Posted October 11, 2025

By ISABELLA JARDIM RODRIGUES

SAO PAULO, Brazil — Victoria Santos, an international student from Brazil at University of Miami, stood in the Guarulhos International Airport here with a boarding pass in one hand and her luggage in the other.

Her emotions were a mix of excitement and sorrow for leaving once again. Santos was also concerned about all the things she had to get done when she got back to her apartment and the start of classes the next day. She thought she had enough to worry about, but she had an even bigger problem: she couldn’t get on board.

Santos believed everything was in order with her documents, but while her I-20 (a school-issued form that proves a student’s eligibility to study in the U.S.) was valid, her F-1 visa (document that allows international students to enter the U.S.) wasn’t.

“What I thought would be a simple trip back to campus turned into a mess. I had to spend money on hotels, re-book flights, and pay extra for immigration paperwork I wasn’t expecting,” said Santos.

Santos is a pseudonym. She requested anonymity out of concern that discussing immigration matters publicly could affect future dealings with U.S. immigration officials. She was ready to return to the United States after a long summer home with her family.

As simple as it sounds, her case isn’t unique. More than one million international students were enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities last year, the highest number ever according to the 2024 Open Doors Report. And with so many trying to figure out complex travel rules, it’s easy to get lost in the fine print.

To avoid what happened to Santos, it is important to know exactly what documents are required and how to prepare before traveling.

Therefore, we present three recommendations on how to get ready to return back to the U.S., especially when going through the dreaded immigration border:

Don’t Leave Without Your Documents

How you get ready before traveling depends a lot on how long you’ll be outside the United States. Going home for summer usually gives you about three months before returning, while winter break only allows for much less, just a few weeks for most students.

Ana Random, senior assistant director of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) at UM, explained that no matter how long you’re away, there are three documents you must have when reentering the U.S.: a valid, unexpired passport; a valid, unexpired F-1 visa (unless you’re from Canada or Bermuda); and an I-20 document with a travel school signature that’s less than one year old.

Other papers, like an acceptance letter or housing contract, can be good backups if questions come up at the border, but the first three are non-negotiable.

One common point of confusion, one that caused problems for Santos, is the difference between staying in the United States with an expired visa and trying to return with one. If a student’s visa expires while they are still in the country, they remain in legal status if their I-20 is valid.

A new visa is not required unless they choose to leave the country and attempt to return. This can be especially tricky over winter break, when the short time frame and holiday season make it hard to get a new visa approved before classes start again.

“I always tell students, even before you leave the country, check your documents,” Random said. “Sometimes you’re missing something that requires additional steps, and you’ll need to plan ahead.”

At the Border: Keep Calm and Stay Ready

Crossing the border can feel intimidating to anyone, especially when you’re worried about saying the wrong thing. Immigration officers may ask you questions about your program, where you live, or why you are returning. The best approach is to stay calm, answer honestly, and keep your responses simple. Trying to give too much information or becoming nervous can sometimes make the process more stressful than it needs to be.

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is to keep your documents organized in a folder and ready to hand over. Having your passport, visa, and signed I-20 together means you won’t waste time digging through your bag while under pressure. If officers ask for additional documents, such as your acceptance letter or housing contract, you’ll be able to provide them quickly.

Remember, the officers are doing their jobs, and if you have your documents in order, you’re in good standing. If you don’t understand a question, it’s fine to politely ask for clarification.

“It’s not necessarily personal. Sometimes officers ask random questions just to see how you respond. They are responsible for national security, so it isn’t really about you,” said Random.

Staying calm, respectful, and organized will help your border crossing go smoothly.

Knowing Your Visa Requirements

Even after making it through the border, it’s important to remember that maintaining your F-1 status depends on following certain rules while you’re in the United States. One of the most important is that you cannot work off campus without special authorization. On-campus jobs are usually allowed, but anything outside campus requires prior approval through the proper channels.

“I didn’t realize how serious it was until it was too late. I wish I had known that one off-campus job could put my whole future at risk.” said Julia Viera, a Brazilian who studied at Everett Community College near Seattle and was deported at the border after confessing to working off-campus jobs during secondary screenings.

Viera is also a pseudonym. She requested anonymity out of concern that discussing immigration matters publicly could affect future dealings with U.S. immigration officials.

Another key requirement is enrolling and completing a full course load each semester. For most students, that means at least 12 credits. Dropping below this number without authorization can put your status at risk, even if it’s just by one class.

Whenever you are unsure about a rule, the best step is to reach out to ISSS. They are there to guide you through questions about work, credit requirements, travel, or anything else related to your visa. Being proactive and asking questions early can save you from bigger problems later.

“If I had double-checked my documents and asked ISSS before traveling, I could have avoided the whole situation,” said Santos.

Random said that while it is rare for UM students to be denied entry, the first step in that situation would be to contact ISSS right away. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to provide guidance or support, and students should also notify their academic department as soon as possible.