citizens of countries on the travel ban list is considered extremely high risk. We understand this is stressful and challenging for OSU students, scholars, and employees. While it is recommended that you reach out to an immigration attorney for specific questions around travel concerns or the travel ban, you may always reach out to OIS for questions and support. You may also monitor for updates from the U.S. Department of State and OSU’s Beavers Navigating Immigration Matters website to stay informed about the latest immigration regulations and policies

Minimum Required Documents

  • Original I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature (6 mos - 1 yr)
  • Valid F-1 or J-1 visa (except Canadian citizens)*
  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity
  • Pending I-765 application receipt notice (if applicable)

Recommended Documents

Tips for Going Through US Customs and Border Patrol

  • When you arrive in the US you will have to fill out a customs form and see a Customs and Border Patrol Officer (CBP)
  • Make sure to have your passport, I-20 or DS-2019 and customs forms out and ready when you enter the Customs area
  • Keep your passport open to your F-1 or J-1 visa page
  • Answer all questions from the Officer
  • There is no need to discuss any previous issues with your immigration record unless asked to do so
  • If you are asked to provide more information, be polite, honest and patient
  • Please contact OIS at [email protected] or 541-737-6310 if you encounter any concerns at the Port of Entry. OSU’s Department of Public Safety (541-737-3010) remains the contact for after-hours issues while traveling.  
  • Check out CBP's video explaining arrival at the airport

 

General Travel Considerations

Travel Signatures

Request a travel signature via IPConnect at least seven business days before departure. Travel signatures are valid for up to one year (6 months for F-1 students on OPT or STEM OPT) or until the program end date listed on the I-20 or DS-2019, whichever is sooner. If you discover that you need a new travel signature while you are traveling, please contact OIS.

SEVIS Fee Payment

F-1 and J-1 students are initially required to pay the I-901 Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. If you have paid the SEVIS fee and have the same SEVIS ID number, you do not need to pay it again. Pay your fee, check the status of a fee payment, or reprint a receipt online.

I-94 Arrival/Departure Information

All I-94 arrival/departure records can now be accessed online. Please make sure to print a paper copy of this form each time you re-enter the US to carry with you and save for your records. 

If you plan to travel and re-enter the U.S. by land, you will want to review this Customs and Border Patrol web page about I-94s. While the paper I-94 card is no longer provided, if you have a paper I-94 stapled inside your passport, you will be required to surrender this I-94 when you leave the US.

Passports and Visas

If you intend to visit a country other than your home country, contact the nearest consulate or embassy of each country to determine if you will need a visa to enter. This process may take several months, so inquire early.

If you need to renew your passport, you should plan to renew it either before you leave the U.S. or at home before you re-enter.

Legal Concerns

If you have had any encounters with law enforcement it is strongly recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney before traveling out of the U.S. as some encounters may lead to visa revocation or impact reentry to the U.S., even if your US visa may appear unchanged in your passport.

Hand grabbing sticky note

Renewing a U.S. Visa

If your visa has expired or will expire while you are outside the US, you will need to obtain a new visa while you are abroad. You will also need a visa if you have used all the entries available or if the visa in your passport does not match the status you intend to have in the US..

To apply for a new visa, you must apply at a US embassy or consulate abroad and follow the Department of State policies and those of the particular embassy or consulate where you will apply. Effective in December 2025, it is now required to apply for a new U.S. nonimmigrant visa in your country of nationality or residence.  

Please be aware of the updated policies on enhanced social media vetting. For more information please see the FAQs and some helpful guidance from a U.S. consulate. 

    U.S. Embassies Abroad

   Renew Your Visa

   Foreign Embassies in the U.S.

 

Special Circumstances & Visa Processing Delays

One of the most common reasons for visa delay is due to a refusal under section 221(g) of the INA - incomplete application or supporting documentation. In most cases you can provide the missing documents to have your application reviewed again. We have heard from immigration attorneys that enhanced social media vetting may also cause visa delays and in some cases denials if they are not able to easily review your information. 

If you are in a research field that may be considered of US national security interest you may face serious delays receiving a visa while a background check is being conducted. It is impossible to predict how long a background check might take or for any agency to intervene to expedite the background check. Learn more about Security Clearances and how to help prevent visa delays by visiting the Department of State website.

 

Automatic Extension of Validity of Visa Status

*If you travel to Canada, Mexico or the adjacent Caribbean Islands (except Cuba) for 30 days or less, you may be eligible for automatic extension of validity of visa (also called “Automatic Revalidation”). This means you may re-enter the US with an expired US visa stamp in your passport, even if the visa in your passport no longer matches your status (change of status applicants).

To be eligible for the automatic extension of validity of visa provision, you need to have maintained and intend to resume your non-immigrant status, and you must have the following documents:

NOTE: If you choose to apply for a new US visa in Canada or Mexico and are denied, you will not be eligible for automatic extension of validity of visa.

Nationals of certain countries may not be eligible for automatic extension of validity of visa. For more information, visit the Department of State website.