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Traveling Outside the USAIf you are traveling outside the United States and plan to return to continue your studies, there are several things you will need to do before you leave. The minimum is to have your I-20 signed by someone in the International Education Services office. That is our certification that you have been attending the school you are authorized to attend and that you have been attending classes on a full-time basis. The I-20 form says this should be done once a year, but we feel it is advisable to get a new signature for each semester if you are traveling outside the country. When you come to get a signature, bring along a copy of your current transcript so we can verify that you are in fact maintaining your status as an F-1 student. We will then return the transcript to you so you can take it with you on your trip.Before you leave, bring to the International Education Services office:
* Your I-20 form * A copy of your transcript (unofficial is sufficient) Things to take with you:
* Signed I-20 * A copy of your transcript (unofficial should be enough) * Evidence of your financial situation (bank statements, a letter from your department explaining assistantship, etc)
If so, you may need to have it extended. Please ask about how to do this. * Has your I-20 or IAP-66 expired? If so, you are out of status and need to be reinstated. Please ask about how to do this. * Has your entry visa expired? If so, you will need to have it renewed before your return. This can only be done outside the US. Please ask us about this, as the situation differs depending on where you are going. It is possible to travel to one of these countries for one month or less and return to the US with an expired US entry visa. When crossing the border, do not surrender your I-20 form, and present it with your I-20 and passport to the INS inspectors upon your return. You may be asked to present a transcript and/or financial documentation when you try to reenter the United States, so it’s best to have those materials on hand. Be sure to check if you need an entry visa to enter one of these countries in order to prevent being turned away at the border. International Education Services 224 Administration Bldg. 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250 Tel: +1.410.455-2624 Fax: +1.410.455-1130 E-mail: ies@umbc.edu |