[Intl-stu] Traveling over the break

[International Students]

If you are traveling outside the U.S. during the semester break please
remember the following about your immigration documents:

*        Your I-20 must have a travel signature on the last page of the
I-20 signed/dated within 12 months of the date you plan to re-enter the
U.S.  A signature is not required each time you depart and is valid for
12 months beyond the date of the signature.  An email will be sent soon
on how to request a signature. 

*        If your visa has expired then you will need to renew your visa
before you may re-enter the U.S.  For more information visit the
Department of State website
<http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html>  or
Immigration and Customs Enforcement website
<http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f2.htm> .   

*        Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from
the date you re-enter the U.S.

*        Your I-94 must be turned in at your point of departure
(ex...airport) and you will be issued a new I-94 when you re-enter the
U.S.  If you fail to turn in your IO-94 before you depart the U.S.
please contact the ISSO.  

*        The Department of State website recommends F-1 students be
prepared to provide proof of financial support (bank and sponsor
statement) and an unofficial transcript.  

 

Please note that some academic departments are no longer granting
permission for international students to arrive after the start of the
semester and miss class(s).  If you plan to arrive after the start of
the spring semester (January 17) and will miss class(s) then you need to
discuss your late arrival with your instructor(s) and request a letter
granting permission for the late arrival.  For a sample letter click 
here <http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/international/forms.asp> .  If you
chose to arrive after the start of the spring semester without
permission you're your instructors this may result in academic penalties
which may jeopardize your visa status.    

 

Also, there has been an increase in phone calls from the port of entries
around the U.S. attempting to confirm the status of A&M students
arriving late for the semester.  In some cases the student(s) have been
detained by port of entry officials until their status can be confirmed.
The ISSO strongly recommends that students arrive back in Commerce prior
to the start of the spring 2011 semester to avoid any difficulties with
their courses and with port of entry.    

 

John Mark Jones, Director

International Student Services

Texas A&M University-Commerce

PO Box 3011

Commerce TX 75429

(P) 903-886-5097

(F) 903-468-3200

 

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