Required Documents
Documentation needed for travel may vary depending on the relationship you hold with the 猎奇重口. Please refer to the below definitions to ensure you understand which term applies to you.
F-1/J-1 students: F-1 and J-1 students enrolled in a UM degree-seeking or non-degree seeking program, or on post-completion OPT, STEM OPT, or Academic Training.
J-1 scholars: J-1 scholars hold formal affiliations at UM to conduct research or teach; J-1 scholars are NOT enrolled in UM degree-seeking programs.
When traveling, carry documents with you in carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked baggage! You need access to your visa documents at all times during transit.
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Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future at all times, especially upon initial entry or re-entry to the United States. If yours will expire soon, contact your in the United States.
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The visa stamp in your passport should be valid on the date of your return to the United States. (It does not need to remain valid during your stay in the United States). If you have an old, expired passport with a valid U.S. entry visa, you do not need to get a new visa stamp in your new passport as long as you carry both passports when you enter the United States. Canadian citizens do not need a U.S. entry visa. Canadian "Landed immigrants" (Permanent Residents, without Canadian citizenship/passport) are required to obtain U.S. entry visas. For more information about visas, see Visa Information
F-1 students- the name of the school on the Form I-20 should match the name of the school on the visa. The only exception is for students who directly to UM using the same SEVIS ID. See our Transfer Admission page for more information. If your previous visa was from a school other than UM-Missoula, and you are beginning a new SEVIS record (without SEVIS transfer), ISS recommends that you apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, if this is possible before your re-entry.
J-1 Exchange Visitors should only enter the United States with a visa showing the school's (or program) name noted on it, even if the visa has not yet expired. If you change schools, obtain a visa with the new name noted on it before entering or re-entering the United States.In certain cases, visitors may be able to re-enter the United States with an expired visa after a short trip to Canada/Mexico using . Please contact ISS directly if you have questions about it.
See Applying for a Visa for more information about applying for a new F or J visa.
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It is strongly recommended that F/J nonimmigrants carry proof of the financial support and resources reflected on the Form I-20 or DS-2019. Proof of financial support bank statements, or financial support letters should be dated within the last 6 months.
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Make sure your original form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) has been PROPERLY ENDORSED by the school official or agency that issued the document. For current F/J Students and Scholars, an I-20 or DS-2019 travel endorsement is valid for 12 months, or until the expiration of the document, whichever is first. Please note: Those on F-1 post-completion OPT/STEM OPT must have the endorsement within the past 6 months.
- F-1 or J-1 Students: complete the online and ISS can email your signed F-1 I-20 or J-1 DS-2019 to you within 3 business days of the request. You may also elect to pick it up in person at the International Center.
- J-1 Visiting Scholars, Professors, Researchers and Student Researchers: To schedule an appointment to come to ISS for a travel signature, please email iss@umontana.edu. Alternatively, you can complete the to request an updated DS-2019 with a new travel signature.
- F-1 Students on post-completion OPT/STEM OPT: Please complete an online .
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It is also recommended to travel with proof of your SEVIS fee payment. If you need confirmation of your previous SEVIS fee payment, visit the and select the option to "Check I-901 Status/ Print Payment Confirmation."
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F or J enrolled students (degree-seeking and non-degree seeking): New students (entering for the first time) should travel with proof of admission. Continuing students should travel with proof of the current or next semester's registration (e.g. printout of full-time class schedule or Enrollment Verification from the UM Registrar).
J scholars should bring a copy of their departmental appointment letter or letter of invitation.
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F-1 students engaged in approved post-completion OPT who travel outside the United States temporarily (i.e., less than 5 months) can be readmitted to resume employment for the remainder of the period authorized on their EAD card, provided they submit:
- Form I-20 endorsed by the DSO within the preceding 6 months
- Passport (valid six months beyond program end date listed on EAD)
- Valid F-1 visa
- Unexpired EAD card
- Letter of employment
F-1 students who had their post-completion OPT approved by USCIS but who are not yet employed will be expected to present:
- Form I-20 endorsed by the DSO within the preceding 6 months
- Passport (valid six months beyond program end date listed on EAD)
- Valid F-1 visa
- Unexpired EAD card
- Offer of employment (if you have one, not strictly required)
How Can I Prepare for Re-Entry and Understand My Rights at the Border?
Given the current U.S. immigration climate, you should be prepared for the possibility of increased scrutiny at the U.S. port of entry in the form of additional questioning and/or inspection of your phone or social media. Be aware: Officers may ask you questions about your reason for entering the U.S., your activities in the U.S., or your academic program.
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If you are questioned, remain calm and answer honestly and succinctly. What NOT to say: Jokes about terrorism, explosives, breaking U.S. laws, drugs, alcohol, etc. are never a good idea.
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Preparing Your Electronic Devices: CBP may also ask questions about your electronic devices or inspect them. This may include your social media accounts. For tips on how to prepare your devices, read this .
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Social Media & App Review: Are you presenting your best self in social media and messaging apps? Take time to review your accounts for any content that may appear to show you engaged in activities that violate U.S. laws, your visa status, or academic integrity.
- Know Your Rights: See the for information on your and in .
If there are any problems during entry, please notify the Global Engagement Office as soon as you arrive.
Travel Inside the U.S.
ISS strongly recommends that you carry a valid passport, I-94 copy or passport admission stamp, your I-20 or DS-2019, and proof of current registration or program when traveling inside the United States. J-1 scholars should bring a copy of their departmental appointment letter or letter of invitation.