Travel >> Special Caution

If you are traveling over the holiday break please keep the following things in mind.

I.  TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

You must make sure that you have the necessary documents to re-enter the United States and resume studies after a trip abroad:
 

Please note that the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program office (SEVP) has recently published a document entitled "SEVP Operating Instruction: F Nonimmigrants: Entry and Exit" .  Sections 15.2.N and 15.2.O of this document indicate that DHS has adapted a new regulatory interpretation regarding travel for students who have applied for or are currently on post-completion OPT. 

For more information regarding re-entry to the U.S. after traveling abroad, read the ISO Travel Abroad Checklist.  You are also invited to attend one of our regularly scheduled Travel Q&A advising sessions. 

II.  SPECIAL REGISTRATION - NATIONAL SECURITY ENTRY-EXIT REGISTRATION SYSTEM (NSEERS)

With the launching of the US-VISIT program, some of the requirements of NSEERS were changed.  However, those nationals subject to NSEERS are still required to appear in person before an immigration official at a designated port of departure.  If you do not depart from a designated port of departure, you may be denied admission to the U.S. upon your return.  For more information about Special Registration visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.

III.  TRAVELING THROUGH A THIRD COUNTRY

If you are traveling to or through a country other than your country of citizenship, please contact the consulate of the country you will visit to ask about any changes in entry/transit visa requirements. Recently, some countries limited their transit visa procedures and may require nationals of certain countries to obtain transit visas in order to transfer planes. For more information check the Embassy or Consulate website of the country you plan to visit.

IV.   INTERVIEW REQUIREMENT WILL DELAY VISA PROCESSING AT U.S. CONSULAR POSTS

If you do not have a valid student visa and plan to apply for one during your trip abroad, expect delays and extended waiting periods. Before issuing student visas, U.S. Embassies and Consulates require face-to-face interviews with applicants in addition to procedures and clearances. In order to minimize delays to your studies, plan ahead of time!

CAUTION:  If you are planning to apply for a visa during travel to a country other than your home country, please note that most U.S. consulates may not issue visas to third country nationals (TCNs).  Check carefully for this information at the consulate's website and /or call the consulate directly.

CAUTION:  If you intend to travel to Canada or Mexico and are planning to apply for a student visa during your visit, please make sure to speak with an ISO advisor!  

Please plan ahead!  The ISO offers weekly Travel Q&A advising sessions to answer questions regarding travel.  Our Travel Q&A advising sessions are listed on our ISO Session Calendar. 

You may also call the ISO at 312-362-8376 for any additional information, questions and/or advice.

Updated 11/2007