Skip to content

All non-immigrants in the United States are required to have a valid passport at all times. A valid passport is a legal document issued by the home country of a nonimmigrant that permits travel to U.S. along with a valid visa. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future. There are few exceptions to this rule and you may review the travel guidance link below for more information. The ISSS recommends students keep their passport valid at all times. 

SEVP Travel Guidance and Passport Validity

Students may renew their passport inside the United States at the local Embassy or consulate of their home country or at an Embassy outside of the United States. You must contact your Embassy or consulate for specific instructions on how to renew your passport. For a list of foreign consular offices in the United States, visit the website of your home country’s diplomatic mission or the U.S. Department of State website at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/.

Students with a valid, unexpired visa in their expired passport may still use that visa if they have the old passport. Students must remember to carry and present the old passport along with the new passport when traveling.