Travel With Your Immigration Documents
Before traveling to the United States, make sure you understand which immigration documents you need and how to carry them safely.
Always carry your original documents with you when you travel.
Do NOT place them in your checked luggage.
If you have questions about your visa or documents, contact International Students and Scholars (ISS) at iss@mso.umt.edu.
Passport
Your passport is issued by your home government and serves as your official international identification.
- Your passport must be valid at all times during your stay in the U.S.
- Keep copies of your passport:
- In your home country
- With you in the U.S. (separate from the original)
- If your passport is lost or stolen:
- Immediately notify Campus Police or the Missoula Police Department
- File an official police report
U.S. Visa
A U.S. visa allows you to enter the United States and can only be obtained outside the U.S.
- Your visa is placed in your passport
- Your visa must be valid when you enter the U.S.
- Your visa does not control how long you may stay in the U.S.
I‑94 Arrival/Departure Record
The I‑94 is issued automatically when you enter the U.S. and proves that you entered legally.
After each entry to the U.S., check your I‑94 record on the official I‑94 website.
Your I‑94 should show:
- Correct entry date
- Correct visa type (F‑1 or J‑1)
- Length of stay: “D/S” (Duration of Status)
If any information is missing or incorrect, contact ISS immediately.
Recommendation:
Print a copy of your most recent I‑94 and keep it with your immigration documents.
Form I‑20 (F‑1 Students Only)
The Form I‑20 shows:
- The school you are authorized to attend
- Your academic program
- Program dates
- Financial information
The I‑20 is required to:
- Apply for an F‑1 visa
- Enter or re‑enter the U.S.
Important reminders:
- Before traveling outside the U.S., your I‑20 must be signed by a Designated School Official (DSO) at ISS
- If your program information changes, request a new I‑20 from ISS
- F‑1 students may remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days after the program end date on the I‑20
Form DS‑2019 (J‑1 Students Only)
The Form DS‑2019 is issued by your sponsor and is used to:
- Apply for a J‑1 visa
- Enter or re‑enter the U.S.
Important reminders:
- Before traveling outside the U.S., your DS‑2019 must be signed by:
- A Responsible Officer (RO) at ISS (if UM issued your DS‑2019), or
- The RO from the agency that issued your DS‑2019
- If you extend your program or change sponsors, you must receive a new DS‑2019
- J‑1 students may remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days after the program end date on the DS‑2019
For more information, see J‑1 Common Questions or contact ISS.