With summer vacation around the corner, many of our students and friends are planning to travel back to India for a brief visit. Some have recently transferred their SEVIS to newly admitted Day 1 CPT universities, while others are planning to take advantage of the gap between OPT and Day 1 CPT. They wonder if they can visit home during this transition period and return when their Day 1 CPT program starts.
Additionally, due to the pandemic and the high cost of airfare during the past two years, some students who have been studying at Day 1 CPT universities for a while are now deciding to travel home for a long-overdue visit. They are concerned whether their F1 visas, granted by Day 1 CPT universities, are as reliable as their previous F1 visas from traditional universities.
The fear of being deported at the border is real, and the risk of traveling internationally and not being able to return to the U.S. is also real. However, by taking the right measures, these risks can be avoided.
Traveling Internationally on an F1 Visa While Enrolled in a Day 1 CPT Program
For international students, traveling home usually involves three scenarios:
- Traveling with a valid F1 visa and a valid I-20
- Your F1 visa and Your I-20 are associated with the same school
- Your F1 visa and Your I-20 are associated with different schools
- Traveling with a valid I-20 but an expired F1 visa
- Traveling during a SEVIS transfer
Let us check them out one by one:
Scenario 1 : Traveling with a valid F1 visa and a valid I-20
🔸 Your F1 visa and Your I-20 are associated with the same school
When both your F1 visa sticker on your passport and your I-20 are associated with the same school and are within the validation period, the process is straightforward. Whether you are studying or already on OPT, you will need to acquire a travel signature from your DSO before traveling internationally.
Travel Signature
The travel signature will appear on page two of your I-20 as a confirmation from your school to USCIS, supporting that you have a valid F1 status. Each signature is valid for one year (for F1 students on OPT, the travel signature is valid for six months). You must obtain this signature before leaving the U.S. because it is required for reentry, although it is not required for leaving. If you do not plan to return, there is no need to obtain this signature. However, if your current travel signature will expire before your return to the U.S., you must contact your school's DSO and request an updated travel signature before you arrive at the U.S. border.
Updated SEVIS Record
This is especially important if you are on OPT or CPT. If your I-20 includes work authorizations like OPT or CPT, you may be asked to show proof of employment. Before leaving the US for your trip, ensure your SEVIS record is up to date. Border control officers can access these records.
Day 1 CPT students have been denied entry not because they were enrolled in a Day 1 CPT program, but because they changed employers without informing their school. Border control officers couldn't match the employment proof provided to the SEVIS records. This issue affects both OPT and CPT students. Keeping your SEVIS record up to date is crucial for a smooth re-entry into the U.S.
🔸 Your F1 visa and Your I-20 are associated with different schools
Everything is the same except you should request a travel signature from the school that issued your current I-20. USCIS grants international students up to five years of F1 visa stamp validity. Many students complete at least one program during this period. As long as you maintain an active I-20 status, you don't need to renew your F1 stamp.
It's common to use one school's I-20 to apply for an F1 visa and then transfer to another school with a new I-20 during the visa's validity period. If this is you, before traveling, ensure to obtain a travel signature from the school with your active I-20. Everything else remains the same as previously mentioned.
🔺 What is my school is a Day 1 CPT school?
Whether your F1 visa and I-20 come from a traditional school or a Day 1 CPT university generally doesn't matter. As long as you maintain your F1 status requirements, you're fine.
However, concerns arise when attending Day 1 CPT universities because these institutions vary widely. Some have poor reputations with immigration due to insufficient on-site classes and poorly structured programs relying heavily on online courses.
The problem is that while the F1 visa is for full-time academic study, some Day 1 CPT programs seem more suited to a B visa, which permits short-term study. If your program is mostly online with limited on-site attendance, USCIS may question the need for an F1 visa. This mismatch can lead to complications at the border.
Ensuring your program aligns with F1 visa requirements can help you avoid issues when traveling internationally.
More than that, staying outside the US for too long (longer then one semester) is also a red flag. Recently, an Indian students who is enrolled at the University of the Cumberlands has been stopped at the border and deported, particularly for this reason.
Scenario 2 : Traveling with a valid I-20 but an expired F1 visa
Depending on your travel destination, the procedures may vary. Generally, you will need to obtain a new visa stamp from a US embassy or consulate outside the U.S. This new stamp, paired with your active I-20, will allow you to re-enter the US.
For Indian students, the current wait time for an F1 visa interview in New Delhi is approximately 51 days, while in Mumbai, it is around 43 days (check the most updated waiting time in your city here). Given the potential delays, it is advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance.
If the waiting time in India is too long, consider applying for your F1 visa in a third country. Popular options include:
- Mexico: Known for relatively shorter wait times.
- Canada: Frequently used by students for visa renewals.
- Singapore: Another viable option with reasonable wait times.
Before you travel, ensure you have an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your chosen country. This proactive approach can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth return to your studies in the US.
Renewing your F1 visa is similar to applying for it the first time. You've done this before, so don't worry—you've got this!
If you are enrolled at a Day 1 CPT university, be prepared to answer some specific questions during your visa renewal interview:
⨠⨠ Why pursue another master's degree?
- If you already have a master's degree, explain how this new degree aligns with your personal development goals and complements your previous studies. Emphasize the unique benefits and opportunities this program offers.
⨠⨠ Why switch to a university with a lower ranking?
- If your previous degree was from a well-known institution, clarify why you chose a Day 1 CPT university (while not using the word "day 1 CPT". This term is widely used among students though informal and misleading to USCIS officer), which may not have the same recognition. Highlight how this program provides real-life knowledge application opportunities that traditional programs might not offer.
Clearly articulate your reasons for pursuing another degree and align them with your career goals to address any concerns during your F1 visa renewal interview. However, if these questions aren't raised, there's no need to address them. Your primary goal is to demonstrate that your intention is to study and that you understand the limitations of the F1 visa, including the requirement to return to your home country after your studies are complete.
Automatic Revalidation
If your F1 visa stamp expires but your I-20 is still active, you can travel to certain countries and return to the U.S. successfully by using your I-20 and expired F1 visa. This process is called "automatic revalidation". However, certain restrictions apply to this "F1 benefit":
1. You must be traveling to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands (except Cuba).2. Your trip must be for 30 days or less.
3. You must have a valid Form I-94 and a valid passport.
4. Your F1 visa must be expired.
5. You must not be applying for a new visa while in the visiting country.
6. You must not visit any other countries during your trip.
When using automatic revalidation, you must still adhere to the important rules mentioned in "scenario 1": Make sure to obtain a travel signature from your DSO before traveling; ensure that this signature is not expired upon your re-entry; and, keeping your SEVIS record up to date.
Scenario 3 : Traveling during a SEVIS transfer
Traveling outside the United States during a SEVIS transfer is generally not recommended due to potential inconsistencies with your travel signature. If you transfer from School A before leaving the U.S. but are enrolled at School B upon your return, the travel signature on your I-20 will still be from School A. This discrepancy may cause confusion for the border officer and could trigger a secondary inspection.
Depending on the school you are enrolled in, traveling during a SEVIS transfer might be prohibited. For example, Monroe College requires students to be present in the U.S. during a SEVIS transfer. Other schools may have more lenient policies regarding this matter.
If you run into an emergency and have to travel outside the US during this period of time, try to communicate with DSO at both your current school and your new Day 1 CPT school. If they are willing to provide support, then the re-entry situation falls under the scenario where your F1 visa and I-20 are active and valid (see scenario 1).
Day 1 CPT Travel FAQs
Here are some common questions our students ask. If you are enrolled in a Day 1 CPT program or planning to, this may help. If your concern isn't addressed here, leave a comment, and we will respond.
It’s not about the type of program you're enrolled in, but rather your F1 status maintenance. Depending on your F1 visa stamp and I-20 status, there are different scenarios to consider. Please read our guide for detailed information.
To re-enter the US, you will need the following documents:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US).
- A valid F1 visa stamp in your passport (unless you are using automatic revalidation)
- A valid and signed Form I-20 with a recent travel endorsement from your Designated School Official (DSO).
- Proof of current enrollment in your academic program (such as a recent transcript or enrollment verification letter).
- Evidence of your CPT authorization (a letter from your school or employer detailing your CPT placement and relevance to your program).
If your F1 visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa at a US embassy or consulate abroad before re-entering the US Be prepared to provide documentation supporting your enrollment, CPT authorization, and intent to return to the US to complete your program.
Depending on your school's policy, but usually travel signature needs to be renew every 12 months for those who are studying and every 6 months for those who are on OPT.
Yes, there are potential risks. Every time you re-enter the U.S., the border officer has the authority to review your status, question your intentions, and interpret your purpose for coming to the U.S. They have the final say on whether you can enter, even if all your documents are valid. For those using CPT, in addition to common questions, be prepared to answer CBP officers' inquiries about your CPT placement. They may scrutinize its necessity and relevance to your academic program.
Be honest and clear about your purpose for reentering the US If you are asked about whether you are working on your F1 visa, and you are currently working, explain that you are enrolled in an academic program that includes authorized CPT as a requirement of the curriculum. If asked, you can describe your academic goals and skills that you are acquiring through the program, and that the CPT authorization is a way for you to apply those skills in a real world context. Have all your documentation ready to present.
It is generally advisable to travel during breaks or holidays when you are not actively engaged in classes and your internship. Always inform your employer and DSO of your travel plans to ensure there are no conflicts. Some schools, such as Trine University, clearly prohibit students from traveling mid-term and have listed this requirement on their official website. Other schools may consider individual circumstances and provide solutions, recognizing that international students sometimes need to travel due to home emergencies and similar situations.
If you encounter issues at the port of entry, calmly provide the required documentation and answer questions truthfully. If further problems arise, contact your school’s international student office for assistance.
Yes, always consult with your DSO before making travel plans. They can provide guidance, ensure your documents are in order, and help mitigate any potential issues.
Being on Day 1 CPT does not prevent you to travel to any specific country. Your travel might be restricted by:
- Your employer may not provide paid vacation dates for internship participants
- Your school might have on-site class requirement during your travel period
- You may need visa to entry certain countries
Inform your DSO immediately if your travel plans change. Extended stays outside the US can impact your F1 status and CPT authorization. Your DSO can provide guidance on how to maintain your status.