Destination

Required Documents

Optional Documents

Travel outside the United States *

– Passport (should be valid for at least six months into the future)
– J, F or H visa stamp in passport should be valid for travel and return into US
– Original immigration documents including your SEVIS** I-20 (for F visa holders) or your SEVIS DS-2019 (for J visa holders), signed for authorized travel 
– Employment Authorization Document if you are an F-1 student, approved for OPT;
– An original I-797A Form (Approval Notice) and Letter from your Employer, confirming your current employment, if you are an H-1 visa holder;
– I-94 Form in your passport

– Original letters of invitation or contracts and a current letter of good standing from your sponsor if you are J-visa holder 

– Financial certification documents

Travel inside the U.S.

As a precautionary measure, you should carry all the required documents mentioned above if you are traveling within the United States as well. There are Immigration Inspection Stations along the highway in the US states that border on Mexico. Your documents will be requested at these stations. The immigration law requires individuals over the age of 18 to carry their “registration” documents with them at all times.  The “registration” document for F, J or H-visa holders is the I-94 Arrival-Departure Record.  Other “registration” documents include permanent or temporary resident cards and Employment Authorization cards, if you have those.  You should carry your UTSA identification card with you as well.