Traveling

1. Current F‑1 Visa Holders Studying at the University of Louisville

F‑1 students should have the following documents when entering the United States. Do not place these items in checked baggage.

• Form I‑20 with a travel signature less than one year old
• An unexpired F‑1 visa
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond reentry
• Proof of financial support covering tuition and living expenses (e.g., scholarship letters, assistantship or fellowship offers, employment letters, and/or bank statements)
• Working transcript demonstrating progression towards degree completion

2. Current F‑1 Visa Holders on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT

F‑1 visa holders on OPT or STEM OPT should carry the following documents when entering the United States:

• Form I‑20 with a travel signature less than six months old
• An unexpired F‑1 visa
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond reentry
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Employment offer letter or verification letter

For more information about traveling as an F‑1 visa holder, please visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel webpage.

3. Canadian Citizen Students

Canadian citizen students should carry the following documents when crossing the U.S. border by land or air:

• Form I‑20 with a valid travel signature less than one year old
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond reentry
• Proof of financial support covering tuition and living expenses (e.g., scholarship letters, assistantship or fellowship offers, employment letters, and/or bank statements).
• Working transcript demonstrating progression towards degree completion

Canadian Students on OPT or STEM OPT

• Form I‑20 with a travel signature less than six months old
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond reentry
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Employment offer or verification letter

Note: Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a U.S. visa to study in the United States.

If your most recent Form I‑20 does not include a travel signature or the signature has expired, submit a Request Travel Signature through your Global Cardinal portal to receive an updated Form I‑20.

The Form I‑20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status issued by the school. It confirms admission to a full‑time program of study and is required to apply for an F‑1 student visa, to enter or reenter the United States, and to document your lawful student status.

An F‑1 visa is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States and is placed in your passport. The visa is an entry document only and does not determine the length or conditions of your stay in the United States.

If your travel plans conflict with your class schedule or academic responsibilities, please consult your academic department. A travel signature issued by our office does not excuse absences or missed assignments.

If you have a pending change of status or OPT/STEM OPT application, it is recommended that you do not travel outside the United States until it is approved. Traveling without an approval notice carries risk. You may wish to consult an immigration attorney to discuss the potential consequences of international travel while your change of status is pending.

You may leave the U.S.; however, you cannot reenter on an expired visa. Visa must be applied for at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the US. It is recommended that you apply for a new F-1 visa in your home country, if possible. 

Please contact your International Student Advisor (DSO) with any questions.