As an F-1 student, it is your responsibility to be familiar with and abide by the immigration regulations as they relate to your documents, reporting responsibility, travel and academics. Please contact OISS directly if you have any questions about the information below.
Please refer to our Employment page for information about F-1 employment options.
For questions regarding travel and immigration documents, please Click here to download a quick guide that covers some frequently asked questions and answers.
Documents
OISS recommends that you check all of your immigration documents regularly to ensure that they are accurate and up-to-date, especially before traveling. If you have any questions regarding your documents, please contact our office directly.
Important Reminder: Do not rely on Google or other online sources for immigration-related questions. You should only obtain information directly through our office. Additionally, students should never submit any government (USCIS) applications without consulting our office. This includes, but is not limited to, Form I-539 and Form I-765.
Must be valid at least 6 months into the future at all times. If you have dual citizenship, be sure to always enter the U.S. with the passport that is associated with your I-20.
Check your I-20 for accuracy, paying special attention to:
- Biographical information
- Major(s)
- Program end date
- Travel signature
At the time of orientation, our office issues a travel signature to all students. The travel signature is valid for one year (or 6 months while on OPT). If your signature is expired, it is your responsibility to obtain an updated travel signature from our office in a timely manner– do not wait until the last minute!
If your I-20 needs to be updated, please request a new one through iTorero > F-1 Student Services > I-20 Request. If you need an extended I-20, you must submit the Program Extension Request through iTorero.
The F-1 visa stamp must be valid for international travel purposes. However, if your F-1 visa expires, you can stay/travel in the U.S. as long as your I-20 is valid. You are not required to renew your visa if you will not travel outside the country.
For visa renewal inquires, please contact our office for guidance, as visas can only be renewed at a U.S. consulate abroad.
If you are traveling to either Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands, you may travel under the Automatic Visa Revalidation Program with an expired F-1 visa.
An electronic admission number is given to you every time you enter the U.S. It is important to print off your most recent I-94 and carry it with you when traveling.
If you are encountering issues retrieving your I-94, or need a correction, please refer to this guide: I-94 Procedure for Retrieval Corrections.
Students on post-completion OPT receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which is an important immigration document. Students on OPT who plan on traveling internationally must carry their EAD card, along with the other documents mentioned above. We also recommend having an employment verification or job offer letter as a supporting document for your travels.
Lost Documents
If you have misplaced or lost your passport, we highly encourage you to file a police report and visit our office immediately. If you have misplaced your I-20, please request a new I-20 through iTorero.
Travel
Click here to download a quick guide that covers some frequently asked questions and answers.
While students are not required to check in with our office prior to traveling, we strongly encourage that all students review their immigration documents prior to their scheduled trip and ensure that they understand the various travel policies listed below.
It is critical you bring all the below documents when traveling internationally:
- Valid Passport/F-1 Visa
- Valid I-20 (Travel signature validity = 1 year)
- Most recent I-94
It is also highly recommended to have:
- I-901 SEVIS payment receipt
- Unofficial transcript
- Proof of funding
Travel Advice Table
(Note: This table is for reference only and should not be used as a substitute for a one-on-one advising session with a licensed international student adviser at OISS. Whenever possible, please request for an appointment to discuss your intent to travel before making any travel arrangements.)
| Scenario / Question | Can I travel? (General) | Key Requirements to Re-enter U.S. | Main Risks / Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. I'm an enrolled F-1 or J-1 student, in valid status, planning a short trip abroad | Usually yes (Traveling while school is in session not recommended) |
Valid passport (6+ months beyond entry), valid F-1 or J-1 visa, I-20 or DS-2019 with recent travel signature, continued full-time enrollment. | Flight disruptions, consular delays if visa renewal needed, possible extra questioning at CBP. A consultation with OISS may be required. |
| 2. I'm from a country currently subject to a U.S. travel ban / proclamation | NOT advisable | Even with a valid visa/I-20, entry may be barred or heavily restricted by proclamation. | May be denied boarding or entry; rules can change quickly. MUST consult with OISS before travel. |
| 3. My F-1 visa is expired, but I'm in valid status and want to travel home | Risky because you must renew visa | Must apply for a new F-1 visa abroad (except some short trips under automatic revalidation). Need valid passport, I-20, SEVIS fee paid, proof of funding, enrollment, and ties to home country. | Visa interview backlogs, administrative processing (often 30–90+ days), possible visa denial. Travel only if prepared for extended stay abroad. |
| 4. I'm traveling to Canada/Mexico or certain Caribbean islands with an expired F-1 visa or J-1 | In some cases yes, via automatic revalidation | Trip must be 30 days or less, to Canada/Mexico/adjacent islands; must have unexpired I-94, valid passport, and properly signed I-20 or DS-2019. Not available if you apply for a new visa while there or are from certain restricted countries. | If you apply for a new visa and it's refused, you lose automatic revalidation. Country-specific bans may still block re-entry. |
| 5. I'm on post-completion OPT and want to travel | Possible but higher risk | Valid passport, unexpired F-1 visa, I-20 with travel signature (within 6 months), EAD card, and proof of employment or job offer. | If you lose your job or can't show employment, re-entry may be refused. Consular delays if visa renewal needed. |
| 6. I'm a J-1 visa holder on post-completion Academic Training and want to travel internationally | Technically allowed, but highly discouraged | New valid J-1 visa. Reapply for a J-1 visa (dependent on including all initial J-1 visa application documents and appointment availability) prior to re-entry in the U.S. | If you apply for a new J-1 visa and it is denied, you cannot reenter to complete your Academic Training. |
| 7. My OPT is pending and I want to travel | Technically allowed, but often discouraged | Before approval: passport, valid visa, I-20 with travel signature, OPT receipt (I-797). After approval: you must have a physical EAD and job offer to re-enter. | USCIS may issue RFEs or mail EAD while you're abroad; you may be unable to respond or receive the card. High risk of being stuck outside the U.S. if OPT is approved while away. |
| 8. I'm in my 60-day grace period after program/OPT and want to travel | Generally NOT recommended (Travel within the U.S., allowed; Departing the U.S. forfeits the grace period) |
F-1 status ends; you usually cannot re-enter in F-1 just to use grace period. You'd need a new status or new initial I-20/visa. | Likely refused entry in F-1; travel usually treated as departure with no right to return in the same F-1 record. Student may need to plan their return under the ESTA or B1/B2 visa. |
| 9. I've been outside the U.S. for close to 5 months | Requires a consultation with OISS before making plans to return to the U.S. under F-1 | SEVIS record may need to be reset as "initial," requiring a new I-20 and possibly new visa. | Risk of SEVIS termination and loss of continuity of status; may need to restart F-1, repay SEVIS fee, and re-enter as initial student. |
| 10. I need to renew my F-1 visa abroad | Yes, but plan ahead. (We recommend that you do not leave the U.S. until you secure a visa appointment.) | Schedule consular appointment early; bring I-20, transcripts, proof of enrollment, funding, and ties to home country. Expect enhanced vetting and possible administrative processing. | Long wait times, security checks, and possible visa denial. Students from certain countries may face extra scrutiny or bans. |
| 11. I have a pending H-1B change of status ("cap-gap") and want to travel | Travel not advisable | Travel can break the change-of-status request; you may need to obtain an H-1B visa abroad instead. | Risk of losing cap-gap protection and needing consular processing; must consult with your immigration attorney and inform OISS before travel. |
With San Diego being near the Mexican Border, we ask that students carry their immigration documents when leaving central San Diego. You always want to be prepared in the case you get stopped by a border portal officer.
During your 60-day grace period you cannot exit and re-enter the country under the F-1 status. You must re-enter another a valid tourist visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).
If you choose to travel and re-enter at the border, please refer to our guidance on obtaining a new I-94 here.
Find out more information on visa requirements if you are planning on visiting a country.
Mexico/Canada: Under the F-1 status, you are not required to obtain a tourist visa to visit Mexico. However, you will need to still bring ALL of your immigration documents with you. If you are traveling to Canada, it is responsibility to find out if you are required to obtain a tourist visa (depending on your citizenship).
Currently, traveling to Cuba from the U.S. for tourism purpose is not permitted. For more information, please visit U.S. Embassy in Cuba.
For any travel and visa inquires, please be sure to contact our office for an initial consultation. You may either stop by our office or email internationaloffice@sandiego.edu to request for an appointment.
The following immigration/legal resources are not affiliated with University of San Diego, but may be helpful for international students and scholars looking for immigration advising that goes beyond the scope of the OISS.
Reporting Responsibilities
All F-1 students have a responsibility to ensure that all of their information on their record is updated accordingly. Please review the processes for updating your information below.
Your must report any changes in your contact information (local address, phone number, or email address) within 10 days of your move or change.
To update your local address please follow the instructions below:
- Log into their MySanDiego Portal
- Under the “Torero Hub" tab click on “My Torero Services”
- Under Personal Information click on “Update Address”
- Click on “Update” under Local Address
Please update your phone number and non-USD email address in iTorero > "Biographical Information" > "Your Contact Information" or by stopping by our office.
You must ensure that your I-20 is up to date with your current status. A new I-20 needs to be issued if you change or update the following:
- Academic major/minor
- Degree level
- Funding Source
- Biographical Information
To update your I-20, please complete the I-20 Request form in iTorero under F-1 Student Services.
*If you will NOT graduate by the Program End Date listed on your I-20, you must file for a Program Extension. Please contact OISS for more information.
You must notify OISS of any accompanying dependents in F-2 status and provide biographical information (e.g. full name, address, country of birth, etc.) and immigration information (e.g. passport information, visa information, etc.). OISS is required to report information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding your dependents.
If is your responsibility to renew your passport to keep it valid at least 6 months into the future at all times. Students should contact their home country's consulate for information about how to renew passports. If your F-1 visa has expired or will expire and you would like to renew it, please contact OISS. All updated documents must be uploaded to iTorero > F-1 Student Services > Document Collection.
Academics
An F-1 student's immigration record can be directly impacted by academic issues. As such, it is critical that students pay special attention to the following academic matters.
As an international student on an F-1 visa, you are required to maintain full-time status during the regular semester (fall/spring). Full-time status is equivalent to the following:
| Standing | Number of Units |
| Undergraduate | 12 |
| Graduate | 9 |
| Doctoral | 6 |
The only exception to the full-time requirement is during your final semester, if you require less than full-time loading to complete the final requirements for your degree.
You may request to be authorized for a reduced course load on a semester basis (with a maximum of 2 semesters). A reduction of course load may be authorized due to compelling medical reasons. You must present a letter provided by your physician/medical provider stating your diagnosis, treatment plan, and why a reduction in course load is being recommended.
A reduction in course load may also be authorized if you present a well-documented case for initial adjustment issues that may result from either language adjustment or a lack of familiarity with the American educational system (or both).
You must obtain written authorization/permission from OISS if you would like to file for a leave of absence or withdrawal from the university. Once your leave of absence/withdrawal has been officially processed you will have 15 days to depart the country.
For more information on how to successfully file for an LOA/Withdrawal, please schedule an appointment with OISS.
If you will be transferring out to another U.S. institution, you must notify OISS of your intent to transfer. In order for our office to release your F-1 SEVIS record to your new school, you must submit a copy of your acceptance letter from the new school.
Please be reminded that disciplinary issues, academic probation, or disqualification will impact your immigration standing. For instance, an F-1 student who is disqualified for academic reasons will not be eligible to keep their I-20 record active. In this case, your F-1 record will be terminated and the you will have to depart the United States immediately. F-1 record termination therefore invalidates both your I-20 and F-1 visa stamp, and the you may no longer use either document for travel. This is why it is critical for you as an F-1 student to seek advising in matters relating to your immigration status, if you find yourself in a problematic academic situation.
As an F-1 student, you may request to take classes at another university during the regular semester only upon registering full-time at USD. In other words, if you are an undergraduate student, you must first be registered for 12 credits at USD during the fall or spring semester in order to receive permission to take classes at another institution within the same semester. If you have satisfied the full time load requirement and are interested in taking a class off-campus, you may request for a Concurrent Enrollment letter via iTorero.
Note: If you wish to take summer or intersession classes off-campus, you are not required to be registered full-time at USD for those terms.
If you interested in taking a class at another school or institution, you must take all measures to ensure that the class you are taking off-campus will be credited back to your degree at USD, either by confirming it with USD’s Articulation Agreement or with your respective academic advisor. You should consult with your academic department on the current process for requesting a transfer of credits to your degree.
Embassy-sponsored students: You are responsible for ensuring that classes taken off campus are approved and acknowledged by your respective embassies.
A "hold" is a block on your student account that may be placed by various departments on campus, such as your academic department, OISS, or the USD Health Center. A hold indicates that there is something that requires your attention and you should contact the office that placed the hold to resolve it. Please note that you will NOT be able to register or undertake other school-related transactions if there is an active hold on your account.
Sponsored Students
- Follow USD, scholarship sponsor, and immigration rules
- Understand what your sponsor requires of you!
- Maintain a valid financial guarantee (or financial support letter)
- Make sure your official Financial Guarantee is submitted to Student Accounts at studentaccounts@sandiego.edu.
- Check your Financial Guarantee end date:
- If you have an expired Financial Guarantee, you will not be able to register for the following semester. It is your responsibility to work with your sponsor to ensure a valid Financial Guarantee is given to Student Accounts so USD can continue to invoice your sponsor.
- Check your student account in your MySanDiego portal and pay any outstanding personal balance each term
- You are responsible to pay for any fees that are not covered by your sponsor. These include: parking citations, printing, library fines, etc.
- Check your USD email frequently
- Be aware of holds
- Reasons for holds may be:
- Outstanding balance (check your student account frequently and pay on time!)
- Expired Financial Guarantee
- Academic Standing (Grades, Attendance)
- Lack of official documentation such as the submission of high school transcripts or language scores
- It is your responsibility to seek the appropriate office to remove your hold before your course registration date!It may take up to 10 business days to remove a hold. If you are unsure of which office to contact email internationaloffice@sandiego.edu for guidance.
- Reasons for holds may be:
- Submit the Authorization for Release of Information waiver (FERPA form) for your sponsor.
- We ask you to complete this form before the first day of classes.
Types of Letters & Where to Request Them:
- Major Letter: a letter stating a student’s intended or declared major.
- Request from:
- New/Incoming Students: Contact USD International Undergraduate Admissions for this document: intladmissions@sandiego.edu
- Current/Continuing Students: Complete this Verification of Enrollment form which will be processed by the University Registrar.
- Request from:
- Academic Plan: this document confirms the length of your study at USD
- Request from: Please see your Academic Advisor for this document. You can see the name of your Academic Advisor by logging in to your MySanDiego portal, click on “My Academics” and then “Degree Works”.
- Verification of Enrollment Letter: this document confirms your enrollment at USD
- Evaluation of Transfer Credits (Transfer Students Only): complete this document to transfer credits to USD from another institution.
- A formal evaluation of your transfer credits will be conducted once you have confirmed your enrollment. Once complete, it will be available in your Degree Works located in your MySanDiego portal. If you are an incoming student and have further questions about your transfer evaluation in Degree Works, please contact your assigned Academic Advisor.
- Good Standing Letter: this letter confirms you are a student in good standing at USD
- Requested from: Office of International Students and Scholars via iTorero.
- Concurrent Enrollment Letter: this letter states the courses you have requested to take at another institution
- Requested from: Office of International Students and Scholars via iTorero.
- Please keep in mind that the issuance of a Concurrent Enrollment Letter does not guarantee that your classes taken outside of USD will transfer back, nor should this letter be used for tuition reimbursement purposes. Please consult with your embassy adviser or scholarship benefactor with regard to taking classes off campus. Also refer to this resource on petitioning to transfer credits.
- Requested from: Office of International Students and Scholars via iTorero.
- Official Transcript: a comprehensive record of a student's academic progress at the University of San Diego.
- Current USD students or former students/alumni who still have access to the MySanDiego Portal can order official transcripts online through the MySanDiego portal.
- Log into your MySanDiego Portal
- Click on My Academics under Torero Hub
- Click on Request Official Transcript under My Classes
- Current USD students or former students/alumni who still have access to the MySanDiego Portal can order official transcripts online through the MySanDiego portal.
- Unofficial Transcript: an unofficial (not certified by the university) comprehensive record of a student's academic progress at the University of San Diego.
- There is no fee for this request. Current students can view and print unofficial transcript through the MySanDiego portal.
- Log into your MySanDiego Portal
- Click on My Academics under Torero Hub
- Click on View/Print Unofficial Transcript under My Classes
- There is no fee for this request. Current students can view and print unofficial transcript through the MySanDiego portal.
- Immigration Related Documents (such as an I-20)
- Request from:
- Current International Students: iTorero.
- New/Incoming Students: Contact USD International Undergraduate Admissions for this document: intladmissions@sandiego.edu
- Request from:
The Office of International Students & Scholars encourages all sponsored students to complete a FERPA authorization form. In order to facilitate requests and documents from embassy scholarship advisors on your behalf please complete one of the following steps:
- Grant FERPA authorization to your embassy advisor, OR
- Upload your signed scholarship agreement to iTorero.
Students and visiting scholars have the option of enrolling in the USD Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), coordinated through USD’s provider Gallagher Student Health, or waiving with a comparable plan. Embassy scholars have the following options to waive or enroll in the USD SHIP:
Option 1: Request your sponsor send a valid Financial Guarantee (also known as a Financial Support Letter) to Student Accounts at studentaccounts@sandiego.edu. Once the university has this document on file the health insurance charge will be dropped from your student account and you will be waived from the health insurance requirement.
Option 2: If you are unable to provide a Financial Guarantee by the health insurance deadline please follow the waiver instructions here. If you have questions on the waiver process email internationaloffice@sandiego.edu.
Option 3: If your scholarship does not include health insurance you can either enroll in the USD Student Health Insurance Plan or waive with a comparable plan.
Please note
OISS attempts to provide the most recent, useful information to our students. However, we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to here, the iTorero Portal, and in emails coming out of OISS.
Information provided by OISS does not constitute and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion, and it may not necessarily reflect the most current legal developments. OISS likewise cannot guarantee the outcome of status-related benefit requests filed with US government agencies. Students should seek the advice of counsel or a tax professional for additional guidance. OISS reminds students and scholars that failure to comply with F-1 and J-1 regulations is a violation of your status, which may result in serious consequences including the termination of your SEVIS record, your inability to re-enter the US, and the accrual of unlawful presence which could lead to your removal from the US.
Direct all questions regarding your F-1 and J-1 status to OISS, internationaloffice@sandiego.edu.