Travel & Maintaining Status

When leaving the US, all F-1 students and J-1 students or scholars, should bring their I-20 or DS2019 forms to the Office of International Programs for a signature. This signature signifies that the international is in good standing with our institution and will ease their re-entry into the United States. The signature is valid for one year; however, we recommend that you obtain a signature prior to any travel outside the U.S. so that this is a recent signature on your document.

KUMC sponsored internationals may travel freely within the U.S. as long as they carry a valid passport, Form I-94, and any other document that establishes their status, such a valid I-20 or DS2019. Each time a KUMC- sponsored international enters the U.S., original entry documents, such as a passport and Form I-94, must be brought to the Office of International Programs for copying. Government regulations require that a sponsor or employer maintain current copies of such documents at all times.

U.S. immigration laws allow for strict penalties for those who enter the country illegally or who fail to maintain status. The Department of Homeland Security considers the principal alien responsible for maintaining status for self and dependents. Immigration laws require that foreign nationals maintain proof of their legal status in the U.S. at all times.