This page is about traveling while a current student at Chapman. If you are an incoming student planning your travel to Chapman, please use our Travel to the U.S. webpage.
This Travel Guide provides information for students on an F-1 visa who wish to travel within the United States or are re-entering the U.S. after traveling abroad.
Please contact International Student Services if you have any questions prior to leaving the country.
Travel Within the United States
As an international student, you are allowed to travel within the U.S. When flying domestically, you must present a Real California ID or your passport (must be valid at least six months after the date you are traveling). We also recommend you travel with your I-20 Form.
International Traveling and Re-entering the U.S.
Before leaving the U.S., make sure you have:
- A valid travel endorsement signature on page 2 of your I-20 form.
- The travel endorsement is valid for one year from the date it was signed.
- Need a travel endorsement? Submit your International Travel Request here.
- A valid passport.
- Be sure your passport is not expired and will be valid at least six months after the date you plan to re-enter the U.S.
- Valid F-1 visa.
- The visa in your passport must be valid on the date you plan to re-enter the U.S. (except Canadian citizens).
- Visas for other countries.
- You may need a visitor’s visa to travel to other countries. Go to www.embassy.org for a listing of foreign consulates in the U.S. to see if you might need a visa for the country to which you are traveling.
Use Your Most Updated I-20
Always use the most recently issued I-20 form. Students with "transfer pending" or “initial” listed on their I-20 can request an updated I-20 form stating "continued attendance" from the ISS office.
Renewing your Visa While Abroad
If you do not have a valid visa to re-enter the U.S., you must renew your visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy before re-entering the United States. Check the website of the U.S. consulate you will visit to see what documents, including forms and photos, you will need to present.
If your visa has expired, but you are not leaving the U.S., it is legal to remain in the U.S. as long as you are maintaining your F1 status.