Travel and Entering the US
When preparing for your initial entry to the US for study at FIT, keep in mind that you may enter the US no more than 30 days before the start date indicated in section 5 of your I-20, nor after that date. Make sure to put in your carry-on the original 3 pages of your I-20, a valid F-1 visa, a passport valid for at least the next six months, a copy of financial documents showing adequate funds to study at FIT, and a copy of your letter of admission to FIT. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of your SEVIS fee receipt. Canadians exempt from visa requirements must also be prepared to show proof of payment of the SEVIS fee (see Obtaining an F-1 Visa for more information).
Pay attention at the airport or any US port of entry!
F-1 status will be granted at the port of entry by the receiving Immigration inspector, who will staple into your passport a white card (Form I-94). The inspector will stamp your I-94 card and page 1 of your I-20 with the current date and the notation "F-1 D/S." Make sure that the inspector stamps page 1 and makes the notation "F-1 D/S" on it. If the inspector does not follow this procedure, politely point it out. (Keep in mind that you will have to correct any errors made by Immigration in the entry procedure, so it is important that you pay attention.)
Once you have reached your destination, make copies of these documents and keep them in a safe place. If originals are misplaced, it is often easier to get them replaced with copies.
Reentering the US
Reentering the US with your FIT I-20 and valid F-1 visa* is very similar to your initial F-1 entry, except you must have page 3 of your I-20 signed by the International Student Advisor at least 5 days before you depart the US. While the I-20 indicates that the International Student Advisor's signature is valid for one year, it is recommended that you have your I-20 signed each semester. To ease your reentry, be sure to have a valid F-1 visa, a passport valid for at least the next six months, a copy of financial documents showing adequate funds to study at FIT, an unofficial transcript of courses already completed, copies of all old I-20s, and a printout of pre-registration for next semester (if unavailable, take a copy of your current schedule). You can print out your unofficial transcript and schedules from the Online Information System accessible through MyFIT.
Students traveling while on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) should take a current, signed 1-20, OPT card, valid F-1 visa, valid passport, and a letter from your employer stating that you are on OPT, that your company is aware of your trip abroad, and that they look forward to your return to resume employment.
* If your visa expires before you plan to return to the US, you will have to renew it. See Obtaining an F-1 Visa for further instructions. Canadians are exempt from the F-1 visa requirement.
Pay attention at the airport or any US port of entry!
F-1 status will be granted at the port of entry by the receiving Immigration inspector, who will staple into your passport a white card (Form I-94). The inspector will stamp your I-94 card and page 1 of your I-20 with the current date and the notation "F-1 D/S." Make sure that the inspector stamps page 1 and makes the notation "F-1 D/S" on it. If the inspector does not follow this procedure, politely point it out. (Keep in mind that you will have to correct any errors made by Immigration in the entry procedure, so it is important that you pay attention.)
Once you have reached your destination, make copies of these documents and keep them in a safe place. If originals are misplaced, it is often easier to get them replaced with copies.
Reentering the US
Reentering the US with your FIT I-20 and valid F-1 visa* is very similar to your initial F-1 entry, except you must have page 3 of your I-20 signed by the International Student Advisor at least 5 days before you depart the US. While the I-20 indicates that the International Student Advisor's signature is valid for one year, it is recommended that you have your I-20 signed each semester. To ease your reentry, be sure to have a valid F-1 visa, a passport valid for at least the next six months, a copy of financial documents showing adequate funds to study at FIT, an unofficial transcript of courses already completed, copies of all old I-20s, and a printout of pre-registration for next semester (if unavailable, take a copy of your current schedule). You can print out your unofficial transcript and schedules from the Online Information System accessible through MyFIT.
Students traveling while on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) should take a current, signed 1-20, OPT card, valid F-1 visa, valid passport, and a letter from your employer stating that you are on OPT, that your company is aware of your trip abroad, and that they look forward to your return to resume employment.
* If your visa expires before you plan to return to the US, you will have to renew it. See Obtaining an F-1 Visa for further instructions. Canadians are exempt from the F-1 visa requirement.