International Travel

For many current students and scholars, the most significant impact of the new rule occurs when they reenter the United States.

If you were admitted before September 15, 2026, your current admission may be subject to the rule’s transition provisions. However, once you depart the United States and are admitted again, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will inspect you based on the regulations in effect at the time of your entry.

This means that travel may change the type of admission reflected on your Form I-94.

Before leaving the United States, confirm that you have:

• A valid passport (valid for at least six months into the future, unless exempt by country-specific agreements).
• A valid F-1 or J-1 visa, unless you qualify for an exception such as automatic visa revalidation.
• A valid Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a current travel endorsement.
• Documentation related to employment authorization, if applicable (such as an EAD for OPT or STEM OPT, if required for your situation).
• Contact information for TCU International Services.

Travel Checklist

Don’t wait until the week before your flight. Review your immigration documents early so there is time to address any issues before departure.

Each time you enter the United States, a CBP officer determines whether to admit you and records your admission in your electronic Form I-94.

For many F-1 and J-1 travelers entering after September 15, 2026, the Form I-94 will show:

• your immigration classification (F-1, J-1, etc.);
• the date you entered the United States; and
• an Admit Until Date (AUD) rather than “D/S.”

Your Form I-94 is one of the most important immigration documents you have. You should review it after every admission to ensure the information is accurate.

Yes. After every international trip, retrieve your electronic Form I-94 and review it carefully.

Verify:

• your name;
• your date of admission;
• your immigration classification; and
• the Admit Until Date, if one is listed.

If you believe your admission record contains an error, contact International Services as soon as possible.

Not necessarily. Current students and scholars who remain in the United States under transition provisions may continue under their existing admission until a future immigration event changes their status.

However, individuals entering the United States after the effective date should generally expect admission under the new rule.

If you plan to travel during Winter Break or another university break after September 15, 2026:

• Schedule an appointment with International Services before traveling.
• Verify that your travel signature is still valid.
• Confirm that your passport and visa are valid for reentry.
• Review any pending immigration applications with an advisor before departure.

International travel may have different implications depending on whether you are enrolled, on OPT, participating in Academic Training, or awaiting another immigration benefit.

Travel while an OPT application is pending has always required careful planning, and the new rule introduces additional considerations.

Depending on your circumstances, travel while an application is pending may affect the documentation you should carry or the timing of your return to the United States.

Because federal guidance continues to evolve, students with pending OPT applications should consult International Services before making travel plans.

Important
Travel while an immigration benefit application is pending may carry additional risks. Discuss your plans with an advisor before departing the United States.

The DHS final rule does not change the visa application process itself.

If your visa has expired, you may still need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning to the United States.

Visa issuance decisions remain the responsibility of the U.S. Department of State.

If the Admit Until Date on your Form I-94 does not appear consistent with your immigration documents:

1. Save a copy of your Form I-94.
2. Contact International Services immediately.
3. Do not ignore the issue or assume it will correct itself automatically.

Many admission record issues can be addressed more easily when identified promptly.

Not necessarily. Many students and scholars will travel internationally without difficulty. However, because travel may affect your admission record under the new rule, you should consult International Services before finalizing your plans.

No. Travel alone does not terminate your F-1 or J-1 status. However, reentry may occur under the new admission rule, and your Form I-94 may reflect an Admit Until Date instead of Duration of Status.

Yes. The new rule does not eliminate study abroad opportunities. Students should work with International Services to understand any immigration implications before departing.

Yes. Students and scholars may continue to travel for academic conferences, research, or professional activities, provided they meet applicable immigration requirements and carry the appropriate documentation.

Scenario 1: Returning Home for Winter Break

Situation: Individual plans to return home in December 2026 and come back to TCU in January 2027.
What to Expect: Upon reentry, CBP will inspect the Individual under the regulations in effect at that time. Individual should review their new Form I-94 after arrival and contact International Services if they have questions about their admission record.

Scenario 2: Traveling While on OPT

Situation: Student is participating in post-completion OPT and wants to attend a family event abroad.
What to Expect: In addition to standard travel documents, student may need employment-related documentation when returning to the United States. They should consult International Services before traveling to discuss the documents appropriate for their situation.

Scenario 3: Pending Immigration Application

Situation: A student has filed an immigration benefit application and wants to leave the United States before a decision is issued.
What to Expect: The effect of travel depends on the type of application and the applicable federal regulations. Before making travel plans, the student should consult International Services to understand any potential impact on the pending application.