General Information

Plan well in advance when traveling out of the U.S. More than 5,000 international students and scholars attend Purdue.  End of semester periods can be very busy at ISS with many travel and other types of requests.

For travel outside the United States keep the following documents in-hand:

• Passport valid six months into the future 
• Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport
• Original financial support as listed in item #8 of the I-20
• I-20 signed for travel (within 12 months of return date)
• Note: You must surrender the I-94 card at the U.S. border/port of exit.

If any of the documents are not valid, visit ISS for advice:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday: 9-11:30am and 1:30 - 4pm
• Thursday 1:30pm - 4pm only). 

Bring your passport, I-94 card, and current Form I-20 to ISS.

Expired F-1 Visa: Visit ISS at least two weeks prior to departure date, have I-20 endorsed for travel, and obtain a “good standing letter”.  Apply for a new visa at a US Embassy. 

Auto Revalidation:  F-1 students may travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean with an expired visa.  The travel may be for business or pleasure and for a maximum stay of 30 days.  Stop in ISS to obtain a travel signature and Auto Revalidation letter.    NOTE:  Auto Revalidation requires you to retaim your I-94 card for exit and entry to the U.S. 

I-20 Travel endorsement (page 3): Valid for a one year period from the date it was signed or until the I-20 expiration date (section 5 of I-20), whichever comes first. 

Exceptions to the one-year endorsement:

• Degree/program completion: The endorsement is no longer valid.  This may be the date you deposit your thesis, complete the semester, or graduate.

• Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT):  Travel signatures are valid for only 6 months during OPT period. 

• Academically dropped, suspended, expelled or terminated:  Contact ISS immediately concerning your nonimmigrant status.  Do not use the Purdue I-20 to reenter the US.

• Foreign visa requirements: The country where you are travelling may require a new I-20 travel signature. Check with that country's consulate for their advice.

• Out of the US for >5 months: I-20 will no longer be valid for reentry.  Notify ISS of prolonged absences so we may best advise for future reentry into the US.  Exception:  Students participating in Purdue Study Abroad programs.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION (NSEERS): Only for students subject to NSEERS requirements.  Carefully follow the instructions given to you during the most recent entry to the U.S.  NSEERS offices located at all international airports and ports of entry.

Visa Appointments in Canada and Mexico: You must have an appointment for an interview. Schedule an appointment via Internet or phone:

• Internet-based appointment system
• Phone-based appointment system:
  • from Canada, the number is:
    • 1-900-451-2778
  • from the U.S., the number is:
    • 1-900-443-3131
    • 1-888-840-0032 (if using a credit card)

Note: Only applicants with appointments will be interviewed.

Canadian Landed Immigrant or Mexican Citizens:  No appointment needed in the home country.