WARNING: The following information assumes you:

1. have maintained your legal full-time student status in the U.S. AND
2. will be returning to resume studies at the school and for the degree for which your I-20 was issued OR have applied for and received your EAD card for post-completion Optional Practical Training.

If you do not meet these conditions, you should check with our office before traveling to determine if you are eligible for reentry to the U.S. and/or if you need a new I-20 for a legal admission.

Documents for travel & reentry to the U.S. to resume studies:

• Valid F-1 visa.
• Valid passport.
• Form I-20 for the University of Houston endorsed by an International Student Counselor for reentry. If you have had an absence of more than 5 months outside the U.S. you will need to reenter using an I-20 designated "initial attendance." In this case, your immigration "time clock" begins again as if you were entering the U.S. for the first time. No off-campus employment will be allowed until you re-accumulate the required nine months of being in full-time student status.
• Proof of financial support may be required.

Documents for travel & reentry to the U.S. to resume Optional Practical Training:

• Valid visa.
• Valid passport.
• Form I-20 for the University of Houston endorsed by an International Student Counselor for reentry to resume Optional Practical Training.
• Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
• Proof of employment may be required.

Documents needed for reentry from Mexico, Canada & Adjacent islands in the Caribbean:

When traveling to Mexico or Canada or adjacent islands in the Caribbean (except Cuba) on trips of 30 days or less, you MAY not need a valid U.S. visa for reentry to the United States. For information required for travel and reentry under this category, please see Reentry from Mexico & Canada

Documents for travel inside the U.S.

Generally speaking, you do not need your immigration documents when you travel inside the U.S. To be prepared for the unusual possibility of an immigration check by U.S. officials, we recommend that you always carry photocopies of your passport (photo, signature, and expiration date pages), your I-94 card, and I-20 in your wallet or purse.