Traveling Within U.S. Territories
Visiting Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or the Northern Mariana Islands: no valid visa is needed. You will need to bring your Form I-20 and an unexpired Form I-94, passport and visa. For information pertaining to traveling outside of the U.S., please select the most appropriate category below.
I-515A Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor
When you arrive in the U.S. and do not have all your required travel documents or signature, a CBP officer at the Port of Entry may issue you a Form I-515A, “Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor.” The Form I-515A, you are only granted your nonimmigrant student status (F-1 or J-1) in the United States for 30 days in order to resolve the issue discovered when you entered the United States. Please contact ISSO immediately if you receive the Form I-515A.
Once you correct any problems and submit the correct and required paperwork, SEVP will update your status in the Form I-94. This record update shows your lawful admission into the United States for the duration of your student status and will help you avoid potential issues when applying for benefits, such as a driver’s license or future employment authorization.
