If You Have a Valid F-1 Student Visa In Your Passport, you need the following documents with you at the port of re-entry:

• A valid passport
• A valid, updated I-20 (we will update your original I-20 by signing page 3) 
  

If you do not have a valid F-1 Student Visa in your Passport, you will need to obtain a new visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate; take the following documents with you:

A valid passport

• A valid, updated I-20 (we will update your original I-20 by signing page 3). The expected date of completion in item 5 should be a date in the future. This is important!
• A copy of your current transcripts
• Financial documents indicating the source and the amount of money you will be receiving during your attendance at PLNU. (The amount and source should confirm the information given on your updated I-20).
• A status letter showing your current full time enrollment from the International Student Services Office. We recommend that you request this letter at least two weeks in advance of your departure date (visa renewal letter).

* Important note: If you have changed majors, degree programs, or have any major change (such as financial sponsor) from your original I-20, you are required to travel with a new I-20. Please discuss this matter with the International Student Services Office. If you have been authorized Optional (post-completion) Practical Training, you must follow all of the above guidelines (with the exception of the letter of full time enrollment); also, you must travel with your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and a letter from your employer giving starting and ending dates of employment, if you are employed. The employment ending date may not be later than the ending date of Practical Training authorization. If you have Optional Practical Training, we advise you to speak with the international student advisor before departing the United States.

Special Requirements for Visits to Mexico or Canada

For entry to Mexico border areas (within 200 miles of the U.S. border) an entry visa to Mexico is usually not required. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to obtain an entry visa to visit other parts of Mexico. Please contact the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles before traveling to inquire about the requirements for citizens of your country. The Consulate is located at 2401 W. 6th St.(across from McArthur Park in Los Angeles), (213) 351-6800. (Link to Mexican Consulate in Texas)

Citizens from some countries may also be required to obtain an entry visa to Canada (list of countries). For information, contact the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles at (213) 687-7432.

If you are planning a short trip (less than 30 days) to Mexico, Canada or adjacent islands you need the following documents with you for re-entry to the U.S.:

• A valid passport
• An appropriate and valid visa
• A valid, updated I-20 (we will update your I-20 by signing page 3)

• Current I-94 showing D/S (Duration of Status). The I-94 is not surrendered when departing the U.S. in these cases. It is required to re-enter.

** Important note: An expired visa would be considered valid for re-entry from Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands only in the following circumstances:

• You have D/S on your I-20 and I-94 and you are able to provide all the other documents mentioned above,
• You filed for and obtained F-1 status after entering the U.S. on a different non-immigrant visa category, and are able to provide all the other documents mentioned above at the point of re-entry to the U.S...