Important Immigration Forms and Documents

International students and scholars in the U.S. should be aware of the immigration regulations applicable to their stay in the United States and should be certain to keep all documents appropriately updated and valid. You should be familiar with the following documents:

Passport - a legal document issued by your country of citizenship. It must always be valid and can be renewed through your embassy or one of your consulates in the United States.

I-20 & DS-2019 – these are the forms issued by the institutions you plan to attend as a student or as a scholar that will enable you to secure a visa at the American Consulate or Embassy in your country. You will present these documents as you enter the country to maintain legal status as a student. A university official’s signature is required on these documents for travel outside the country to ensure a smooth return to the United States. These documents are regarded as the permanent record of your stay in our country and should be kept in a safe place to avoid loss.

U.S. Visa - a stamp in your visa issued by the American Consulate in your home country. The visa allows you to enter the United States as a non-immigrant student. Students will be issued either an F-1 or a J-1 visa. Scholars normally receive a J-1 visa.

F-1 and J-1 visas are issued based on Duration of Status (D/S) - Duration of Status means that as long as a student is studying in an academic program, the visa can expire but the student can remain legally in the United States. In other words, if the I-20 is valid, the visa can expire as long as the student does not plan to leave the United States. Students must obtain a new visa would need to be secured should the student leave the United States and then want to return.

I-94 Departure Card – a white card that you completed before passing the U.S. border officials upon entrance to the U.S. This card authorizes you to be in the U.S. as a student or scholar for Duration of Status (D/S) (see above). The I-94 should be stapled in your passport to prevent loss. This card will be surrendered to immigration officials when you travel outside the country and a new one will be issued upon your return to the U.S.