Travel Outside the U.S. for Enrolled Students

Students should be prepared with their documents when re-entering the U.S. and be prepared to answer questions from a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Each student must evaluate their own comfort with traveling outside the U.S. and should take into consideration time to renew a visa (if needed), reason for travel, or possible challenges at the port of entry. Students need to be prepared with their documents and be able to answer questions from the CBP officer at the port of entry. If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact iso@lsu.edu.

Documents

These are the documents students should carry for re-entry:

1. Passport that is valid 6 months into the future
2. An F-1 or J-1 visa that is valid on the date of re-entry to the U.S.
3. A printed I-20 (F-1 students) or printed DS-2019 (J-1 students) that has been signed for travel
4. Most recent I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/)
5. Class schedule for current and/or next semester

Interacting with Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The permission to re-enter the U.S. is determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Be sure to provide the officer with the documentation that they request and answer questions concisely. CBP officers may ask students questions about their studies, why students chose LSU, etc.

CBP officers are able to search electronic devices. For additional information, see the links below.

• Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry
• Electronic Device Searches at U.S. Ports of Entry: What You Need to Know

After Re-Entry in the U.S.

After students re-enter the U.S., they should print their I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home) with their most recent entry information. If the information is inaccurate, be sure to let ISS know (iso@lsu.edu) so we can advise you on getting the I-94 updated. Students must keep a paper copy with the most recent I-94 with them as it shows their status in the U.S.