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Citizens of Canada or Bermuda

If you take a short trip or summer break abroad and will return to the U.S. to continue your academic program or authorized employment, plan ahead.

Requirements for citizens of Canada or Bermuda re-entering the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status:  

  • A valid passport and I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature.  
  • No visa in the passport for entry or re-entry needed.  

Note: Please request an I-94 at the border when admitted or re-admitted to the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status.

Before leaving the U.S., prepare the following documents. On your return flight to the U.S., make sure these documents are in your carry-on luggage. 

  • Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months into the future from your return date)
  • Valid U.S. visa in the passport (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
  • Valid form I-20 (F-1) / DS-2019 (J-1) with ISSA travel signature. Request a travel signature in iStart, under Other Requests, well in advance of travel. 

Students on OPT or STEM OPT: In addition to the above documents, you will need:  

  • Employment letter 
  • EAD card  

Note: Re-entry is not permitted during the grace period at the end of F-1 or J-1 status. 

Recommended (Not Required) Documents for Current Students 

  • Transcripts  
  • Enrollment verification or proof of registration for the next semester  
  • Current proof of financial support 

Additional information on returning to the U.S. is available at Department of Homeland Security FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) under F Non-Immigrants: Entry and Exit 

Requirements for citizens of Canada or Bermuda re-entering the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status:  

  • A valid passport and I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature.  
  • No visa in the passport for entry or re-entry needed.  

Note: Please request an I-94 at the border when admitted or re-admitted to the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status.

Before leaving the U.S., prepare the following documents. On your return flight to the U.S., make sure these documents are in your carry-on luggage. 

  • Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months into the future from your return date)
  • Valid U.S. visa in the passport (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
  • Valid form I-20 (F-1) / DS-2019 (J-1) with ISSA travel signature. Request a travel signature in iStart, under Other Requests, well in advance of travel. 

Students on OPT or STEM OPT: In addition to the above documents, you will need:  

  • Employment letter 
  • EAD card  

Note: Re-entry is not permitted during the grace period at the end of F-1 or J-1 status. 

Recommended (Not Required) Documents for Current Students 

  • Transcripts  
  • Enrollment verification or proof of registration for the next semester  
  • Current proof of financial support 

Additional information on returning to the U.S. is available at Department of Homeland Security FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) under F Non-Immigrants: Entry and Exit 

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