Travel Advisory

For International Students Planning to Travel Outside the United States and Return to Continue Study at Bloomsburg University

Required documents for re-entry into the United States :

1. A Valid Passport at least 6 (six) months into the future.

2. A Valid Visa (be sure you have not used up your number of entries - 1,2 or multiple).

3. Current Form I-20 or DS-2019 with recent (within the past 6 months) certification signature from Dr. Madhav Sharma.

4. All previous Forms I-20 or DS-2019 (to show your history).

5. Request a letter of Return to US letter from Dr. Sharma.

6. If you are on OPT (Optional Practical Training), a valid Employment Authorization Card.


Suggested additional documentation :

* Official transcript from BU (showing full time student status since you've been here).
Please request the transcript from the Registrar's Office

* Official transcripts from any previous US schools attended (attach to the appropriate
Form I-20 or DS-2019).

* Proof of course registration for most recent and/or upcoming semester (shows a purpose for your return to the US ). You can print out your registration from the web and request an official letter from the Registrar's Office.

* Current financial support documentation (no more than 6 months old).

* If you are on OPT, a letter from your employer stating that you have the job, the job description and the dates of employment (which will need to match your EAD). If you are at the end of your OPT, it is not likely that you will be allowed to re-enter the US for this purpose. Please think twice about traveling.

* Be prepared to talk about your educational goals here in the US, your intent to return to your home country and your plans once you do return home.

* Maintain a respectful attitude.

If you need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the US , it is Dr. Sharma's opinion that you will be taking a tremendous risk. Please think twice about traveling.

Note : Please be aware that this list of documentation is not a guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter the US. You will have time delays, opened luggage, restrictions on carry/on baggage if you don't have the necessary information.

Upon Your Return: Please bring any new immigration documents to the IEO for copying and submission to your file.

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Driving In Pennsylvania

Compared to other countries there are several differences regarding the transportation laws & regulations in the U.S. and in Pennsylvania. Some of the major differences are listed below.

In Pennsylvania:

To obtain a Pennsylvania Driver's Permit students must past a written exam as well as a driving performance test. Students need to get a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration.

To study for the written test and get familiar with the Pennsylvania's Laws and Regulations, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)'s Driver and Vehicle Services provide a Driver's Manual. Please download the Driver's Manual and study carefully for the written test.