During the holiday season, many of you will be traveling outside of the United States and returning to your home country. To help ensure  timely readmission and return to school, it is very important that you travel with the following required documents:

• A valid passport
• A signed Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
• Proof of financial support (provide whatever information you provided to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa interview)

Also, consider bringing the following documents when traveling outside of the United States:

• Evidence of acceptance by your school, such as recent tuition receipts or an acceptance letter (if you are an initial student)
• Paper receipt for payment of your I-901 SEVIS Fee (if you are an initial student)
• Name and contact information for your designated school official (DSO), including a 24-hour emergency contact telephone number

Never put your required documents in checked luggage. You should travel with all documents in an easily accessible place.

If you do not have all of the required documents with you when you return to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials may issue you a Form I-515A, "Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor." If a CBP officer issues you a Form I-515A, the officer will allow you to enter the United States, but only for 30 days. Within that time, you must submit the missing documentation to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) I-515A Processing Team or you will no longer have permission to study in the United States.

If you receive a Form I-515A, do not panic. Contact your DSO to explain what happened. Your DSO can help you get all the necessary paperwork to SEVP on time.