Important Reminders for Reentering the U.S. and Maintaining Your Status

Office of International Students and Scholars oiss@tulane.edu
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Greetings, international students!

We hope that you have had a nice summer break. As some of you prepare to travel back to the United States for the upcoming semester, we’d like to send a few reminders for reentry and continued maintenance of your F-1 or J-1 status.

Documents Required to Reenter

In order to reenter the United States, you will need the following documents:

  • I‐20 or DS‐2019 with a valid travel signature Valid passport (valid for longer than six months into the future)
  • Valid F or J visa (be sure to use your F or J visa to enter and not another visa, such as a B tourist visa)
  • I‐901 SEVIS fee payment receipt (to print, visit (https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.htm) 
  • Highly Recommended: Proof of your attendance at Tulane University, such as your current class schedule, payment of fees, admission letter and/or scholarship letter. 

Important: Please check your I‐20 or DS‐2019 now to confirm that it is signed for travel. If not, please click the link below to request. 

Click here to request a travel signature! 

If you are unable to reenter the country due to the June Presidential Proclamation on Country Specific Entry Restrictions or due to issues renewing an expired visa, please reach out to your OISS advisor as soon as possible here.

Tips for Reentry 

Rules surrounding travel and entry into the United States continue to evolve and are subject to change on short notice depending on someone’s country of origin, immigration status, and reason for entry. Here are a few tips and reminders on reentry: 

  • We are aware that some of you might be worried about what your experience might be at the port of entry when interacting with a customs officer. We would like to remind you to be honest and courteous to the officer at the port of entry, and to have your documents ready when you’re asked for them. If you have any doubts, visit this page by the American Civil Liberties Union
  • Anyone entering the US is subject to search by CBP, including their electronic devices and social media. Please be mindful of what information is on your device and what may be displayed on your social media/public profile
  • Options for legal representation when entering the US are extremely limited. OISS will speak with CBP agents should they reach out to us with any questions, but may not be able to intervene further
  • We encourage you to contact a trusted friend, relative, or roommate immediately upon landing and then again once you have successfully passed through immigration. Leave a list of important contacts, such as an attorney, professor, or OISS, that they can reach out to on your behalf in case of any issue

Upon Your Return, Ensure You Maintain Your Status

Once you’ve reentered the United States, it is important to make sure you take the appropriate steps to maintain your status. Here are some key steps:

  • Check your I-94 when you reenter to make sure the CBP officer entered your status information correctly. If anything is incorrect, notify OISS immediately.
  • Be sure you enroll in enough credit hours. Immigration regulations require that:
    • Undergraduates must take a minimum of 12 credit hours
    • Graduate students must take a minimum of 9 credit hours (graduate students in dissertation or research, or working as TAs or RAs are exempt from these required credit hours but must have their status reflected in their academic record and register for the appropriate dissertation or research course) 
    • Only one online class per semester may count towards your full course load. You may take additional online classes above and beyond your full-time enrollment. 
  • If your physical address has changed from last semester (e.g. you have moved to a new apartment or a new residence hall), you must let OISS know so we can report the address change in SEVIS. Review our April announcement on renewed Address Reporting guidelines.
  • Do not work off-campus without prior authorization (CPT, OPT, or Academic Training). Speak with your OISS advisor if you have questions about work authorization. 
  • Contact OISS before making any major changes to your program, such as dropping below full-time status or changing programs.
  • Review our webpage here for further guidance on maintaining your F-1 status or your J-1 status.

If you have any questions about travel or returning to campus, you can reach out to your International Student Advisor and ask! You can find your advisor's email or make an appointment here. We wish you safe travels back to the United States, and we hope to see you on campus soon! 

- The OISS Team