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Travel
Reminder for Students and Exchange Visitors
Posted
Oct 12, 2007
©MurthyDotCom
The International Students and
Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has issued a reminder to students and
exchange visitors who intend to travel outside of the United States. The
reminder is meant to minimize waiting times at the Ports of Entry (POEs),
and to reduce the need for the issuance of Form I-515A (Notice to Student of
Exchange Visitor). Form I-515A is issued to students and exchange
visitors attempting to enter the U.S. in F-1, M-1, or J-1 status when s/he
forgets the necessary travel paperwork or travels with unsigned or outdated
travel documents. The form allows for lawful admission to the United States
for a period of 30 days, during which time the student must remit
appropriate documentation.
The creation of this form was reported to MurthyDotCom and
MurthyBulletin readers in our August 22, 2003 article,
SEVIS: New Form for
Students / Exchange Visitors.
©MurthyDotCom
According to SEVP, last year there was a 30 percent increase in the number
of I-515A forms issued. In addition to the delays created at the POE, this
process also entails a 30-to-90-day wait for the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security to update the student's record. It would be better for everyone
involved - the student / exchange visitor, the school, and the U.S.
government - for F-1, M-1, and J-1 foreign nationals to travel with
appropriate documents, as described below, to reduce the need for I-515A
issuance.
©MurthyDotCom
Proper Travel Forms
©MurthyDotCom
A student in F-1 or M-1 status, coming to the U.S. to begin or resume
his/her studies, must carry the following documents:
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valid passport
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valid F-1 or M-1
visa
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current Form I-20,
endorsed by the Designated School Official for travel
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Form I-901 fee
payment receipt
An exchange visitor in J-1
status must present the following travel documents:
In addition, SEVP
suggests that students in F-1, M-1, and J-1 status should prepare their own
affidavits, verifying the status of their travel documents.
©MurthyDotCom
Conclusion
©MurthyDotCom
While these requirements are not new, many routinely forget to obtain proper
documentation that would allow them to travel safely to the United States.
While these individuals are fortunate that the I-515A procedure is in place,
so that they can gain temporary admission to the U.S., it would be best to
avoid this process altogether. Those who are subject to these requirements should plan
in advance and obtain proper documentation well before travel.
In case of emergency, they should request the documentation immediately and
make all efforts to have this in hand when seeking to reenter the United
States. |
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