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 .
Entry to the US for most status types also requires other supporting documentation. The valid visa doesn鈥檛 guarantee that you鈥檒l be allowed to enter the United States. However, it does show that you鈥檙e currently eligible for that status.
When you鈥檙e 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鈥檙e entering the United States. It may expire while you鈥檙e 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鈥檛 apply for or renew your US visa while you鈥檙e in the United States. Visit the 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.
Immigration and legislative updates
Traveling to and arriving in the US
Form I-94: Arrival/departure record
Visiting Canada while you鈥檙e here
Student travel guidelines: Traveling during your time in the US
Automatic revalidation: Traveling with an expired student visa
Departing the US or the University
Visiting students, researchers, and collaborators
Interested in coming to Rochester as a visitor? Learn more about the Global Visitor Program and what steps you need to take.