Global Engagement > Student Resources > International Student & Scholar Services > Travel

Travel

​​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Students preparing to travel to the U.S. can download and print this letter​​ confirming that DePaul University is operating a hybrid model offering a mixture of in-person and online classes for academic year 2021-2022. ​

Preparing to Travel as an F-1 or J-1 Student Visa Holder 

  • The first rule to maintaining lawful immigration status is to ensure that your addresses and contact information are current in Campus Connection.  
  • Any changes to your address, telephone number or email address should be reported within 10 days of any change. 
  • Your updated information in Campus Connection will be sent to SEVIS by ISS. Always be sure that your information is up to date before you travel. 
  • Your addresses and contact information may be verified by CPB at the port of entry. Any discrepancies or outdated information could be considered a violation of your lawful status 
  • Please log into Campus Connection to make sure the following contact information is current: 
    • Home and mailing address in the Chicago area
    • Permanent address in your home country
    • Local phone number
    • E-mail address
    • Emergency contact information

Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry to the U.S. Please also note that it is your responsibility to maintain a valid passport throughout your stay in the U.S.  

  • Your F-1 or J-1 visa stamp must be valid on the date you enter the U.S. 
  • Check the expiration date of your visa
  • Check the number of entries allowed on your visa (Multiple, 1, 2 etc.) 
  • If you changed your status to F-1 or J-1 while in the U.S. and travel abroad you will need to apply for a new visa before re-entry to the U.S. 
  • Current, active or returning F-1 and J-1 students and scholars and F-2 and J-2 dependents need current travel signatures/endorsements from ISS prior to travel. Each travel endorsement is valid for one year. 
  • A travel signature/endorsement indicates that you are maintaining lawful F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 status at the time of signature. This is one of the items that CBP officers will use to establish your eligibility to re-enter the U.S.  Review the rules to maintaining lawful status before you travel. If you have any questions, please see your ISS advisor. 
  • Request your travel signature at least 3 business days prior to your planned departure. 
  • Request your travel signature by completing the ISS Travel Signature/Reprint form.
Be prepared to discuss your means of financial support, educational and immigration history when you arrive at U.S. ports of entry. The following documents help to establish your legitimate reason for re-entry to the U.S. More detailed information may be found at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. 
  • Receipt for payment of SEVIS I-901 fee. You can find and print your receipt at the DHS website.
  • Recently issued financial support documents. 
  • ISS letter confirming lawful F-1 or J-1 status (request one week before your trip).  See the ISS Document Requests page for instructions. 
  • DePaul University Student ID card. 
  • DePaul Transcript showing your course history. Official transcripts may be requested through DePaul Central Records. 

Please see your ISS Advisor prior to travel if: 

  • Your country of citizenship is included in Travel Ban 3.0 or Travel Ban 4.0
  • You will travel after applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). 
  • You will travel during your period of authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT).
  • Your F-1 or J-1 visa stamp will expire before you return to the U.S. 
  • You will be outside the U.S. for more than 5 months,  you are currently in violation of your F-1 or J-1 visa status, or your SEVIS record has been terminated by ISS.
  • Your travel includes/relates to a study abroad program.  
  • You are planning a brief trip to Canada, Mexico or certain islands in the Caribbean and have an expired F-1 or J-1 visa stamp.  You may be eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. More information may be found at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. 
Please verify that your I-94 admission record has been accurately updated with your most recent date of entry and your immigration status (F-1 or J-1 for D/S "duration of stay") by  U.S. Customs and Border Protection by logging into the CBP I-94 website. You may also print a copy of your most recent I-94 or travel history from the CBP site. Please see your ISS advisor if you observe an error or are unable to access your most recent I-94 record. 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented enhanced security procedures related to international travel carry-on items. There is no impact on domestic flights in the United States or flights departing the United States. Electronic devices will continue to be allowed on all flights originating from the United States. For a DHS fact sheet, please click HERE. 

International Student and Scholar Services (ISS) is open Monday-Friday, 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. 

 
ISS advisors are available for walk-in advising every Wednesday, 11:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. You can also make individual 30 minute appointments through BlueStar. ISS advisors will be able to provide you immigration and visa benefit advising and refer you to other university resources when needed. More information about ISS Advising services can be found here: go.depaul.edu/iss-advising

​2021 Government Updates​​

On April 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of State extended the National Interest Exceptions to include additional countries. The NIE list now includes China, Iran, Brazil, the U.K., Ireland, South Africa and the European Schengen area.  

Students with valid F-1 visas intending to begin or continue their academic program commencing August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual NIE to travel. They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic studies. Students seeking to apply for new F-1 visas and who are found to be otherwise qualified will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel after the issuance of the visa. Students on OPT/STEM who are attempting re-entry should consult with their ISS Advisor before planning travel. As circumstances continue to change rapidly, it is recommended that students refer directly to the U.S. Department of State website for up-to-date NIE information.

On January 20, 2021 President Biden signed a Proclamation revoking previously signed Executive Order 13780 and Proclamations 9645, 9723 and 9983, collectively referred to as the "travel ban." 

The revocation of these discriminatory bans will allow for the resumption of visa processing by embassies and consulates around the world which had previously been limited by the travel ban. 

Because of the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest travel information including travel restrictions. Please note that this information is subject to change between now and your scheduled travel date. 

As of January 26, 2021, all air passengers will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. For more information please visit the following CDC link:

CDC Expands Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement to All Air Passenters Entering the United States

Learn more about Chicago's Emergency Travel Order and the self-quarantine required upon your arrival to Chicago by visiting the following link: 

https://resources.depaul.edu/coronavirus/guidance/Pages/travel-considerations.aspx

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COVID-19​ and DePaul's phased return to campus

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