Continuing F-1 or J-1 students enrolled in a program of study:  

• Valid I-20 or DS-2019 form signed for travel by a DSO/RO. Travel signatures are valid for one year for continuing students enrolled in their program of study. To request a travel signature, follow these instructions Request Updated I-20 – International Students and Scholars 

• Valid F-1 or J-1 Visa in the Passport. 

• Passport biographical page with expiration date.   The passport should have a validity of six months remaining from your arrival date into the US.   

• Proof of current and/or future registration. This can be printed from CUNYFirst.  

• Although not required, we recommend also carrying proof of financial support documentation that matches the funding information on your current I-20 or DS-2019 form.   

F-1 students currently authorized for post-completion OPT or STEM OPT:  

• I-20 with OPT approved, OPT employer information, and signed for travel by a DSO at the Office of International Students.  Travel signatures are valid for 6 months while authorized for post-completion OPT and STEM OPT. To request a travel signature, follow these directions Request Updated I-20 – International Students and Scholars 

• Valid F-1 visa in the Passport. 

• Passport biographical page with expiration date.   The passport should have a validity of six months remaining from your arrival date into the US.   

• Valid EAD card. 

• OPT/STEM OPT Employer Letter(s) . 

Is your F-1 or J-1 visa expired?  If you need to renew your F-1 or J-1 visa at a US consulate abroad, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office before departing the US.  We will assist you with updating your I-20 or DS-2019 form and provide you with guidance on the documents that are needed for the visa application at the US consulate.   We will also advise you of visa application policy updates that may impact the visa application process.   

Prior to travel please refer to the following Information about electronic device searches at the US Port-of-Entry to assist you:  Electronic-Device-Searches-at-U-S-Ports-of-Entry.pdf 

We hope this information is helpful.   Please reach out to the International Students and Scholars Office at Queens College if you have any questions.   You may reach us at iss@qc.cuny.edu. 

• Pre-I-20 Package for Undergraduate Students – Complete and submit forms after being accepted to Queens College. For New Students Only
• Pre-I-20 Package for Graduate Students – Complete and submit forms after being accepted to Queens College. For New Students Only
• Request Extension I-20 SEVIS
• SEVIS I-20 Release Form – To transfer SEVIS I-20 from current institution to Queens College.
• Affidavit Of Support – The affidavit of Support Form needs to be printed and signed by the sponsor. Please email us (iss@qc.cuny.edu)       a scanned version and mail our office the original
• Department Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Authorization – Advisor Recommendation Form for CPT
• Letter Request Form – For full time attendance, tuition cost, U.S. visitor and graduation invitation letters
• Request for approval to take a reduced course load for students in F-1 status
• Sending/Receiving your documents by Express Mail
• OPT Reporting