Current International Students

Travel

Inside the USA

We recommend carrying the following documents:

• Government-issued photo ID (drivers license or California ID card or passport) must be current (not expired).
• Using drivers license?  Carry a photocopy of your passport photo page and your F-1 visa.
• Copy of your current I-20.

 

Outside the USA

You must get a travel signature from our office BEFORE you leave the USA. Without the proper signature, you may not be able to re-enter the USA.

• Signature must be less than 6 months old.
• Bring your I-20 to the office 3 weeks before you travel.

 

Carry these documents

 

• I-20 with current travel signature.
• Passport (valid 6 months in the future).
• Current F-1 visa in your passport (must be valid when you return to the USA).
• Copy of your Foothill transcript (Unofficial transcript OK).
  
  

Traveling to Canada or Mexico?

You may need a visa or tourist card to visit these countries.

• Canada visa information: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/tourist.asp
• Mexico tourist card (FMM) information: https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/67045/Paises_y_regiones_que_requieren_VISA_para_viajar_a_Mexico-Paises_y_regiones_que_no_requieren_VISA_para_viajar_a_Mexico.pdf

 

 

Expired Visa

• Plan to renew your visa during summer or winter break, to allow enough time for your visa to be processed (A valid visa is only needed when entering the U.S.)
• You must receive a new F-1 visa in your home country before you return to the U.S.
• Schedule the visa appointment date to be as soon as possible after you arrive in your country.
• Review the visa requirements for your country.
• Many students must be fingerprinted before their visa appointment.
• Bring your financial documents and an official Foothill transcript to the visa appointment.