Travel Advisory for F-1 Students:


Traveling abroad during the semester is NOT recommended. There is a risk to your visa status and re-entry if you travel during a semester. Per SEVIS guidelines, F-1 students are expected to participate in their classes and CPT from within the United States. CPT is an F-1 benefit and cannot be performed from outside of the United States.  


Carefully review the following points:

  • F-1 students must attend all scheduled classes and participate in CPT from within the U.S.
  • Absence from the U.S. exceeding 30 days may lead to F-1 status termination.
    • If you will be outside of the U.S. for more than 30 days, we can terminate your SEVIS record with the reason "Authorized Early Withdrawal." Then, when you are ready to return to the U.S., we can request to set your SEVIS record back to Active status.
    • If you wish to pursue this option, you must submit the following request in the Terra Dotta system prior to departing the U.S.: Close F1 Status for Extended Travel
  • Students should plan all international travel only during approved Semester Breaks or during the time in-between semesters.
  • Request a Travel Signature in the Terra Dotta system PRIOR to departing the U.S. 
    • If your request is submitted after departing the U.S., timely processing for your return cannot be guaranteed.
    • Your travel signature request prompts our office to review your SEVIS record, verify its accuracy, and address any potential issues before your departure.


Your travel history and attendance may impact decisions made by CBP, SEVIS or USCIS when reviewing your eligibility for entry to the U.S., correcting your SEVIS record, changing visa statuses, etc. HU cannot guarantee that these government agencies will approve your requests or admit you into the United States. 


  • Current Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of your entry
  • Valid F-1 Visa (not expired) 
  • Travel signature from DSO located on page 2 of your I-20. Signatures are valid for 12 months (6 months while on OPT). 
  • Financial Info showing proof of funds to cover tuition & living expenses (recommended) 
  • Enrollment Verification Letter (not needed while on OPT)
  • Register for courses for current/upcoming semester and have a printout of your schedule.


Resources: 


When you are ready to submit your Travel Endorsement request, please login to the Terra Dotta System and navigate to the Request Center to find the I-20 Reprint for Travel request. We recommend that students access Terra Dotta through a desktop/laptop device, as mobile compatibility is limited. 




  • EAD Card 
  • Employment Verification Letter (this can be obtained from your supervisor or HR department)
  • Recent paystubs
  • NOTE: If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the US, you will not be eligible to re-enter in F-1 status. If you travel while unemployed, you may face additional questioning at the port of entry. 




  • COS: If you depart the United States with a pending COS, you have abandoned your application. Additionally, CBP may also consider you ineligible to return to the United States as an F-1 student because your application to change status to that of a permanent resident is evidence of intent to immigrate, which is inconsistent with nonimmigrant student status.


  • Pending OPT: 
    • Travelling outside of the US while your OPT application is pending is not advisable. This departure from the United States constitutes abandonment of your request. Therefore, making you not eligible for the immigration benefit. USCIS may request more information (RFE) while you are abroad. This information can only be sent to a US address and if you are abroad, you will likely miss an important deadline
    • If your OPT is approved while you are outside of the US, you would need to show your EAD card upon re-entry. Your EAD card can only be sent to a US address.
    • It is not an option to exit the US and re-enter as a tourist if your OPT has not yet been approved. This will violate your F-1 status, and you will lose your OPT benefit.