Preparing for International Travel

GENERAL TRAVEL GUIDANCE

Plan international travel with caution.

Changes in visa processing, entry requirements, and travel delays can affect your ability to return to the U.S. as planned. While no new travel restrictions are currently in place, we encourage you to stay informed and consult Rutgers Global–ISSS with any concerns. Before traveling, please review Rutgers Global Travel Guidance and Rutgers Global Alerts.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A U.S. PORT OF ENTRY:

When planning to travel to the United States, it is important to be prepared and learn what to expect at a U.S. port of entry. Whether this will be your first time entering, or you are returning to continue your studies, review this information to get ready:

  • Entry Timing for New or Returning Students with New SEVIS IDs
    U.S. regulations do not allow entry to the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Arriving earlier may result in being denied entry.
  • Match your SEVIS ID and visa.
    The SEVIS ID and school name on your visa must match the information on your I-20. If there’s a mismatch, contact your U.S. Embassy before traveling.
  • A travel signature is required for continuing students.
    Ensure your I-20 or DS-2019 is signed for travel. The signature must be valid on the day you return to the U.S., not when you depart.
  • Pack your documents in your carry-on.
    You will not have access to checked luggage before immigration screening.
  • Present your passport and valid, unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa and your I-20 or DS-2019 to an immigration officer.
Required Documents to Present:
  • Valid passport (must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, unless your country is exempt)
  • Valid, unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Students on OPT or STEM OPT: Valid EAD card and/or proof of pending application
  • Students on Academic Training: Academic Training authorization letter to prove employment authorization
Recommended Additional Documents (carry in case requested):
  • Admissions letter (for new students)
  • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
  • Enrollment Verification or unofficial transcript (for continuing students) to prove good academic standing
  • Proof of financial support
  • All previously-issued I-20 or DS-2019 forms
  • Proof of employment (e.g., offer letter, pay stubs) for OPT or Academic Training
  • Recently issued I-20 or DS-2019 (within last 6 months) if applying for a new visa before re-entering
  • For STEM/tech-related fields: A letter from your supervisor or department explaining your research in simple terms

AFTER ARRIVAL:

  • Check your I-94.
    Confirm that your I-94 and entry stamp say “F-1” or “J-1” and “D/S” (duration of status). If not, contact CBP Deferred Inspection immediately to have the entry corrected. 

If You Are Pulled Aside for Additional Questioning
  • Remain calm and respectful toward Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
  • Do not sign any documents (other than routine forms like the customs declaration) without speaking to an attorney.
  • Ask politely if you may make a phone call. You may not be allowed to, but it’s important to request it.
  • If permitted, contact your U.S.-based attorney or Rutgers Global–ISSS.
  • Be sure to treat the officer with respect.
  • You can call or email the Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services during office hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)  
Emergency & Contact Information

During business hours (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.):

  • Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health (New Brunswick)
    848-932-7015
    ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu

  • Rutgers Health (Newark)
    973-972-6138
    ISSS-RBHS@global.rutgers.edu

After hours:

  • Rutgers Police – New Brunswick: 732-932-7211
  • Rutgers Police – Rutgers Health (Newark): 973-972-4491

Tip: Keep these numbers printed with you in case your phone is inaccessible during secondary inspection.

TRAVELING OUTSIDE THE U.S:

If you already have a valid travel signature but have more future international travel planned, please submit the "International Travel Plans" e-form under the "Travel & Location Information" menu on RGlobal Portal to report it. This helps us keep in contact with you during your trip abroad. 
 
You do not need a travel signature to travel within the United States. Please note - if your travel involves any entry to a non-US territory (such as a tropical island when on a cruise), you will need a travel signature and valid F-1 visa to return. Be cautious! 
      "5 Month Rule"
      Remaining outside of the United States for more than 5 months at a time could be considered a "permanent" absence by the US government, possibly impacting your ability to re-enter the US in the future with your current I-20 and visa, and future immigration benefits. If this is your plan, please speak an Adviser before your travel/time abroad. Students that do not need to maintain an in-person presence at Rutgers may be advised to close their SEVIS records/end their F-1 status until their return.
      Taking a Leave of Absence
      We understand emergencies happen and situations may arise that require you to take an extended unplanned break from campus or from your academic work. If an emergency requires you to travel outside of the United States, contact an academic dean or your graduate program director and an international student adviser about the situation before leaving the United States. Visit our Leave of Absence or Withdrawal and Returning to Rutgers pages to find out how this may impact your legal status and how to prepare for your return.
      Communication While Abroad

      You MUST have a way to read/access your Rutgers emails when you are in your home country/while abroad. This is especially true for students that live in a country with a firewall. Not being able to access your Rutgers emails can have negative impacts on your immigration status, as important updates are sent to you with this method. Read how to update your contact information below.

      More Information and Reminders
      • Update your address, email, and phone number on the MyRutgers portal (in the local address section)
      • Review visa application information if you need to apply for a new visa before returning
      • If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for 30 days or less, you may be eligible for Automatic Revalidation
      • Check visa requirements and entry procedures for the country you are traveling to, if you are not visiting your home country, and ensure you have required documentation before departing the United States.
      • Review information about preparing to enter the United States and gather all recommended documents
      • Review our Rutgers Global Alerts page for updated travel alerts, especially regarding presidential executive orders impacting travel
      • If you will be conducting research outside of the United States or participating in a study abroad program, please visit our Doing Research or Study Abroad page for more information.
      Useful Travel Resources for International Students
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