International Travel
The Winter Term is almost over, and the International Center hopes you will enjoy the summer! Since you may have planned either international or domestic travel during the Spring and Summer Terms, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
We’d also like to let you know that a Country-Specific Restrictions Quick Reference Tool is now available. Over the past year, the U.S. government has put a number of restrictions in place. You can use the tool to identify which restrictions apply to a particular country, including the travel ban, the USCIS Pause, the 75 Country IV Pause, F, J, and H Visa Limits, and B Visa Bond requirements.
Required Re-Entry Documents
If you plan to leave and re-enter the U.S., be sure you have all the re-entry documents listed at Re-entry to the U.S.
If you need assistance outside of the International Center’s normal business hours (for example, you are being detained at the border), contact the University of Michigan Police Department at 734-763-1131.
U-M students, staff, and current faculty traveling abroad are encouraged to register their travel.
Travel signatures
- A travel signature is valid for one year, or up to the I-20/DS-2019 end date, whichever is sooner. Important exception: During OPT, the travel signature needed to re-enter the United States should be no older than six months from the date of re-entry. Travel signatures are valid for multiple trips during their validity period.
- If you need a new travel signature, use the travel signature request in M-Passport. If you request a new travel signature, remember that you do not need to download your signed I-20 or DS-2019 before you leave, but you must download, print and sign/date it before you re-enter the U.S.
- Please keep your printed document with you when you re-enter the U.S., not in checked luggage. Allow for 1-2 weeks processing time for all requests made in M-Passport, including travel signatures.
If you need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the U.S.
- The Department of State now advises nonimmigrant applicants to schedule their visa appointment at a consular post in their country of citizenship or residence.
- Since visa interview waivers are generally not available, you will need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.
- It also may be helpful to review the International Center Video: Preparing for the F/J visa interview, in particular since expanded social media screening is now part of the visa application process. Remember that F and J visa applicants are instructed to make their social media accounts “public.”
- Expect slower visa processing times due to more extensive security measures such as social media screening.
- Unpredictability at U.S. consulates and in the conditions of host countries is always a risk with travel abroad and may delay visa applications and/or reentry to the United States.
Other travel scenarios and considerations
If you are taking a cruise, the cruise officials may want to see your printed and signed I-20/DS-2019 BEFORE you board. Make sure you have the documents needed to re-enter the U.S. before, during, and after your cruise.
There are some country-specific travel restrictions (travel bans) currently in effect. Presidential Proclamation Imposes New Travel Restrictions has information about impacted countries. If you are from one of these countries, please consult with an International Center advisor before planning any international travel. Even if you qualify for one of the exceptions to the suspension of entry, we generally would not recommend international travel at this time.
Seek advice from the International Center before travel if you have ever had or been charged with a civil or criminal violation, even if the incident did not result in an arrest or conviction (including relatively minor infractions, such as traffic violations). Enrolled students can also consult Student Legal Services for a referral to an immigration attorney.
Students applying for OPT may want to postpone international travel while their OPT application is pending, until they have received their EAD card. If you receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) while you are outside the U.S., you may have difficulty in responding to it, and you might miss a biometrics appointment if one is assigned to you while you are out of the country.
Domestic Travel
- In the Ann Arbor area: You should always have your most recent I-94 record readily available. By law, foreign nationals 18 years and older are required to carry proof of their immigration status ("registration") with them. Your Most Recent I-94 serves as this registration. Either save a screenshot of your Most Recent I-94 (not the I-94 travel history) on your phone or carry a printout.
- When traveling outside of Washtenaw County (or any distance from Ann Arbor), you should bring the following original documents on your trip:
- Passport
- I-20 or DS-2019 (printed and signed/dated)
- Printout of your electronic Most Recent Form I-94. Your I-94 is your “registration document” which by regulation you should always have with you. With increased security precautions, particularly at airports, you should ensure you are in compliance.
During the Spring and Summer Terms, the International Center will be open during our normal business hours. If you need assistance when the office is closed, (for example, you are being detained at the border), contact the University of Michigan Police Department at 734-763-1131.
Last Updated: 05/22/2026