F-1 students
Visas and Travel
ISO provides US nonimmigrant visa resources and travel guidance for our international community. Explore this page to learn more about visas, including visa categories, visa procedures, and travel-related guidance.
What is a visa?
A visa is a document, usually placed on a page of your passport, that allows you to travel to a US Port of Entry and request permission to enter the country in a certain immigration status.
The visa category (F-1, H-1B, B-2, etc.) relates to the purpose of your travel such as study, work, or tourism. You can find more information about visas and see a sample image of a US visa on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Entry to the US for most status types also requires other supporting documentation. The valid visa doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be allowed to enter the United States. However, it does show that you’re currently eligible for that status.
When you’re admitted to the United States, a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record will be created for you, noted with the category and expiration of your status.
The visa is only required when you’re entering the United States. It may expire while you’re in the country without affecting your US immigration status or permissions.
If your visa stamp expires, you need to plan enough time during your next trip abroad to apply for a renewed visa stamp prior to your return, unless you are eligible for re-entry using Automatic Revalidation.
You can’t apply for or renew your US visa while you’re in the United States. Visit the US Department of State website for more visa information and up-to-date requirements.
Visa categories
Visit our Visa Categories page for a comprehensive comparison of visa categories. For specific resources by visa type, explore the pages below.
Visa procedures
Learn more about the visa process and required procedures through the pages below. Contact ISO with any questions.
Travel guidance
Understand travel-related considerations and requirements on the pages below.