Here to Help provides information on each of the government agencies that has a role in the international student process.  

Congratulations on arriving in the United States to begin your program of study. Now that you are here, you might have a few questions about travelling domestically and internationally during your time in the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plays a significant role in the F and M student process. On an average day, CBP welcomes one million international travelers into the United States by land, air and sea. If you want to travel, here are some tips from CBP to make the process smoother:

• Before your departure, get approval from your designated school official (DSO). The DSO will document approval on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status,” which you must present to the CBP officer when you re-enter the United States. The DSO’s signature shows that you are in Active status and that your re-entry to the United States is permissible.
• Have the name and contact information of your DSO in case you have any problems when re-entering the United States.
• Before leaving the United States, confirm that you have your valid passport and visa, if applicable, for U.S. re-entry.
• Whenever you re-enter the United States, you will encounter a CBP officer at the port of entry. The CBP officer will conduct a primary inspection and will ask your reason for departure, reason for return and for the following documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Valid visa, if applicable
  • Form I-20

The CBP officer may refer you to secondary inspection for a more detailed examination of your admissibility and personal belongings. This is normal procedure.

• If you are an F-1 student on your 60-day grace period after completion of your program of study or optional practical training, you may travel within the United States. If you travel outside of the United States, including on a cruise, you must have either a B-2 visitor’s visa or, if you are from a Visa Waiver Program country, you must have applied, paid for and received an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Traveling by land may require you to have a visa. Verify with officials from your country to know if you need a visa.

• CBP officers follow strict guidelines to protect the safety of the United States. Please talk to your DSO prior to your travel, ensure you have proper documentation for re-entry and travel safely!

For more information and tips about traveling, visit these webpages:

• Admission into United States
• CBP's Travel section