Travel

Important Reminders for Our International Students in Advance of Spring Break

March 06, 2026

Dear International Students,
 
As the travel season approaches, we are writing with important information.
 
If you are traveling internationally, you must carry the following documents when returning to the U.S.:

  1. Unexpired passport valid until at least 6 months into the future.
  2. Unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa (Canadians are exempt from this visa requirement). Learn how to renew your visa, if needed, and check visa appointment wait times, if applicable.
  3. Unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 with valid travel signature. The signature (on page 2 of the I-20 or page 1 of the DS-2019) must be less than 12 months old on the date you return. Learn how to get a travel signature, if needed.

Students: If this is your final semester and you have already applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or you will soon be applying for OPT, please refer to our page on Travel During F-1 OPT. If Spring 2026 is your final term of registration, please also note that May 20, 2026 is your effective I-20/DS-2019 program end date. You must return to the U.S. from international travel on or before this date if you plan to utilize your grace period and/or apply for F-1 OPT or J-1 Academic Training (AT). You will not be able to return to the U.S. after May 20, 2026 in F-1 or J-1 status if you will not be registered in the Summer 2026 or Fall 2026 terms.
 
For Columbia-related travel: A reminder that all Columbia-related international travel must comply with the International Travel Planning Policy, including trip registration in ISOS MyTrips. Please visit globaltravel.columbia.edu to also review important information related to travel advisories.
 
Even when not traveling, please remember that it is a best practice to always carry a copy of your travel documents with you. These copies can be printed, or saved on your phone, but you should always have a copy of the following documents that you can easily access:

  • A copy of the identification page of your passport.
  • Your most recent I-94 admission record.
  • Your unexpired Form I-20 or DS-2019 (with a valid travel signature, if you are planning to travel).
  • Your Columbia ID.

As a reminder, keep your original immigration documents, including your passport, in a safe place unless traveling. 

We will continue to closely monitor immigration policy and share relevant updates as they become available. We urge our international students to stay up to date on guidance via the ISSO website. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions at [email protected]. Although classes will not be in session, ISSO and other university offices will be open.
 

Travel Tips

  • Always carry copies of your travel documents. Carry digital or printed copies of your documents at all times, including when travelling domestically.
  • Make flexible travel plans. Consider purchasing travel insurance or flexible fares when booking travel so that you can change your itinerary if needed.
  • Plan in advance. To prepare for any processing delays, submit visa applications as early as possible and plan well in advance for any visa changes.
  • Have a backup plan. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan in place in case delays or new policies impact your ability to travel as planned.
  • Be mindful with domestic trips. Use caution when travelling domestically, particularly in locations that are near the U.S.’s Canadian or Mexican borders.
  • Rely only on official information. Make decisions based only on credible sources such as the U.S. State Department or ISSO websites. Avoid relying on speculative guidance found on social media.
  • Seek guidance. Reach out to an ISSO adviser if you have questions or concerns.

 

Warm regards,

International Students and Scholars Office