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Have the following documents available (not packed in checked luggage) when you arrive at the port of entry to the US:

• Passport that is valid at least six months past return to the United States
• Valid U.S. visa stamp (F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc.)
  • Your visa must have an expiration date in the future upon re-entry into the U.S.
  • If your visa is expired, you must plan accordingly to apply for a new visa. As a reminder, if your visa expires while in the U.S., you do not need to renew it. Renewal is required only if exiting and re-entering the U.S.
  • Canadian citizens do not need entry visas to enter the United States.
• Valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 (F-1 & J-1 Students and Scholars only)
  • Continuing students will need a recent travel signature from ISSS to re-enter the United States
    • Travel signatures are good for 1 year for current students, 6 months for students on OPT).
    • Students may request a travel signature through the  and should make this request at least one week prior to travel.
    • Scholars may request a travel signature by emailing isss@luc.edu.
    • Any F-2 or J-2 dependents will also need to have their I-20s or DS-2019s endorsed for travel prior to departure from the country.
• Proof of I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment 
• Any previously issued I-797 Approval Notices from USCIS (if you changed your status to F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc. after arriving in the United States)
• Your current EAD (if you are on OPT)

Additional evidence that may be helpful to print in advance and provide upon request:

Current F-1 and J-1 Students:

• Proof of enrollment in the current or upcoming term (i.e. class schedule)
• Proof of paid fees/financial documents
• Any document supportive of reason for traveling (if applicable)
• If you will miss class, a letter from the professor or academic unit confirming their acknowledgement of your travel plans (if applicable)

Students on OPT/STEM OPT or Employees on an H-1B/O-1/TN, etc.:

• Signed proof of employment (employment letter/contract)
• I-983 Training Plan (STEM OPT only)
• Payroll stub
• Any document supportive of reason for traveling (if applicable)
• Signed letter from employer approving time off (if applicable)

U.S. Visa Renewals

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issues U.S. visas through U.S. embassies and consulates outside the United States. Students may need to renew their visa to return to the U.S. (students with expired visas or students that processed a Change of Status within the U.S. and did not receive an F-1 visa). When making travel plans, plan for additional time for visa processing. Visa decisions and processing delays could impact students’ ability to return to the U.S. as planned. 

Students and Scholars that processed a Change of Status within the U.S.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes change of status requests within the United States.

If you changed your status inside of the U.S., you must obtain a visa the next time you exit and re-enter the United States.

• Apply through a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad.
• Plan accordingly to apply for your visa, which can take time based on visa wait times and availability.
• Bring your I-797 Notice of Approval, which also serves as your I-94 record.
• Discuss travel plans with ISSS and understand that obtaining status does not guarantee that you will successfully obtain a visa and be able to re-enter the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) holds the decision on your ability to re-enter the United States. Please be prepared to:

• Present your immigration documentation
• Answer Questions
• Undergo Secondary Inspection
• Have your electronic devices inspected