Are You Planning to Travel Outside the U.S?

If you are leaving the U.S. for a term break or a holiday and are planning to return to the ELI , please take some time to read the following information.

 

Warning: This information applies solely to students at the English Language Institute at Oregon State University. It may not be appropriate for students at other institutions.

 

 

Before Leaving the U.S.

In order to avoid problems and delays, please be sure that you have all of the documents required to travel and to reenter the U.S.A. You will need the following documents:

 

1. A valid passport. Please make sure that your passport is good for at least six months beyond the day you plan to return to the U.S. after your vacation outside the U.S.

 

2. A valid U.S. Visa. You'll need this to re-enter the U.S. from any country except Canada or Mexico. Fortunately, your visa doesn't need to be valid for you to re-enter the US from Canada or Mexico after a visit of less than 30 days. However, you do need a valid I-20 with a travel signature from the International Student Advisor.

 

3. Form I-94. This is a small white card which you received when you entered the United States and which is usually attached to your passport with your U.S. visa. When you leave the U.S., an airline official will take your I-94. You will receive a new one when you reenter the U.S. However, if you are going to Canada or Mexico and will be returning to the U.S. later, KEEP your 1-94 card.

 

4. Signed Form I-20A-B (F-1 visas) or IAP-66 (J-1 visas). You need the International Student Advisor's signature on page 3/4 of your I-20 or IAP-66 (for J-1 visa holders) if you are planning to return to the ELI after leaving the U.S. Without the signature, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. using your I-20 from the ELI.

 

To get your travel signature, please bring your I-20 to the ELI at least three working days before you plan to leave the US. You can give it to the International Student Advisor, or simply drop it off with Glenda Curry, the ELI receptionist. You can usually pick it up in a day or two.

 

5. Letter certifying status. Because of the new Immigration Law, we are recommending that all students who are leaving the U.S. and who plan to return to the ELI carry with them a letter confirming that they are full-time students at the ELI. You can pick up this letter at the ELI office. You should also take your ELI grade report with you.

 

6. Visas for other countries. You may need a visa for any other countries you plan to visit during the break. Contact the nearest consulate or embassy of each country you plan to visit. The International Student Advisor can help you find their addresses and phone numbers, or try The Electronic Embassy website: http://www.embassy.org.

 

If you're planning to visit Canada or Mexico, check with the International Student Advisor. You may not need a visa; it depends on your nationality.

 

For visa information on Canada, contact the Canadian Consulate at 412 Plaza 600, Sixth and Stewart, Seattle, WA 98101-1286; telephone 206-443-1777. There is also a Canadian Embassy website: http://www.cdnemb-washdc.org/mainmenu/menu.html

 

For visa information on Mexico, contact the Mexican Consulate in Seattle, Washington at (206) 448-3526. You could also try the Mexican Consulate in New York official website: http://quicklink.com/mexico/.

 

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Created by John Whitney. Last updated 7 June, 2002 by Deborah Healey. For more information, contact Donna Shaw, donna.shaw@orst.edu.