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 Embassies and consulates do not accept outdated (more than 6 months old) financial documentation (bank letters and proof of Income) when you apply for a new visa.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.