Travel

Prepare to Enter the United States

When planning to come to the U.S. remember that you are not allowed to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before your program start date listed on your I-20. Before booking travel to the U.S. you must receive a Form I-20, pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and apply for and receive a U.S. visa (if applicable). A visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. The visa allows you to travel to a U.S. Port of Entry where the Customs and Border Patrol officials have the authority to permit or deny your admission to the U.S.

You are expected to have your original Form I-20 with your ink signature and a DSO signature on hand as you enter the country. When you arrive at a U.S. Port of Entry, you should be prepared to present the additional documents:

• Valid passport
• I-901 SEVIS Fee payment receipt
• Valid visa (if applicable)
• Admission/acceptance letters from school
• Documented proof of financial support
• Address of where you will stay in the U.S.

These documents should be easily accessible. Keep them on your person, either in your carry-on or personal item, not in your luggage.

If you arrive at the U.S. Port of Entry without the necessary paperwork, a CBP official may issue you a Form I-515A. If this happens, please contact our office, and we will give you additional instructions.

International Travel

When you are traveling internationally, you should always have all of your immigration documents with you. These documents include passport, visa, and I-20. All your documents should be valid, and unexpired.

In order for you to reenter the United States, you will need a travel signature from a DSO at BYU-Idaho. Please visit the International Services office to get a signature or click here to submit an electronic request.

Five-Month Rule

When traveling outside the U.S. you should plan to be gone for less than 5 months. If you are outside for more than 5 months your I-20 will be terminated. If this is the case, you will need to apply for a new I-20 and will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee again.

Renewing Visa

You are permitted to stay in the U.S. when your visa is expired as long as your I-20 and Passport are valid. If you are traveling outside the U.S. on an expired visa, you will need to renew your visa at a U.S. embassy before returning to the U.S. Visas can only be renewed outside the U.S.

Travel OPT/STEM

You are eligible to depart and re-enter the U.S. while on OPT or STEM Extension with proper documentation:

• Current passport (valid for six months from the date of re-entry),
• An I-20 with a travel signature no more than 6 months old,
• A valid F-1 visa stamp,
• EAD Card, and
• Job offer letter or letter that verifies employment
• It is not recommended to travel while your application is pending

Dates of travel outside of the United States while employed may not count as days of unemployment. If you are traveling outside of the U.S. for vacation or business while continuing to be employed, the dates outside the U.S. do not need to be tracked or reported as days of unemployment.

For more information regarding travel outside the U.S., please visit the Study in the States and ICE websites.

Drivers License

Students may be eligible to drive a motor vehicle while residing in the United States. However, those who wish to operate a vehicle must successfully apply for and receive a driver’s license. Driving a car without a driver’s license is illegal. To acquire a driver’s license, you must apply for one at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can have a different name in some states. Please visit the Study in the States website for additional information regarding the process for obtaining a driver’s license.