​Important Travel Reminders

Each time you depart the U.S., be certain you have the following documents safely stored in your carry-on baggage:

• Your passport and U.S. visa (Canadian students do not require a separate visa.)
• A printed copy of your current I-20 with a valid travel authorization on page 2.  (It is your responsibility to check your I-20 before your travel  Travel authorization signatures are valid for 12 months.  If you need a new travel signature, you must request one at least 72 hours before you travel by emailing the Office of International Students at internationaldean@holycrosss.edu.  Because of the heavy volume of emails, OIS cannot guarantee you will have a new signature or I-20 in less than 72 hours.)
• A digital signature from OIS is permitted on your I-20 is permitted. OIS has  have provided a link to the US government document citing this permission (PDF), However, you must sign in either black or blue ink. (If you are under age 18, your parent or guardian must also sign in ink.)
• Your most recent I-94 arrival form (you may be asked for this as you depart the U.S.)
• It is recommended that you also print a copy of your current unofficial Holy Cross transcript (available in STAR/My Academics) as well as a copy of your course enrollment for the upcoming semester.  These serve as proof that you are a current student at Holy Cross and are expected to return to campus.

Remember that if your flight will land in another country on its way to your final destination you may require a "transit visa."  If you do not have a valid transit visa, you will likely NOT be allowed on the flight.
 

June 2022 TRAVEL UPDATES - The U.S. has different entry requirements for US citizens/Permanent Residents and F-1/J-1 visa students.

1. US citizens/Permanent Residents are no longer required to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, before boarding a flight to the United States.
2. Students traveling to the U.S. on F-1/J-1 visas:
   • are no longer required to show a negative viral COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, before boarding a flight to the United States. 
   • are still required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States.
   • if entering from Canada or Mexica by land/ferry, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request as of April 21, 2022.

1. Check your passport and be sure that the official stamps it "F-1 and D/S" - which means you are an F-1 student eligible to remain in the US for the "duration of studies".  If they accidentally stamp you with any other visa (e.g., B-1) politely ask that they correct it. This is particularly important for Canadian students since the stamp serves as your visa.
2.  Customs officials can require you to give them access to your electronics, including text messages and pictures. If you have any images, texts or emails in your phone/tablet that could get you into trouble if law enforcement sees it, I strongly urge you to delete that material before you go to the airport! (As an example, if you have photos of yourself or your friends smoking marijuana, you should delete those photos.)
3. Possessing or using marijuana or other controlled substances or the equipment to use them ("paraphernalia") is a violation of U.S. federal law. As a visa student, you must obey all federal laws or you risk having your visa canceled, being deported, and/or being banned from the U.S.
4. If you are detained in “secondary inspection” for any reason, remain calm and do not panic. Politely ask the CBP officer to please phone Holy Cross Public Safety at 508-793-2224 so that the College is aware of your situation.

Each time you re-enter the U.S., remember that you must print a new I-94 arrival form.  Deliver a copy to OIS, Fen 204, and keep another copy with your passport.

Specific Information for Students Entering the United States for the First Time

1. Toward the end of your air travel, the airline personnel may give you several forms to complete for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  It is forbidden to bring certain items into the U.S. (for example, fruits, vegetables, drugs, certain herbs, firearms).  You will be asked to report (“declare”) the value of the items you are bringing into the U.S. as well as all food and money you are carrying with you.  You may also be asked to report the same information at a computer inside the terminal.  That is normal.  Simply follow instructions you are given. Answer all questions honestly and do not attempt to hide anything!  You will not be in any trouble for answering honestly, but if you fail to disclose something you could be denied entry.  Do not be afraid to ask for clarification.

2. Upon arrival in the U.S., you will be photographed and have your fingerprints taken.  Do not worry!  You will need to present your passport (with valid F-1 visa), the Form I-20.  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may also ask you to show the copies of the financial documents you submitted to Holy Cross to get your I-20 and/or your Holy Cross Admissions letter.  Be sure to carry ALL these documents on your person when you travel to the U.S.  Do not pack these documents in suitcases which are checked with baggage, since you must show your documents before you are allowed to claim your bags.

3. ​As you are clearing Customs, check your passport and be sure that the official stamps it "F-1 and D/S" - which means you are an F-1 student eligible to remain in the US for the "duration of studies".  If they accidentally stamp you with any other visa (e.g., B-1) politely ask that they correct it.  This is particularly important for Canadian students since the stamp serves as your visa.

4. Customs officials can require you to give them access to your electronics, including text messages and pictures.  If you have any images, texts or emails in your phone/tablet that could get you into trouble if law enforcement sees it, I strongly urge you to delete that material before you go to the airport!  (As an example, if you have photos of yourself or your friends smoking marijuana, you should delete those photos.)

5. Possessing or using marijuana or other controlled substances or the equipment to use them ("paraphernalia") is a violation of U.S. federal law.   As a visa student, you must obey all federal laws or you risk having your visa canceled, being deported, and/or being banned from the U.S.

If you are detained in “secondary inspection” for any reason, remain calm and do not panic. Since cell phone use is not permitted, politely ask the CBP officer to please phone Holy Cross Public Safety at 508-793-2224 so that we are aware of your delay.