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Announcements : Travel Advisory for Continuing Students

Announcement: Travel Advisory for Continuing Students

Event Date: 11/01/2024
UTSA International Student and Scholar Services strongly recommends that you return to the United States by Friday, January 17, 2025 due to immigration-related uncertainties. With the upcoming change in government and the uncertainty surrounding potential immigration policy changes, the safest way to avoid difficulty re-entering the United States is to be physically present before the new administration takes office. We are recommending January 17 in case of unexpected travel delays which could delay your expected return.
UTSA International Student and Scholar Services strongly recommends that you return to the United States by Friday, January 17, 2025 due to immigration-related uncertainties. With the upcoming change in government and the uncertainty surrounding potential immigration policy changes, the safest way to avoid difficulty re-entering the United States is to be physically present before the new administration takes office. We are recommending January 17 in case of unexpected travel delays which could delay your expected return.

We understand that many students travel within the United States during the semester break/holidays. We strongly recommend that you do not travel within 60 miles of the U.S./Canada or U.S./Mexico border as you will cross an immigration checkpoint and will be asked to verify your legal status in the country. If you need to travel within this area, make sure to have all of your original documents as the Border Patrol will request to see them. Necessary documents are the form I-20 with a recent travel endorsement or form DS-2019 with a recent travel endorsement, valid F-1 student visa or valid J-1 exchange visitor visa, and passport.

Things to remember when returning to the United States or travelling within 60 miles of the U.S./Canada or U.S./Mexico border.

Required Documents
  • Have your most recently issued form I-20 with a valid travel endorsement (applicable for F-1 Students)
  • Have your most recently issued form DS-2019 with a valid travel endorsement (applicable for J-1 Students)
  • Have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in your passport
    • If you have recently renewed your passport, make sure to carry the old passport along with the new passport as the visa stamp will be located in the expired passport
  • Valid passport with an expiration of 6 months or more into the future
Recommended Documents