Back to School: Returning to the United States
August 14, 2012
As the end of your summer vacation nears, you should begin preparing for your return to the United States. Whether you spent your vacation working,traveling or visiting your home country, there are important documents you must bring with you when you travel back to school.
Make sure you have the following list of items up-to-date, accurate and easily accessible when you arriveat the port of entry in the United States:
- A valid passport
- A signed Form I-20,“Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” for F or M nonimmigrants (students or their dependents) or a signed Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status,” for J nonimmigrants (exchange visitors or their dependents)
- Proof of financial support (if you had a visa interview, provide whatever information you provided to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate)
If you forget any of these documents or have missing information, U.S. Customs and Border Protection(CBP) officials may issue you a Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor.” This form allows you to get into the United States, but only for 30 days. Within those 30 days, you must submit the missing documentation to the Student and Exchange Visitor ProgramI-515A Processing Team. If you do not send in your documents on time, you may be unable to maintain your status in order to continue study in the United States.
Also consider bringing the following documents with you:
- Evidence of acceptance by your school or exchange visitor program, such as recent tuition receipts or an acceptance letter
- Paper receipt for payment of your SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Name and contact information for your designated school official(DSO), including a 24-hour emergency contact telephone number at the school
If you have any questions about traveling back to the United States, or if you forget documentation and CBP issues you a Form I-515A, contact your DSO for help.
See Also:
- Back to School: You’re here
- Back to School: Checking in with your DSO
- Back to School: Tools for Success
