The F-1 visa allows foreign students to temporarily live and study in the U.S. while their academic program is ongoing. This document outlines four steps for F-1 students to follow when traveling outside of the U.S.: check that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their end date of study, ensure travel timing does not extend beyond the expiration of the F-1 visa, bring a valid signed I-20 form and F-1 visa as proof of student status, and limit trips to five months or less to avoid needing a new visa application.

1. How to Travel With the F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa allows foreign students to study and live in the U.S. for as long as their coursework lasts. Although there is plenty to see and do in the U.S. itself, if you are a
student visiting this part of the world, you might want to take advantage of your close proximity to other countries, such as Canada and Mexico. Travelling with an F-1 visa is
simple, and you can leave and re-enter the U.S. multiple times while your visa is still valid.
Step 1
Check your passport expiration date to ensure the passport is valid for at least six months after your studies end.
Step 2
Time your travel so that you will not be trying to re-enter the U.S. after your visa has expired. If you leave the U.S. and plan to re-enter after your studies have finished and your
F-1 visa is no longer valid, you will be stopped by immigration.
Step 3
Take a valid I-20 form, which has to be signed once a year on page three by an international student advisor from your school, an F-1 visa stamp and proof you can support
yourself financially during your journey.
Step 4
Time the length of your trip so you are not away for longer than five months to avoid having to reapply for your visa, even if it hasn't expired yet. The only exemption to this is if
your travel is related to your studies, in which case you will need permission from your school before leaving.