International Student Travel

Travel Information for F-1 Students

Travel in the United States:  
You are free to travel within the United States while in F-1 status.  However, you must be enrolled full time during the fall and spring semesters in order to stay in status.  You do not need to be enrolled for the summer session in order to stay in the US, provided there is less than five months between the end of your spring term and the beginning of the next fall term.

Travel outside the United States:  If you plan to travel outside the US during your school breaks, you should be sure to have the third page of your I-20 endorsed for travel by the International Student Advisor at UD.  If you find it necessary to leave the US during the school term, be sure to request a letter of explanation from the International Studies Office before you go, explaining that you have University permission to leave school for the specified time.  (USCIS officials may question your re-entry when your I-20 shows that your classes are already in session.)  You can remain in the US on an expired visa, but as soon as you leave the country you must renew it to gain re-entry. 
If you plan to travel to neighboring countries such as Canada or Mexico, remember that you may need additional visas from these countries. 
You will need to check with their embassies to find their regulations:
Canada 
Mexico

If you plan to travel to US territories such as Puerto Rico, it is advised to bring all of your documents.

Travel Resources:  Everyone has her own ideas!  But here are some resources to start with: Christmas International House arranges homestays over the Christmas holidays all over the US:  www.christmasIh.org
International Student Identity Card offers you discounts on hotels, travel, theaters, museums, shopping, and restaurants all over the world, including the USA!  The International Studies Office at UD sells ISIC cards for $22 per year.  For more information about ISIC, see www.myisic.com

Use the Web!  www.studentuniverse.com offers reduced airfare and travel packages to students.