Hey Commuters!
Looks like we have reached the end of yet another eventful semester. I know many of you are knee-deep in preparing for finals and can't wait for the winter break to start already!
Speaking of the winter break I know some of the commuter students are international students and you plan to visit your home countries during the break. So here are few important things you might consider before you leave...
I-20:
~make sure your I-20 is not expired, and is signed for travel on the third page. The signature cannot be more than one year old, as of the day you will RETURN to the US (not leave). Please stop by the IES office if you need a new signature, or you would like us to check your SEVIS (immigration) record to make sure it is active and in good status.
Visa and Passport:
~check your visa and passport, make sure they are valid. If you will need to apply for a new visa, please let us know if you would like assistance with this process.
I-94 Entry record:
~be prepared to turn in your I-94 card with your airline when you leave the US, if you will have a paper card. Sometimes they forget -- make sure to gently remind them if this is the case.
If you have the newer electronic I-94 record, and not a paper card, you don't need to turn in anything when you leave. Your departure is recorded electronically.
~make sure your I-20 is not expired, and is signed for travel on the third page. The signature cannot be more than one year old, as of the day you will RETURN to the US (not leave). Please stop by the IES office if you need a new signature, or you would like us to check your SEVIS (immigration) record to make sure it is active and in good status.
Visa and Passport:
~check your visa and passport, make sure they are valid. If you will need to apply for a new visa, please let us know if you would like assistance with this process.
I-94 Entry record:
~be prepared to turn in your I-94 card with your airline when you leave the US, if you will have a paper card. Sometimes they forget -- make sure to gently remind them if this is the case.
If you have the newer electronic I-94 record, and not a paper card, you don't need to turn in anything when you leave. Your departure is recorded electronically.
For all students, when you return to the US, you will not receive a new paper I-94 card. Your I-94 entry record will be electronic. Please access your record AFTER returning to the US to make sure the information is accurate, here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/
Transcripts:
~consider taking a copy of your transcripts -- this is not required, but if you are at all nervous about traveling, this might help. You can use it to prove that you have been doing what your I-20 says you've been doing while in the US.
Entry Requirements for countries other than your own:
~double-check entry requirements for the country(ies) you are visiting other than your own if you are unfamiliar with them.
Transcripts:
~consider taking a copy of your transcripts -- this is not required, but if you are at all nervous about traveling, this might help. You can use it to prove that you have been doing what your I-20 says you've been doing while in the US.
Entry Requirements for countries other than your own:
~double-check entry requirements for the country(ies) you are visiting other than your own if you are unfamiliar with them.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact IES (International Education Services,224 Administration Bldg, ies@umbc.edu).
Good luck for the finals and have a wonderful winter break!
-Safa Zahangir
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