Important Documents that International Students Need
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For Studying & Working in the United States
The end of the year is approaching, and you might be anticipating returning home for the holidays or the winter break.
It’s a very exciting time for you to see family and friends again!
But, before you leave the U.S., be sure your documents are in order.
Getting Your Documents In Order Is Critical
When you don’t have all of the documents you need, you run the risk of not being able to enter the U.S. when you return from a break.
Don’t let that happen to you!
Keep This in mind if You Forget Everything Else
Remember to keep in touch with your International Student Advisor to ensure all of your documents are in order and current—you don't want to risk any chance of not being able to return to the U.S. or falling out of status!
The Documents You Need Before Traveling Outside the U.S.
Step 1: Check the Expiration Date on Your Student Visa in Your Passport at least three months before you plan on leaving the U.S.
Check your student visa in your passport to see if it has expired. If it has expired, you will have to apply at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country to have it renewed before returning to the United States. Special note: If you’re a Canadian citizen, lucky you! You don’t need a visa!
Keep this in mind: Due to security checks, visa renewals may take anywhere from one week to three months. Do not try to re-enter the U.S. without a valid F-1 visa.
Step 2: What To Do If Your F-1 Student Visa in Your Passport is Expired
If your F-1 visa in your passport is expired, check with the U.S. consulate in your home country regarding the procedures and length of time needed for the visa process. Some consulates have website information on the US Embassy website, although I recommend that you also call the consulate to make sure that the information is current.
You will need to bring the following documents to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy as part of your F-1 visa application:
Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months past the date of intended arrival in the U.S.);
Valid Form I-20 (be prepared to show the consulate all of your previous I-20s to confirm your valid initial and continuous stay in the U.S.);
Travel signature on the bottom of page three of the Form I-20 signed by an International Student Advisor within the last 12 months;
Verification letter from your department stating in general terms a description of your studies and that you are in good standing;
Current proof of financial support; and
Copies of transcripts/study lists for every quarter that you have been enrolled including the current quarter.
There’s a lot of information to gather and keep track of. Remember our previous article about exam anxiety? This is a good time to practice deep breathing. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. You’ve got this!
Step 3: You Have a Valid F-1 Student Visa In Your Passport
If and when your F-1 visa in your passport is valid, a.k.a. not expired, you will need to gather and take with you the following documents before leaving in order to be allowed back into the U.S.:
Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months past the date of intended arrival in the U.S.);
Valid I-20;
Travel signature on the bottom of page three of the Form I-20 signed by an International Student Advisor within the last 12 months; and
Valid F-1 visa in your passport
Although these aren’t required, it’s good to have the following documents with you, too:
Current proof of financial support; and
Copies of transcripts/study lists for every semester/quarter that you have been enrolled at school
Other Documents You Should Have At All Times When You’re Traveling Within the U.S.
When traveling around the U.S., keep these important pieces of document on your person:
A copy of your passport (a copy is valid, helping you avoid the risk of losing it, which can be a pain to replace)
Valid I-20 form
State-issued picture ID (such as Driver’s License) with your date of birth
Copy of your medical insurance
The Word on Getting a Driver’s License
If you don’t have a U.S. Driver’s License yet, you might consider getting one for these reasons:
It’s a valid and common piece of identification when traveling around the U.S.
You can enjoy the freedom and autonomy of taking road trips and exploring new places in the U.S.
You can share the responsibility of driving with your friends, rather than bum a ride from them all the time!
When going out to places (such as bars and clubs), it’s just easier to present your Driver’s License versus your thicker passport with important documents in it (such as your I-20).
The Last Word: Why Would You Need a Social Security Number in the U.S.?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to earn wages, file taxes, and receive some types of government services in the U.S. You likely need to present your SSN when applying for a loan, buying a car or a home, among other things.
It’s a nine-digit number issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary workers by the Social Security Administration. Like your passport, this document should be stored in a safe location—do not carry it around on you.
You’ll need to get a Social Security card if you have an internship or employment in the U.S. The application is available at the local Social Security Administration Office or its website (www.ssa.gov). Before you visit the Social Security Office, pick up a letter of endorsement from your International Student Advisor.
How Can You Get An SSN?
If you’re an F-1 Student: F-1 students are only eligible for an SSN if they have a job offer through on-campus employment or authorized off-campus employment and will be receiving wages.
If you’re a J-1 Student: J-1 students are eligible to apply for an SSN after they have completed visa check-in requirements and receive approval from the International Student Advisor.
General steps:
Find a Job, such as a teaching or research assistantship
Schedule an Appointment with the International Student and Scholar Advisor. Your advisor will write you a Support Letter that you must take with you to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Make sure you communicate with your International Student Advisor in advance to give them enough time to prepare this letter for you. Don’t wait till the very last minute!
Complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). Download from the Social Security Administration website at: www.ssa.gov.
Go to Social Security Administration and take all necessary original paperwork (application, passport, and visa documents) with you.
Interested in getting more details? Visit these sites:
Schedule a Free Call with Me!
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About The Author
Many years ago I came to the U.S. from Taiwan and studied in a field that rarely accepted “fresh off the boat” international students from non-English speaking countries. I’m Dr. Vivi Hua, Psy.D. and I help international students navigate the cross-cultural aspects of their experience in the U.S., so they can succeed academically and socially and build a life and career that they desire!