Traveling abroad during the semester is not recommended. Per SEVIS guidelines, F-1 students are expected to participate in their classes and CPT from within the U.S. Furthermore, they are required to attend every executive session for which they are registered. Instead, students should plan their travel outside of semester dates. Please remember that 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). If you need a new signature, you can request one in the Terra Dotta System. 
  • Financial Info showing proof of funds to cover tuition & living expenses (recommended) 
  • Enrollment Verification Letter (not needed while on OPT)
  • Resources: For students returning to the United States, make sure to view the International Travel Requirements from USCIS. 
  • NOTE:  Please see the following resources to help you plan your travel: HU Attendance Policy for F-1 Students and Academic Calendar


When you are ready to submit your 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 boss or your 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. Additionally, you cannot re-enter the US unless you are coming back to a job.
  • 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: 
    • 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