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Office for Global Education

Traveling Abroad

Before traveling abroad, it is important to review the following information to be certain that necessary signatures and documents have been prepared.

Signatures for travel

You will receive a travel signature from your Designated School Official (DSO) once a year during your check-in appointment in the fall or spring semester. Before you travel, make sure you have a travel signature on page two of your I-20. The travel signature is valid for one year. Contact international@purchase.edu at least one week before you depart the U.S. if you need to request a new travel signature. 

Travel Checklist

Carry the following documents with you when you travel. Do not put them in your checked bag. 

  • Valid passport
  • Valid F-1 or F-2 visa stamp
  • Valid I-20 with DSO travel signature on page 2. The travel signature should not be older than 12 months, but can be used for multiple entries
  • F-2 dependents must have their own I-20 forms meeting the same criteria above
  • Recommended: support documentation (see below)

Support Documents

While not required, OGE recommends that students re-entering the U.S. carry on their person at least two forms of additional supporting documentation. These include:

  • Purchase College Student ID card (More Card)
  • Current course schedule
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Copy of your current semester’s paid bill

Rules for Travel

Please find the conditions below that apply to you:

  • I have a valid I-20, visa and passport. If you have a valid (unexpired) visa and passport, AND you have not passed your program completion date, all you need is a Purchase l-20 with a current signature of a Designated School Official. By current we mean dated within the year (12 months) prior to your return to the United States. You can go home and return without a consulate visit.
  • What if my visa expired? If your visa has expired, you must get a new one while you are in your home country. Embassies and consulates do not accept outdated (more than 6 months old) financial documentation (bank letters and proof of Income) when you apply for a new visa. If your financial documentation is older than 6 months, you will need to have your sponsor prepare hew bank letters and/or proof of income. You must take these documents with you when you are applying for a new visa.
  • What if I don’t have a visa stamp because I changed my status in the U.S.? If you changed your status to F-1 after entering the U.S., you will not have an F-1 visa stamp in your passport. You will have to obtain one while in your home country. This means that you will need to present a new I-20 with current financial documentation to the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country (see “Renewing Visas”).

Third Country Visits

When planning to visit a country outside the U.S. that is not your country of citizenship or legal permanent residence, be sure to research whether or not you will need a visa to enter the country. This can be done by searching for that country‘s embassy or consulate and reviewing visa requirements.

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