Travel
Traveling outside of the U.S. requires special attention.
In order to re-enter the U.S. after a temporary absence such as a vacation, you must have the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A valid F-1 visa in your passport
- A valid I-20, signed on the back by the international student adviser for travel
- Copies of your financial support documents
- College transcripts
If you are in F-1 status and your visa has expired, you may re-enter the U.S. without getting a new visa, if:
- You are traveling only to "contiguous territory" (Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands other than Cuba) during this brief absence, and
- You have been absent for not more than 30 days, and
- You present a valid I-94 and a valid (new or endorsed for travel) I-20
- You present a valid passport and the expired visa.
A person who entered the U.S. in another visa status and changed to F-1 or J-1 status may re-enter without obtaining a new visa by meeting the conditions above.
Travel to Canada
If you plan to travel to Canada and stay less than 30 days, you may be required to obtain a Canadian visa. Please view the following online list to determine if citizens from your country are required to obtain visas in order to visit Canada.
Same-day visa issuance for those who apply in person is available for citizens of most countries. However certain countries may require longer processing times (10 working days). Those countries are: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Palestinian Authority, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Syria. Wait periods may also be required for individuals from countries other than those identified above. Citizens of Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Serbia and Sudan between 16 and 65 years of age must complete a questionnaire and include it with their application.
To obtain a Canadian visa, you may apply by mail or in person during business hours at the Canadian Consulate in New York City. There is a processing fee of $75 for each single entry visa, and $150 for a multiple entry visa. Only certified checks or money orders payable to the “Consulate General of Canada” are acceptable. Cash and personal checks are not accepted by mail; cash will be accepted if you are paying in person. To apply for a visa in person, you should report to:
Immigration Section
Canadian Consulate
1251 Avenue of Americas at 50th Street
22nd floor
New York, NY 10020-1175
(212) 596-1628
Monday-Friday 8-10:30 a.m.
Visit Website
When you visit the Consulate, you must have your passport (valid for at least six months into the future), I-94, two passport-type photos taken within the last six months, a Canadian Visitors Visa Application, the application fee, and any other documents which will satisfy the officer that you are entering Canada for a temporary purpose (bank statements, letter of invitation from a friend or relative in Canada, etc). F-1 visa holders also must have a valid I-20 with a travel signature on page 3 that is less than six months old. You should also obtain a letter of certification from the Office of International and Multicultural Programs verifying that you are a student. If the purpose of your visit to Canada is to meet with the U.S. Consulate to change or renew your status in the United States, you will need to present the U.S. Consulate interview/appointment letter.
You do not need a valid U.S. visa to return to the United States if your trip to Canada is for less than 30 days, nor should you surrender your I-94 when you cross into Canada. If you are a citizen of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria, a valid U.S. visa is required.
Applying for a Canadian tourist visa by mail
Citizens of all countries requiring a Canadian tourist visa are encouraged to apply by mail if they hold valid non-immigrant status in the United States in the following categories: A, B-1, B-2, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, or M.
Applications by mail are usually processed and passports returned within five working days if you are from a country which does not have a waiting period for processing (see reverse side of this form for a list of those countries with a waiting period). Allow an additional week for mailing. Be sure to provide ALL required documents. Incomplete applications will be refused. Be sure to include a postage paid envelope. Return certified or registered mail is recommended, or USPS Express Mail. Documents cannot be returned through courier services. Documents are returned through regular mail only.
The following documents must be submitted in order to obtain the visitor's visa by mail:
- Application for a visitor’s visa
- Processing fee (certified check or money order only) payable to the Canadian Consulate General
- Valid passport or travel document
- Valid U.S. I-94 form (entry/departure record)
- Valid U.S. I-20 if in F status (most recent original form with current signature from the Office of International and Multicultural Programs on page 3 and all previous I-20s). The most recent I-20 must have a travel signature that is less than six months old.
- Letter of certification from the Office of International and Multicultural Programs verifying that you are a student.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself
- Any document which relates to the purpose of your visit, e.g., letter of invitation from a Canadian business, relative or sponsoring organization or conference registration materials, or interview letter with U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in Canada.
- Two passport photos taken within the last six months (write your name and date of birth on the back of each photo)
- Pre-paid self-addressed return envelope
Mail everything to the address of the New York City Consulate. Although every effort is made to provide rapid service, that may not be possible in all cases. The Consulate reserves the right to interview any visitor visa applicant.
Before traveling abroad, always consult with the international student adviser. Failure to do so may jeopardize your re-entry to the U.S.