Mar. 3, 2025

We hope your spring 2025 semester is going well! 

As an international student, you may have opportunities to travel regionally, nationally, or internationally for research, conferences, academics, or sightseeing. To ensure smooth travel, we'd like to remind you of some simple precautions to take as an F-1 or J-1 student.

Domestic Travel

When traveling within the United States, we recommend storing original/paper versions of your passport, visa stamp, and other immigration paperwork, as well as employment or Graduate Assistant (GA) contracts, in a safe place at home. You should always keep any previous immigration documents, even if they are outdated, including all I-20s/DS-2019s, as you may need those in the future. 

Please take photos of your current U.S. immigration documents and keep them accessible on your phone at all times in case needed. These documents include:

  • Valid passport
  • Most recent F-1/J-1 student visa, even if expired (Canadians are exempt)
  • Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
  • Most recent I-94
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if on OPT/STEM OPT
  • Important UNLV documents such as employment or GA contracts, etc.

International Travel

When traveling internationally, we recommend keeping the following documents in your carry-on, along with valuables, money, medications, and other important documents:

  • Required Documents: 
    • Passport that is valid for at least six months past your arrival date
    • Valid F-1/J-1 student visa (Canadians are exempt)
    • Valid EAD if on OPT/STEM OPT
    • Most recent I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature that is no more than 12 months old (6 months if you are on OPT/STEM OPT)
      • If you need a new travel signature, please submit a Reprint Request in the OISS Portal. 
  • Additional Suggested Documents: 
    • Printout of your current semester’s class schedule if currently enrolled
    • Printout of your job offer letter if on OPT/STEM OPT/AT
    • Copy of your UNLV admission letter
    • Copy of your bank statements, GA appointment letter, or any other funding documents
    • For dependents, proof of the relationship to the F-1/J-1 student (marriage certificate or birth certificate)

Upon Reentry to the U.S.

Once you reenter the U.S., please check your I-94 online to ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admitted you in the correct status. You can upload a copy in the OISS Portal using the I-94 Upload Request. Notify us immediately if you notice any errors, so that we can reach out to our contact in CBP to request a correction. 

If you have any questions, please email issc@unlv.edu or call 702-774-6477 for assistance.

Best regards, 


Laura Chaney
Director of Compliance, PDSO/RO