Important Travel Information for Syracuse University International Students

Dear International Student,

As the end of the fall semester approaches, many of you may be preparing to leave campus and the U.S. for winter break. I recognize that travel has become a significant source of concern for many of our international students.

I encourage you to approach your preparations carefully and take advantage of the resources available to you through the University. Please review the below information carefully and save it for future reference. Should you wish to discuss any concern about anticipated travel, I encourage you to contact international@syr.edu directly.

Updated Visa Policy From the State Department

Effective Dec. 15, applicants for the following visa categories must make their social media profiles public to facilitate an “online presence review” during the vetting process:

• F and J student and exchange visitor visas

As part of new security measures, consular officers will review visa applicants’ social media activity during routine processing. All online content may be considered when determining eligibility. Applicants should review their privacy settings and be mindful of their social media presence, including posts, likes and subscriptions, before applying or renewing a visa.

Domestic Travel

If you plan to travel within the U.S. during the winter break, be sure you always carry the necessary immigration documents with you listed below:

• Your passport
• Your paper I-20 or DS-2019 (depending on your visa type) and
• A printout of your I-94 Arrival Record.

You should always have physical copies of these documents on you. Although documents stored electronically on your devices are accepted, physical copies are often required.

International Travel

Before leaving the U.S., I recommend you take the following action to ensure your travel plans are aligned with federal guidelines and your documentation is in order:

• Review Travel Bans, Restrictions and State Department Guidance: Given the dynamic nature of international travel, consult travel bans, restrictions and State Department advisories to confirm your destination aligns with current recommendations and regulations.
• Prepare Your Travel Documents: If you plan to travel outside the U.S. with the intent to return, you must have the following documents:
  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return to the U.S.
  • A valid F-1 or J-1 visa
  • Your I-20 or Syracuse University-issued DS-2019, signed for travel within the past 12 months (if your DS-2019 is issued by another program sponsor, please contact them for a travel signature and guidance). You can obtain a travel signature through the following options:
    • Drop-In Advising Hours: Visit the Center for International Services, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • ISSS Portal: Request a travel signature through the ISSS Portal in MySlice > Student Requests and select the “Travel Signature” icon.
• Carry Additional Documentation: In addition to the above required documents, we highly recommend that you also carry:
  • Documentation of your student status (e.g., transcript, Enrollment Verification certificate, class schedule from MySlice, etc.)
  • Proof of financial support (e.g., assistantship letter, bank statements, financial sponsor letter, etc.)
  • Your Syracuse University Health Insurance card or proof of other health insurance coverage
  • Your Syracuse University student ID card

Upon your return to the U.S., please review your I-94 Arrival Record to confirm that you’ve been readmitted in F-1 or J-1 status with D/S (Duration of Status). Be sure to print and carry a copy of the I-94 as evidence of your status. If you encounter issues accessing your I-94 or notice any errors, please contact the Center for International Services for assistance.

Individual Concerns

Some individual circumstances (e.g., visa renewal needs, potential travel restrictions based on your country of citizenship or approaching program completion) may require more specific guidance. If you are unsure about your situation, please contact (international@syr.edu) directly to discuss your specific needs.

It is essential to stay informed about potential changes to U.S. travel policies, but please ensure you are sourcing information from reliable channels. If you have concerns or questions regarding your travel plans, email or visit the Center for International Services during Drop-in Advising Hours (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to discuss your personal circumstances.

Sincerely,

Dawn Singleton
Vice President for the Student Experience