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International Services Portal

F1 & J1 Student Guidance

COVID-19 Travel Requirement

As of May 12, 2023, nonimmigrant travelers to the United States are no longer subject to the requirement that they be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccination before boarding an aircraft destined to the United States or before entering the United States through a land or ferry port of entry. 

Please refer to the U.S. CDC website for further details and guidance on these requirements.

Thomas Jefferson University students on a visa on F-1 or J-1 international student status who plan to travel outside the United States should read through and follow the guidance below. Please keep in mind that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry decides whether to admit non-immigrants into the U.S. The facts and circumstances presented when you enter are the basis of this decision. OIA cannot guarantee that CBP will admit or re-admit you into the U.S. 

Steps for International Travel

  • Find out if there are visa requirements for your destination in advance.
  • Check travel advisories for your intended destination.
  • Submit an International Travel Registration request to the Control Center of the International Services Portal.
    • New students coming from outside of the U.S. should submit flight information (arrival should be no more than 30 days before the program start date) and provide the outcome of their visa interview.
    • Current students and those on work authorization should report their travel destination, departure and return dates, and if a travel signature is required.
  • Understand the risks of unexpected and sudden delays in returning to the U.S.  In the event of a delay or changes to travel dates:
    • Resubmit an International Travel Request in the International Services Portal if your return trip to the U.S. is delayed or travel dates have changed.
    • Inform your academic program if your return to the U.S. will interfere with your ability to continue your program.
  • Upon return, it is essential to check your I-94 record and ensure it says the correct status (F-1 or J-1). Coming in on any other status (ex. B1, B2) than your actual status can have severe consequences for your record (e.g., losing OPT benefit if it is still pending).
  • If your status is incorrect, call the PHL airport's Deferred Inspection Site at 215-863-4247 or email PhilaDeferredInspections@cbp.dhs.gov with scanned copies of your passport, biographic page, visa, admission stamp, boarding pass and description of the issue.

Recommended Documents

While in the U.S., passports should always be valid at least six months into the future for planned and unexpected international travel. Should you need to renew your passport, do so well in advance to account for processing times at your home country's embassy within the U.S. Contact your home country’s embassy for more information. 

A valid visa allows entry into the U.S.* Therefore, a valid F-1/J-1 visa stamp is required only for those who are traveling internationally and intend to return to the U.S. 

If your visa is expired and you intend to travel internationally, you must renew your visa outside of the U.S. and before returning.

  • Check the website of the U.S. embassy in your home country and make a visa appointment before leaving the U.S. 
  • Check visa appointment wait times and take into consideration that many embassies worldwide are experiencing limited appointment availability which may result in delays in returning to the U.S.

*Canadian citizens do not require a visa*

Currently enrolled students should have valid program dates with a travel signature no more than 12 months old at the time of re-entry to the U.S.  

Students with approved Optional Practical Training should have valid work authorization dates on page 2 of their I-20 with a travel signature no more than 6 months old at the time of re-entry to the U.S. 

If you are a currently enrolled student, proof of current enrollment can be a printout from Banner.

Should you have dependents in F-2 or J-2 status, the list of documents applicable to you above is also applicable to them (minus proof of enrollment). Dependents are permitted to travel internationally without the F-1 or J-1. 

In addition, individuals on Optional Practical Training, STEM OPT, and Post-completion Academic Training should also take:

If you are authorized for Optional Practical Training or STEM OPT, you should have an EAD issued by USCIS. Printed on the EAD is the statement "Not valid for re-entry." This statement means that carrying the EAD alone is not sufficient for re-entry

The last three copies of your paystub can show proof of employment

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