I want to travel home for a vacation. What documents do I need to re-enter the U.S.?

You need 3 items to re-enter the U.S. after a visit to another country:

1. Valid passport
2. Valid F-1 visa sticker in the passport
3. Valid SEVIS I-20 that has been signed by an advisor from International Advising on page 4 or valid SEVIS DS 20-19 that has been signed by an advisor from Immigration Services

To obtain a travel signature on your immigration document, visit International Advising during the walk-in hours. An advisor will check your registration status to make sure that you have been taking a full course-load each semester. You can also drop off your form with the reception desk and pick it up after 5 working days. If you do not have a SEVIS I-20 or DS 20-19, CIE will generate one for you.

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Can international students work?

Employment opportunities for international students are limited. Before beginning a job, you should always visit International Advising to obtain the written permission of the advisor.

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Can I drop a course and become a part-time student?

Immigration regulations require all students in F-1 status to attend school full-time. This means that each fall and spring semester, you must enroll in and complete 12 credits (9 for the Master of Computer Science; 6 for the Master of Finance).

If you drop below the full-time designation for your program for any reason, you will be considered out-of-status by the Citizenship and Immigration Service.

Any course withdrawals (grades of W) or lost courses (grades of L) that put your registration below the required 12 or 9 credits designated for your program will result in the termination of your F-1 immigration status. Students who are out-of-status lose the ability to hold a job and will have difficulty leaving and re-entering the U.S.

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