Traveling to the U.S.
Updated on September 18, 2025
We want you to have a safe and worry-free trip! Here are some tips before arrival in the U.S.
You will need specific documents in order to enter the U.S. in F-1 immigration status:
- Passport with F-1 visa
- Printed and signed I-20
- We recommend traveling with copies of proof of financial support (for example, bank statements, proof of scholarships or other financial sponsorship)
Important Considerations:
Changes to visa appointments in a third country
The Department of State announced severe restrictions on visa applications for “Third-Country Nationals” (TCNs) on September 6, 2025. This impacts people who plan to apply for a visa in a country where they don’t permanently live and are not a citizen.
Where to apply for your visa
The best options are to apply:
- In your home country (where you are a citizen) OR
- In a country where you have permanent residence (permanent legal status to live there)
If your home country doesn't have regular U.S. visa services, you can apply at specially designated U.S. consulates in specific countries.
What this means for you
- It will be harder to get a visa if you apply in a country where you don't live permanently
- You may wait much longer for an appointment in these cases
- Remember: You cannot get your application fee back, even if your visa is denied
Important warnings:
- If you plan to travel and might need to renew your visa while traveling, check first if you can apply in that country
- Even if you get an interview, your visa might still be rejected
- You might have to return to your home country to apply again
What to do
Check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. They will tell you exactly what documents you need and how to apply.
Reduced Validity for Some Visas
In early July 2025, the Department of State made changes to the visa validity of many nonimmigrant visa types, including F-1 visas. The changes reduce the validity period of visas to 3 months, generally with a single entry.
These changes only impact NEW visas issued, so visas issued before the change remain valid for the duration and number of entries (M for multiple, or a specific number, if limited, shown under the header Entries on the visa) shown on the visa. To check the standard duration and number of entries for nationals of your country, review the visa reciprocity schedule, select your country of nationality, and then select the F visa classification.
The duration of the visa issued will impact how long you may use it to enter the U.S., and the number of entries may impact your future travel plans. You will need to account for the duration in planning your visa application and scheduling your interview. If your country is limited to a single entry, this means that you will be required to get a new visa each time you leave the U.S. (see “Travel with an Expired Visa” below for exceptions to this requirement). Remember that your F-1 visa only required for entering the U.S.; once you are inside the country, your F-1 visa may expire without impact to your F-1 status.
Travel Ban
On June 4, 2025, the White House announced a travel ban that will impact students (and other non-immigrants) coming from 12 countries effective June 9, 2025. The initial 12 countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
There are 7 additional countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela) with travel restrictions and it appears that students from these countries may, in some cases, not be allowed entry to the United States.
We expect that there will be legal challenges to this travel ban, so things may change quickly. We are watching for any changes and will keep you informed.
Social media screening for visa applications
The Department of State has recently announced procedures to resume issuing visas with additional social media screening. The initial application steps will remain the same:
- Fill out and submit Form DS-160, the online nonimmigrant visa application form.
- Pay the nonrefundable machine-readable visa (MRV) application fee.
- Schedule your visa interview through the online portal.
If the consular officer deems you otherwise eligible for a visa (meaning that you meet all the basic requirements), your application will be initially refused under INA 221(g). This stops the application process so the officer can conduct additional administrative review.
You will be asked to set your social media profiles to 'public' so the consular officer may review the content of your social media profiles. Upon completing their review, the officer will either approve or deny your application, which will be reflected in the online visa status system.
Avoid potential issues at the border with CBP (Customs and Border Protection):
Electronic Devices
Your personal items may be searched when you enter the U.S. This includes your electronic devices (phone, tablet, laptop). These devices all give border officials access to your social media accounts and online activity.
Social Media
You may be asked for your social media handles at any time. Special attention may be given to any social media posts that appear to be political statements, participation in protests, against the current U.S. administration, or any illegal activities.
Additional Scrutiny at the Border
More international students may be taken into secondary inspections by border officials when entering the United States. If possible, we encourage your first landing point in the United States to be Portland International Airport (PDX). Please plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to make connecting flights if your first landing point in the United States is not PDX.
Don’t Pack a Pest
While packing for a trip, it is important to know what foods and medicines, as well as plant and animal items, are not allowed in the United States. Visit the Don't Pack a Pest website to learn more.