SEVP Field Representatives’ Spring Break Reminders for DSOs
February 26, 2015
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) field representatives serve as direct day-to-day liaisons between SEVP and certified schools. They are official federal government employees that are trained by SEVP to provide direct assistance to school officials regarding the international student process.
With spring break near, many international students are excited for time off from coursework, and possibly a chance to leave campus to travel. As their designated school official (DSO), please remind students of these rules to follow during spring break travel:
1. While traveling, students should keep important documents with them and not in a checked suitcase. Important documents include:
- A signed Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status;”
- A current passport, valid for at least six months after their re-entry date;
- A valid student visa; and
- Proof of financial support.
2. Students traveling outside the United States to a place that is not their home country should know that country’s visa requirements and plan accordingly. Advise them to contact that country’s embassy or consulate for the necessary information.
3. Students (and accompanying dependents) traveling to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island for less than 30 days on an expired visa may be permitted to re-enter the United States under the automatic visa revalidation if they meet the requirements laid out in this U.S. Customs and Border Protection automatic visa revalidation factsheet.
As always, any F or M student who is traveling should also have their DSO's contact information on hand in case any problems arise. One final important reminder for students is to have fun and stay safe during spring break!
Are you a DSO? Then share these tips with your international students on Facebook and Twitter using #SpringBreak2015.