Travel
Travel and Re-entry into the United States International students at CofC planning to travel outside the United States should always consult with
the International Student Advisor before leaving the country.
Guidelines:
- At least one week prior to departure, students must meet with the International Student Advisor to her his/her SEVIS ID signed.
- Students are encouraged to carry official transcripts, latest financial documents and enrollment verification as some students have
been asked to provide these documents at the port of entry.
- Always carry your passport and valid immigration documents for domestic or international travel; passports should be valid for
at least six months into the future.
- For student on OPT you must carry your EAD card as proof of being granted OPT along with other required documentation.
- For the latest travel warnings, please visit Travel Warnings and Consular Information before leaving the United States.
- Since Mexico and Canada share land borders with the U.S., many students may not think of inquiring about entry requirements in advance. Please
not that Mexico and Canada have distinct entry requirements, which must be investigated by students and their families just like any other country.
Rules Regarding a Temporary Absence:
If you remain continuously registered for a full course of study with CofC, but must travel outside the United States, you are permitted to reenter the U.S.
after a "temporary absence" of five months or less using:
- Your current SEVIS ID if the back page is properly signed for travel by CIE, or
- A new school's SEVIS ID if you will enter a school other than CofC when you return (see the transfer page for complete information on this process).
If You Are Outside of the U.S. for Longer Than a Temporary Absence:
After a period of more than five months outside of the U.S., you are considered gone for longer than a temporary absence. Your current SEVIS ID
will be invalid and you must request a new SEVIS ID to return to CofC, or reenter
on a new school's SEVIS ID if you will attend a school other than CofC when you return.
Travel on Post Completion OPT:
An F-1 student with an unexpired EAD issued for post completion practical training and who is otherwise admissible may re-enter the U.S.
to resume employment after a temporary absence. The EAD must be shown in combination with a SEVIS ID endorsed for travel and re-entry by
the DSO within the last 6 months.
Important: If you are outside the U.S. for a period of more than 5 months you will not be permitted to reenter on your current SEVIS ID.
Therefore, you will be ineligible for off-campus employment until after you have maintained a full course of study for another 9 consecutive
months.
USCIS Special Registration Information:
As of Friday, November 22, 2002 students from certain countries will need to register with
the BCIS. The Department of Justice, Immigration & Naturalization Service, published notice in the Federal Register on this date, expanding
the number of countries subject to special registration procedures. In addition to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Syria, nationals or citizens
of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates or Yemen, born
before 12/2/86, in nonimmigrant status and intending to remain in the U.S. beyond 1/10/03 are required to register with the local BCIS office.
This applies to dual citizens as well. Willful failure to comply constitutes a failure to maintain nonimmigrant status and the individual is
subject to deportation as well as inadmissibility in the future. More information can be found on the U.S. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement website.
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