TRAVELING AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AT NMU

As an international students, you can travel inside or outside of the U.S. while you are studying or working. However, you need to ensure you follow certain regulations to travel safely, and plan ahead to avoid delays. 

Travel within the U.S. for Current Students 

When you travel within the U.S. to any of the 50 states or to the U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Somoa), make sure you take the following documents with you:

  • Valid I-20 or DS-2019
  • Valid I-94 Record (electronic copy is ok)
  • Passport, valid for 6 months into the future 

Travel outside of the U.S. for Current Students 

As you prepare to arrive at the U.S. Port of Entry, make sure you have the following documents with you:

  • Passport, valid for 6 months into the future
  • Valid F-1 or J-1 visa
  • Current I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature 
  • Copies of your unofficial transcripts and enrollment verification from NMU
  • NMU ID Card

Travel while on post-completion OPT or STEM-OPT Extension

If you are completing post-completion OPT or STEM-OPT Extension, your travel signature is only valid for 6 months from the date of the last signature or until the end date of your EAD card, whichever comes first. 

NOTE: The IPO does not recommend traveling while an OPT application is being processed. 

When planning to travel outside of the U.S. on post-completion OPT or STEM-OPT, make sure you have following documents with you:

  • Passport, valid for 6 months into the future
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • OPT authorized I-20 with a valid travel signature 
  • Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) 
  • Bring a letter from your employer explaining the nature of your employment activities outside of the U.S. if you will be traveling for more than 30 days. Travel may not exceed 5 months. 

Travel to a country other than your own

If you plan to travel to a country other than your own, you should contact the consulate of that country to find out if you need a visa to enter that country.