For re-entry into the US to continue your studies, you should have the following:

1. A valid, current, and accurate SEVIS I-20 (for F-1/F-2 status) or DS 2019 (for J-1/J-2 status). Copies of previous I-20’s or DS 2019’s, especially if you have enrolled at one or more institutions prior to enrollment at LSU should also be taken with you. Your current immigration form must have an endorsement signature in the travel authorization section of the form which is no older than six (6) months. Only ISO advisors may endorse this form.
   **Note: If the DS 2019 for your J-1/-J2 status was issued by an agency other than LSU, you must send the original form to THAT agency for a travel signature.
   

2. A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months after the date you plan to re-enter the US. If you need to renew your passport, contact your embassy in the US (www.state.gov or www.embassy.org) OR the appropriate authority in your home country.
   

3. A valid US visa stamp. A student and/or student dependent (F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2) visa must be valid on the date you plan to re-enter the US AND still have an “M” for unlimited multiple entries OR at least “1” entry left.
   Note: A valid US visa contained in an expired passport remains valid (if the passport is in your possession) until the visa expires, is cancelled or revoked.
   
   **If you must renew your visa while outside the US, go to www.oip.lsu.edu/iso/visas for continuing students.htm for U.S. Consulate information.
   

4. Documentary Proof of Funding. You should have with you bank statements, an assistantship letter, a scholarship letter, an Affidavit of Support, and/or any combination thereof to prove full financial support. The amount and the source(s) of funding should match the information on your I-20 or DS-2019.
   

5. Copies of your LSU transcript. A copy of your LSU transcript will prove you have been a full-time student in good standing since your enrollment as an F-1 or J-1 student. THIS TRANSCRIPT WILL BE YOUR PROOF OF ENROLLMENT FOR ALL PAST SEMESTERS. If you have violated the requirement of full-time enrollment, you should contact an ISO advisor for advice. If you were enrolled at another US institution as an F-1 or J-1 prior to enrollment at LSU, you should have a copy of that institution’s transcript(s) as well.
   Official transcripts and/or letters of verification of enrollment may be obtained at the Office of University Registrar (112 Thomas Boyd Hall).
   

6. Proof of pre-registration for the next semester. If you are traveling between semesters and are pre-registered for future terms, the Office of University Registrar (112 Thomas Boyd Hall) can provide this verification. You can also print your pre-registered schedule from your PAWS account.
   

7. A valid LSU Student ID card can also be supporting documentation of your status as an LSU student in the US.
   

8. GRADUATE STUDENTS: A letter from your graduate advisor or major professor verifying your academic progress toward completion of the degree(s) noted on your I-20 or DS 2019. Any problems you have had which have affected your progress should be mentioned, especially if you have extended your study period (see completion date listed in #5 of your I-20 or in #4 of your DS-2019) or had unsatisfactory ratings on your thesis or dissertation research.
   

9. SEVIS fee payment receipt (Form I-901), if applicable. For more information about SEVIS fee, please see the ISO web site: (www.lsu.edu/iso/sevis fee.htm).

FOREIGN VISA: If you are traveling to a country other than your home country, you may need a visitor’s visa for that country. Also, if your flight home requires a stop in a third country, you need to find out if a transit visa is required by that country and, if so, if you must obtain it prior to your trip. Embassy information and telephone numbers are found at www.state.gov. The most common “transit visa” is for flights stopping in the United Kingdom. For information on the requirements for “Visitor in Transit” visas in the UK, go to www.britainusa.com/visas/visas.asp.

SPECIAL REGISTRATION APPLICANTS: If you are a student who is subject to NSEERS registration, please go to this web site for specific information and instructions that apply to you: www.ice.gov/pi/specialregistration/index.htm.
For information about NSEERS, please see the ISO web site (www.lsu.edu/iso/NSEERS.htm).

LSU graduates who are currently on OPT will find information about travel on the ISO web site under “Optional Practical Training”.

The ISO thanks colleagues and friends at other universities who have shared their information with us and with you, the LSU student.

US Immigration FAQ & A for travel

www.travel.state.gov