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Immigration News and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

International Affairs

The World at UCR

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Travel

Traveling For International Students

Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, United States. It is part of the Greater Los Angeles area. It is located approximately 60 miles (97 km) east of Los Angeles. Named for our location beside the Santa Ana River, we are one of the largest cities in Inland Southern California.

Due to both our size and location, we have all the amenities of a larger city with convenient access to camping and hiking as well. We have two international airports within driving distance, the smaller, but closer, Ontario International Airport, and our primary flight hub, Los Angeles International Airport.

We say, “Riverside is where the desert meets the mountains.” We are close to hiking trails, nature preserves, and national parks where you can enjoy year-round warm weather, abundant sunshine, and natural beauty. You can also go skiing after a short drive into the mountains.
  • Traveling Within the U.S

    Even when traveling within the U.S. we recommend that you carry valid travel documents with you during your travels. You may be asked to present immigration and travel documents at airports, train stations, and at border checkpoints including the US- Mexico and US- Canada border to verify your immigration status.

  • Recommended Travel Documents (even within the U.S.)
    • Valid Passport (at least 6 months)
    •  Valid F-1 Visa stamp (except for students from Canada)
    • Form I-20

    For detailed information regarding traveling,

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Travel FAQs

  • Traveling Outside the U.S

    If you plan on traveling internationally while at UCR, be sure to plan ahead. To enter into new
    countries or to re-enter the US, you will be required to show specific documents. Please carry
    original documents with you.

    For detailed information regarding traveling,

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Travel FAQs

    Required Documents for re-entry to the U.S

    • Valid Passport (at least 6 months)
    •  Valid F-1 Visa stamp (except for students from Canada)
    • Form I-20 with valid travel signature from the ISS office (The signature is valid for 12 months; however, we highly recommend that you obtain a signature every 6 months)
    •  Supporting Documents:
      • Financial Support documents
      • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
      • UCR Acceptance Letter (for new students)
      • UCR transcript or proof of course enrollment (for current students)

     

  • Required Documents for re-entry to the U.S
    • Valid Passport (at least 6 months)
    • Valid F-1 Visa stamp (except for students from Canada)
    • Form I-20 with valid travel signature from the ISS office (The signature is valid for 12 months; however, we highly recommend that you obtain a signature every 6 months)
    •  Supporting Documents:
      • Financial Support documents
      • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
      • UCR Acceptance Letter (for new students)
      • UCR transcript or proof of course enrollment (for current students)

     

    For OPT/STEM OPT Students:
    • Valid F-1 Visa stamp (except for students from Canada)
    • Form I-20 with valid travel signature from the ISS office (Signature is valid for six months while on OPT)
    • Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
    • Employment offer letter or proof of employment

    Note: Traveling internationally while your OPT application is pending is not recommended.
    Please contact the ISS office to speak with an International Student Advisor.

  • Requesting a Travel Signature
  • After you return to the United States

    Please visit the I-94 Website upon your return to print out and review the information on your updated I-94 card.

  • Special Cases [Automatic Revalidation/Secondary Inspection/Additional Questioning]

    Automatic Revalidation

    F and J student travelling to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island (expect Cuba) for 30 days or less may be eligible to renter the U.S. with a valid I-94 and expired via. Please review the Automatic Revalidation information from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or speak with an ISS advisor for further information.

    Secondary Inspection/Additional Questioning

    If a CBP officer cannot verify your documents or have additional questions, you may be asked to go to an area called secondary inspection. At secondary inspection, you will be asked additional questions to verify your immigration status or other information.

  • Travel Tips
    • Learn about your rights - ACLU, Know your Rights
    • Prepare for questions/searches on Electronic Devices & Social Media - CBP officers may conduct searches on your electronic devices or ask you questions regarding your social media accounts.To learn more, please refer to ACLU’s article.

     

    For Detailed Information Regarding to Traveling

    https://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel

     

    Emergency Contact Information

    Emergency contact information for ISS office: