According to a report from the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, over 1.1 million international students studied in the U.S. during the 2023–24 academic year. Two of the top five host institutions — New York University and Columbia University — were based in New York City.
As the school year comes to a close, and as the Trump administration continues its efforts to deport hundreds of visa-holding students, we’ve teamed up with Immigrant ARC (I-ARC) to put together a guide to help you prepare for international travel.
I’m an international student studying in the U.S. What documents do I need to travel outside the country?
When traveling, it’s essential to carry clear documentation that proves your student visa status. Keep all relevant documents together in a clearly organized folder, and make sure to carry them in your hand luggage—do not put these documents in your checked bags—so you’re ready to present them at any moment:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- F-1 or J-1 Visa Stamp (unexpired)
- Form I-20 (with travel signature, signed in the last 12 months, or 6 months if you are on OPT (optional practical training)
- SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) I-901 Fee Receipt
- School Enrollment Letter / Transcript
- Financial Documents
- I-94 Record (Immigration officers update this record automatically)
- EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card and Job Letter (if applicable)
- DSO (Designated School Official) contact information, and your attorney’s contact information, if applicable, in case you need to speak with them at any point during your travels
What can I do to prepare ahead of my trip?
- Review your travel packet (including all visa-related documents listed above) to make sure you have all required documents.
- Practice explaining your immigration status in your own words. Knowing what you want to say and how you want to say it can help you stay calm and collected.
- Before traveling, speak with your Designated School Official (DSO) and your attorney, if you have one. In the event that you need their help or guidance during your travels, they will already be up to speed on your travel plans.
- Double-check that your I-20 form has a valid travel signature.
- Check your SEVIS status. If your status has been terminated or if you are currently waiting for reinstatement, you should avoid travel. (Learn more about visa revocations and SEVIS terminations.)
- Save digital copies of all documents (in multiple places) in case you lose the originals.
- Share your travel itinerary with someone you trust so they can monitor your arrival and be aware of any delays.
For more resources, you can visit: immigranthelpny.org
Immigration News, Curated
Sign up to get our curation of news, insights on
big stories, job announcements, and events happening in immigration.
When I return to the U.S., what questions might immigration officers ask me?
It is customary for U.S. border officials to ask all travelers about their citizenship and purpose of travel. Their goal is to verify that your visa is valid, that you have a legitimate reason for entering the country and that you are not barred from re-entry.
Common questions may include:
- Why are you returning to the U.S.?
- Where will you be staying?
- What is your visa type?
- Have you ever been denied entry to the U.S.?
- Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
- What is your occupation?
- What ties do you have to your home country?
As a recommendation, we suggest that you answer honestly. Misrepresenting information, even by omission, can be a big deal and result in denial of entry into the United States.
Can immigration officers search my phone?
Yes. Immigration officers are allowed to review the contents of your electronic devices during the visa application process, during entry into the U.S., and/or during other steps in the immigration process. They can also look through publicly available information about you.
To prepare:
- Do not voluntarily hand over your phone.
- Disable Face ID or Touch ID so your phone can’t be unlocked without consent.
- Delete any apps not essential for travel.
- Clear your Recently Deleted folder on your phone.
Note: Be mindful of your online presence. Immigration officers have the right to search anyone’s phone, and while you are not required to share your social media handles or your political views, officers may see your publicly available content and ask you about it.
What information can I lawfully refuse to share?
You can lawfully refuse certain requests, but be aware of the possible consequences. For instance, you can refuse to provide passwords to unlock your phone/computer. However, immigration officers may still confiscate your device(s) or delay your entry. If they take your device, ask for a receipt and the contact information of the officer.
Learn more: ACLU guide on digital privacy and border searches.
Do I have the right to remain silent?
Yes. You can refuse to answer questions about your politics or ideology by saying: “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with an attorney.” However, immigration officers can still make decisions based on the information they already have, so refusing to speak entirely may not always help.
Do I have the right to a lawyer?
Not exactly. If you are held for additional questioning — known as secondary inspection — you may ask to call your DSO or attorney. Your attorney can also call in to help, though it’s important to know that immigration is not required to answer the phone.
Is additional questioning considered detention?
No. If you’re taken to another area at the airport for more questions (secondary inspection), that is not considered ‘detention’. However, officers may still temporarily take your phone (they must give you a receipt) and ask detailed questions about your travel and visa.
Important: The information presented here is for educational purposes. This resource does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific advice and information, we recommend that you consult a qualified immigration lawyer or accredited representative before you make travel plans. For additional support and resources, visit: immigranthelpny.org
Thank you to Immigrant ARC for the contribution to this resource guide. To learn more about the important work that Immigrant ARC does, check out their website.
