Entering and Leaving the United States on a Student Visa

Usually upon receiving your student visa (known as the F-1), you will be allowed to stay in the United States the length of your educational program. However, you need to maintain a full-time student status. Your student visa will entitle you to enter and leave the United States.

Applicants need to be aware that having a visa does not necessarily insure their entry into the United States. This will be determined on an individual basis by the immigration officer. The United States Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials can either permit or deny admission to the United States. You will be given a form I-94 known as the Arrival-Departure record if you are given permission to enter the United States. The CBP will determine the amount of time you are allowed to stay within our borders. The CBP official will record the length of duration in the I-94. Staple this report to your passport. It is an essential document for your entering and leaving the United States.

Under United States law, if your student visa expires while you are in the United States, you will be given an additional six months to either transfer to another school. Or, you are given six months to leave the United States. Those are the departure stipulations. An interesting point to note is that if a student is a full-time student while their visa expires, they still maintain their legal student status. They can stay in the United States until they finish their educational students.

Aside from the legal aspects of entering and leaving the United States there are a variety of ways to pay a fond farewell. Here are a few:

1. Thank those who have made a difference in your life. A simple “thank you” will go far. A small gift would be even better. How about treating a close friend to a meal at their favorite eatery? Or, buy a book for your bookophile friend. That will be remembered forever.

2. Burn no bridges. This means, do not leave any hard feelings behind with anyone. You never know when you will return and need a favor. There is a saying that goes, “You can catch more flies with honey, than vinegar.” (That’s an old American saying.)

3. Pack up all your belongings as efficiently and safely as possible. It’ll be a chore. However, “Whistle while you work,” will go along way. (That’s another favorite American saying.) This will help both you and the airline. Give what you don’t have room for to someone you think would enjoy it.

4. Be grateful for what you have learned and the friends you have made along the way. Not everyone can be that lucky.