The following documents are required for travel and re-entry to the U.S. The OISS also recommends that you carry these items whenever traveling within the U.S. outside of the immediate New York City area.

1. An unexpired passport valid at least six months into the future
2. An unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature less than one year old
3. An unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa stamp valid for further entries into the United States
4. Proof of full-time enrollment in the form of a Certificate of Enrollment or NYU transcript from the NYU Registrar's Office at 25 W. 4th Street (or the registrar's office for your school)
5. Proof of financial ability , i.e., documentation verifying your funding source as indicated in Section 8 of your I-20 or Section 5 of the DS-2019; this may include personal or family bank statements, affadavits of support, or copies of your fellowship or scholarship letter

F-1 Students

• The travel signature on your Form I-20 is valid for a maximum of one year.
• You may use your I-20 to enter the U.S. as long as you are a continuing, full-time student and all the information on it remains the same. If you are unable to maintain full-time matriculation, or if the information on your I-20 changes, contact an OISS advisor.
• If you are returning to the U.S. after a leave of absence and/or an absence of more than 5 months, you must obtain a new I-20 prior to re-entry. Contact an OISS advisor if this applies to you.
• Upon entry to the U.S., a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officer will issue an I-94 card to you that will indicate the date of entry and grant you F-1 status for duration of status (F-1 D/S). If your I-94 card indicates anything other than F-1 D/S, contact an OISS advisor immediately upon return.
• The OISS recommends that you make photocopies of your travel documents (I-20 and I-94 card) for safekeeping.
• If you are on post-completion optional practical training , click HERE.

J-1 Students / Scholars

• The travel signature on your Form DS-2019 is valid for a maximum of one year.
• You may use your DS-2019 to enter the U.S. as long as you are a continuing, full-time student and all the information on it remains the same. If you are unable to maintain full-time matriculation, or if the information on your DS-2019 changes, contact an OISS advisor.
• Upon entry to the U.S., an immigration officer will issue an I-94 card to you that will indicate the date of entry and grant you J-1 status for duration of status (J-1 D/S). If your I-94 card indicates anything other than J-1 D/S, contact an OISS advisor immediately upon return.
• The OISS recommends that you make photocopies of your travel documents (DS-2019 and I-94 card) for safekeeping.
• If you are on post-completion academic training, click HERE.