Studying Abroad as an F-1 Student

Yes, it is possible for international students to participate in Tulane-affiliated study abroad programs while on active nonimmigrant student visa status. For more information, we recommend reaching out to the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) or related offices within your academic department if available (i.e. Freeman Abroad).

In addition to working with your assigned study abroad advisor, it is important to contact your OISS advisor about your plans to study abroad to make sure you avoid complications with your visa status and related benefits such as CPT and OPT.

Yes, there are differences that can carry significant impacts to a student’s overall immigration status.

If choosing a Tulane-sponsored study abroad program during Fall or Spring, you can remain in active nonimmigrant visa status based on your continued full-time enrollment in credits at Tulane.

If choosing a leave of absence study abroad program, you would need to temporarily end your visa status and work with OISS to receive a new immigration document before you can be considered eligible for re-entry to the U.S. Also, please be aware that there are additional costs tied to receiving a new document and SEVIS ID, and access to authorized off-campus work benefits could be delayed up to one academic year following your return to studies at Tulane.

Summer study abroad options are somewhat flexible due to summer semester being considered an annual vacation term for students on nonimmigrant visa status. However, you should still speak with your OISS advisor beforehand to discuss what might be needed upon your return to the U.S.

Successfully maintaining status means that you are enrolled in enough credits at Tulane to be considered full-time per your chosen degree level and program. However, if planning to study abroad in your final semester, please speak with your OISS advisor about how this may affect your visa status options after graduation.

Currently, you have the flexibility to study abroad for more than five months without applying for a new initial I-20 if you are otherwise maintaining your nonimmigrant visa status with full-time enrollment at Tulane. However, please note that this is guidance from the U.S. regulatory authorities and it may be subject to change in the future.

Please contact your assigned study abroad advisor and/or the immigration authority in your desired study abroad region for further details. As a reminder, OISS is only authorized to give guidance related to your nonimmigrant visa status in the U.S. 

You need the following documents to return:

• Passport with an expiration date no less than 6 months into the future
• Valid F-1/J-1 visa stamp
  • If you visa expires before or during your study abroad program, you will need to apply for renewal. Please see OISS website for more information on visa renewal options and be careful when making travel plans based on your actual renewal timeline. 
• I-20 document with valid travel signature
  • Travel signatures expire after a period of 12 months. If your I-20 is missing a signature or includes a signature that is more than 12 months old, please submit a new document request to OISS at least two weeks before traveling to avoid complications at the border.
  • If returning from a leave of absence study abroad program, you will need to show your new initial I-20 and proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment. 
• Other documentation related to your studies at Tulane (strongly recommended): 
  • Proof of enrollment for upcoming semester 
  • Proof of financial availability for one full academic year

Review our full travel page for more information.