If you are planning to travel outside of the United States during your F-1 program at UCLA Extension, you must ensure you have the proper immigration documents before departing the U.S. and before returning. Review the information below to help you prepare for international travel and avoid delays when reentering the United States.
Entering Another Country
If you plan to visit your country of citizenship or permanent residency, you may enter using your valid passport. If you plan to travel to a country other than your home country, you should review that country's entry requirements, including whether a visitor visa is required, before making travel arrangements.
Reentering the United States
To reenter the U.S. after a temporary absence of five months or less, you must have the following documents:
- A valid passport (valid for at least six months into the future)
- A valid F-1 visa (Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement)
- A properly endorsed Form I-20 with a valid travel signature
Travel Signature Requirements
If you have already entered the U.S. using your current Form I-20, you must obtain a valid travel signature before returning from international travel.
Travel signatures are valid for:
- One year for enrolled F-1 students
- Six months for students on approved Optional Practical Training (OPT)
To request an updated travel signature, submit the appropriate request to International Student Services (ISS) before traveling. Allow sufficient processing time prior to your departure.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must remain valid while you are in the United States. If your passport will expire within the next six months, contact your country's embassy or consulate to renew it before traveling.
F-1 Visa Information
Your F-1 visa allows you to request entry into the United States. While the visa expiration date does not determine how long you may remain in the U.S., you must have a valid F-1 visa to reenter the country after international travel unless you qualify for an exception.
Students renewing an F-1 visa should be prepared to provide:
- A valid passport
- A properly endorsed Form I-20
- Evidence of financial support
- Documentation demonstrating continued nonimmigrant intent
- Any additional documents requested by the U.S. embassy or consulate
Students are generally encouraged to apply for a visa renewal in their country of citizenship or permanent residence, as processing in a third country may require additional time or documentation.
Automatic Visa Revalidation
Some students may be eligible to reenter the United States with an expired F-1 visa through the Automatic Visa Revalidation benefit.
To qualify, you must:
- Travel only to Canada, Mexico, or certain adjacent islands
- Be outside the United States for 30 days or less
- Maintain valid F-1 status
- Carry a valid passport
- Present a properly endorsed Form I-20
- Have a valid Form I-94 showing your current F-1 status
Students who apply for a new visa during their trip, have had their visa revoked or canceled, or are otherwise ineligible under federal regulations may not use Automatic Visa Revalidation.
Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Students traveling during OPT have additional document requirements.
If your OPT application is still pending, you should carry:
- Your Form I-797 Receipt Notice
- Your properly endorsed Form I-20
- Your valid passport
- Your valid F-1 visa
If your OPT has been approved, you should carry:
- Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- A properly endorsed Form I-20 with a travel signature issued within the last six months
- A letter from your current or prospective employer
- Your valid passport
- Your valid F-1 visa
School Transfers
If you transferred your SEVIS record to UCLA Extension from another U.S. institution while remaining in the United States, you may continue to use your unexpired F-1 visa even if it lists your previous school. You must present your current UCLA Extension Form I-20 when reentering the United States.
Maintaining Status
Students who have violated their F-1 status before traveling abroad may be required to obtain a new Initial Form I-20, pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, and apply for a new F-1 visa before returning to the United States.
Travel Tips
To help ensure a smooth arrival at the U.S. port of entry:
- Keep all immigration documents in your carry-on luggage.
- Do not pack your passport, Form I-20, visa, or SEVIS fee receipt in checked baggage.
- Carry documentation showing your enrollment, financial support, and contact information for International Student Services.
- Review any travel advisories and country-specific information before departing.
Important Information
- Failure to carry the required immigration documents may result in delays or additional screening at the U.S. port of entry.
- Students traveling without a valid Form I-20 or travel signature may experience significant delays or be denied entry.
- Always retain copies of your immigration documents, including Forms I-20, employment authorizations, program extensions, and any immigration applications, for your personal records.
- If you have questions about your travel plans or document requirements, contact International Student Services before leaving the United States.