F-1 students in the United States who wish to travel abroad may need to apply for a travel document, known as a Form I-131. This document allows F-1 students to re-enter the United States after temporarily travel outside the country. In this article, we will explore the process of applying for a travel document as an F-1 student in the United States.
What is a Travel Document?
A travel document is a government-issued document that allows individuals to travel internationally. In the United States, F-1 students who wish to travel outside of the country and then return to continue their studies may need to apply for a travel document. This document is known as Form I-131, or Application for Travel Document.
Form I-131 is used to apply for two types of travel documents: a Re-entry Permit or a Refugee Travel Document. F-1 students typically apply for a Re-entry Permit, which allows them to return to the United States without a visa after temporary travel abroad. The Re-entry Permit is valid for up to two years.
Why Do F-1 Students Need a Travel Document?
F-1 students in the United States are generally allowed to travel outside of the country and then return to continue their studies. However, if an F-1 student leaves the United States without a Re-entry Permit, they may need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the country. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
By applying for a Re-entry Permit, F-1 students can avoid the need for a new visa when they return to the United States. The Re-entry Permit serves as proof that the F-1 student is allowed to enter the country without a visa.
How to Apply for a Travel Document as an F-1 Student
F-1 students who wish to apply for a travel document must complete Form I-131 and submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application can be submitted online or by mail.
When completing the Form I-131, F-1 students must provide information about their current immigration status, their travel plans, and their reasons for needing a Re-entry Permit. They must also provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
Along with Form I-131, F-1 students must provide supporting documents, such as a copy of their passport and their Form I-20, which proves their status as an F-1 student. They must also provide evidence of their travel plans, such as a copy of their airline ticket or itinerary.
Once the application is submitted, USCIS will review it and may request additional information or documentation. The processing time for a Re-entry Permit can vary, but it typically takes several months. F-1 students should apply for a Re-entry Permit well in advance of their planned travel dates to ensure that they receive it in time.
F-1 students in the United States who wish to travel abroad may need to apply for a travel document known as Form I-131. This document allows F-1 students to re-enter the United States after temporarily travel outside the country. By applying for a Re-entry Permit, F-1 students can avoid the need for a new visa when they return to the United States. F-1 students should apply for a Re-entry Permit well in advance of their planned travel dates to ensure that they receive it in time.
