Documents to Carry

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F-1 International Students: Documents to Carry

It is imperative that you carry the required documentation with you at all times. Please read the additional information about travel as well.

Inside the United States: When on campus, out locally, and traveling inside the U.S.

All foreign nationals, including international students over the age of 18 years old, must always have in their possession U.S. government-issued evidence of their immigration status, according to the long-standing Immigration and Nationality Act (INA § 264(e) - Documentation of Immigration Status). This statute applies to all non-U.S. citizens no matter where they are within the United States.

REQUIRED: When on campus, out locally, and traveling inside the United States, you are required to carry:

Your most recent I-94:
- Nonimmigrants in valid status are required to carry "evidence of [immigration] registration" (Form I-94) at all times.
  - Get your most recent I-94 here. (Click on "Get Most Recent I-94" and then print a hard copy).
  - The document must show your most recent entry into the U.S.
  - Please note - Change of Status: if you filed a Change of Status after your most recent arrival to the US, you will receive a new I-94 when you receive Approval of your Change of Status (Form I-797A) . In this case, please use the I-94 attached to the I-797A and DO NOT use any documentation that might show up using the link above.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: When on campus, out locally, and traveling inside the United States, we strongly recommend you also carry or have access to:

Valid passport: Image/copy should be valid for 6 months into the future
Most Recent I-20: Image/copy must be signed by you on p.1 to be valid
Students on Post-Completion or STEM OPT:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
- Proof of employment (such a contract or letter from their current or prospective employer)

See also: Information about travel

Outside the United States: For re-entry when traveling outside the U.S.

REQUIRED

Valid passport (with at least 6 months future validity). If your passport is nearing its expiration date, be sure to plan in advance to meet this requirement by contacting your country’s embassy about wait times to get a new passport.
Valid F-1 Visa
I-20 document: Printed hard copy of most recent I-20 document with a valid travel signature
- MUST be signed by the student on bottom of p.1 in order for it to be valid
- MUST be the most recently issued I-20 (if you use an old I-20, you can be denied entry)
Students on Post-Completion or STEM OPT must also carry:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
- Proof of employment (such a contract or recent letter from your current or prospective employer; you may also consider bringing 3 recent pay stubs)
- Travel signature not more than 6 months old on most recent I-20

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED:

Previously issued I-20 documents (in case they ask to see them)
SEVIS fee receipt (showing your paid SEVIS fee)
Proof of financial support (varies by student but may include personal or family bank statements, copies of your scholarship letter, or a copy of your Declaration of Finance form)
Proof of current student enrollment (unless you are on Post-Completion or STEM OPT):
- Enrollment Verification can be obtained from the MassArt Registrar: email registrar@massart.edu and include name, Student ID, and where you need the verification sent

See also: Information about travel

Documents to Carry

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F-1 International Students: Documents to Carry

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