Travel Information
With the Summer Break on the horizon we understand that international students may
be planning to travel outside of the U.S.
The ISS office has compiled the following information so students can be informed
while planning international travel. It is important that you assess your individual
situation and evaluate possible risks when making travel plans in the middle of your
academic activities. If you do plan to travel internationally, please remain aware
of any updates to the International Travel Advisory web page here.
Please contact our office at iss@okstate.edu for any questions or to schedule an advising appointment with your DSO.
You can find the list of required and recommended travel documents below for your
convenience:
Required Documents
- Valid Passport with an expiration date that is at least six months beyond your re-entry date
- Valid F-1 or J-1 Visa
- Valid I-20 endorsed by an ISS advisor or DS-2019 endorsed for by the program sponsor
- F-1 students pursuing a program of study need an endorsement within the past 12 months
- F-1 students on OPT need an endorsement within the past 6 months
- J-1 students and scholars need an endorsement within the past 12 months
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Proof of full-time enrollment
- Proof of financial support
- Personal bank statement
- Assistantship verification letter that includes salary and tuition payment details
- Sponsor's letter and sponsor's bank statement
- Documentation of approval to take a reduced course load, if applicable
- Evidence of concurrent enrollment, if applicable
- F-1 students on OPT should also carry their OPT EAD and proof of employment
Recommended Documents
- Official transcript (Registrar’s Office, 322 Student Union)
- Proof of U.S. health insurance
- Resume and/or CV
- OSU catalog description of your major
- Documentation of the reason for your travel abroad
- Any written communication or emails from your professors excusing your absence if you have missed class for your recent travel
- *Students travelling abroad during an active CPT/OPT/STEM period are encouraged to also carry documentation of either an approved leave or an official business trip while travelling abroad. In general, work during F-1 employment authorization periods should not be conducted remotely while you are outside of the country.
Travelers returning after travel abroad should also remember that U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers have the authority to search any and all electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops brought into the U.S. at a port of entry. In addition, CBP also has the authority to search the social media accounts of individuals entering the U.S. if deemed necessary.