Conference Circuit: Stakeholder Questions is a blog series on Study in the States that answers questions that stakeholders ask at conferences. Representatives from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) frequently attend and participate in international education conferences in person and via teleconference or webinars. If you would like to view SEVP’s conference presentation, read the monthly Conference Bulletin, or take the Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey, visit the Conferences & Outreach page.

Question: How do expired documents impact student travel?

F and M students need various documents to study in the United States. They need to take action when some of them expire:

• Visa: If a student has an expired visa, they do not need to renew it while they are in the United States. Reasons for visa expirations could be something like extending a program of study. However, if the student leaves the country and wants to return, they need to visit their local U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a new visa.
• Form I–20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status,” endorsement: When a student departs the United States, their designated school officials (DSOs) must endorse page three of their Form I–20 so they can use it to reenter the country. This travel endorsement is valid for one year for F students and six months for M students. If it expires and the student intends to return, their DSO must re-endorse page three.
• Passport: A valid passport is needed to perform certain functions during a student’s duration of stay. For example, travel outside the United States; transferring to a new program, extending the duration of stay in the United States, and qualifying for optional practical training all require a valid passport.

Keep in mind that students who travel after the program end date listed on their Form I–20 will not be permitted to reenter the country.