F-1 Travel
Before you travel, make sure you're prepared!
Travel around Newberg
- Carry copies of your passport, visa and I-20 with you.
- Leave your original documents in a safe place at home.
- Always carry a photo ID (George Fox student card, driver's license, etc.).
- Carry your health insurance card on you.
Travel around the U.S.
- If you leave the local Newberg/Portland area, take your original passport, visa and I-20 with you.
- Check page 2 of your I-20 to see if you have a valid travel signature. In case of emergency international travel, it is a good idea to already have a signature (even though signatures are not required for travel within the U.S.)
- Always carry a photo ID (George Fox student card, driver's license, etc.).
- Carry your health insurance card on you.
International Travel
- Take your original passport, visa and I-20 with you.
- Check page 2 of your I-20 to see if you have a valid signature (one that will be less than one year old at the time you reenter the U.S.). If you do not have a valid signature, visit our office for assistance.
- Check to make sure your passport is not about to expire within the next six months; if it is, you will need to renew it.
- Check to make sure your visa has not expired. If it has expired, you will need to renew your visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside of the U.S. before you return to the U.S. (Note: This may not be necessary if you are only traveling to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean).
- If you renew your passport or visa, please provide a copy of your updated document to the International Student Services office.
- Each time you return to the U.S., visit the Customs & Border Protection website to make sure your I-94 document is correct. If you notice any errors, please let the International Student Services office know right away.
- If you are issued an I-515 because you did not have a required document with you when you reenter the U.S., let the International Student Services know as soon as possible.
Travel During Optional Practical Training
- Take your original passport, visa, I-20 and OPT card or receipt with you. If your OPT has started, you should also have proof of employment with you (for example, an offer letter).
- Check page 2 of your I-20 to see if you have a valid signature (one that will be less than six months old at the time you reenter the U.S.). If you do not have a valid signature, visit our office for assistance.
- Check to make sure your passport is not about to expire within the next six months; if it is, you will need to renew it.
- Check to make sure your visa has not expired. If it has expired, you will need to renew your visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside of the U.S. before you return to the U.S. Note: Visa renewal during OPT can be risky. For more information, see the international student advisor.
- If you renew your passport or visa, please provide a copy of your updated document to the International Student Services office.
- Each time you return to the U.S., visit the Customs & Border Protection website to make sure your I-94 document is correct. If you notice any errors, please let the International Student Services office know right away.
- If you are issued an I-515 because you did not have a required document with you when you reenter the U.S., let the International Student Services office know as soon as possible.