Whenever F-1 students leave the United States temporarily and return to continue studies they must have the following documents: a valid passport, a valid visa, and a properly endorsed Form I-20. It is a good idea to get a current signature from your International Student Advisor before you leave the country regardless of when you had it last signed. This signature verifies for the BCIS officer that you are in good standing and enrolled for courses upon your return. Whether traveling locally or abroad you should also insure that you are carrying the necessary documents with you at all times and that they are current.

All F-1 students wishing to visit Canada require Canadian visitor visas unless they are citizens of countries that are exempt from the Canadian nonimmigrant visa requirement. To determine if you need a visa, click here for a list of countries needing a visa to enter Canada. To apply, complete the application found at Canadian visa applications.

Updated December 19, 2007