International Graduate Student Services
Travel Abroad and Reentry

International students may leave the U.S. for a short time period (5 months or less) and reenter to continue their program if they hold the appropriate travel documents. These documents are:

• an unexpired I-20 / DS-2019 endorsed for travel
• a valid passport
• a visa to the country visited (unless it is one's home country or a third country where there is no visa requirement -- see the Department of State's web page for details)
• valid U.S. visa in passport to facilitate reentry

In addition, we recommend that you:

• Print a copy of your class ticket and university transcripts from Hokie SPA in case the Port of Entry officer wants to see that you currently are enrolled.
• If you are renting an apartment, and your name is on the lease agreement, you may also want to take a copy of the lease agreement. This shows that you have a place to live, and a legal obligation to fulfill the lease requirements.
• Be sure to take your funding documentation-assistantship agreement/ bank statements/ sponsor support letter--as proof of your ability to pay for your educational expenses.