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Documents for Maintaining Legal Status
The Visa
The visa is the multi-colored stamp placed in the passport at a U.S. Consulate. It is the permit necessary to enter the U.S. for the terms and conditions of that visa classification. The visa indicates the specific classification, the expiration date, name of the bearer, the number of valid entries, and the location and date it was issued. It is not necessary to maintain a valid visa while in the U.S. It is only if you leave the U.S. and wish to re-enter.
An exception is traveling to and from Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands for visits of 30 days or less. With a valid passport, I-94 and I-20 (F-1 students) or DS2019 (J-1 exchange visitors) the visa is automatically revalidated. Be sure to check the website for the country you plan to visit. Rules change without notice.
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Card
This small white card is issued to all non-immigrants and is stapled in the passport at the time of arrival in the U.S. The I-94 indicates the visa status and the length of authorized stay in the U.S. This card is surrendered upon departure from the U.S. and a new Form I-94 is issued upon re-entry (except for trips to Canada and Mexico lasting less than 30 days). The number on your original I-94 stays with you. It will be copied onto all future I-94 cards.
The length of authorized stay for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors is noted on the I-94 as D/S (which stands for "Duration of Status). It allows F-1 students to stay in the U.S. for the length of time indicated on the I-20 form, plus 60 days, and it allows J-1 exchange visitors to stay for the length of time indicated on the DS2019 form, plus 30 days. If more time is needed, an extension of stay must be filed for F-1 students and a new DS2019 must be issued for J-1 Exchange Visitors.
I-20 Form
The "Certificate of Eligibility for Non Immigrant (F-1) Student Status" is issued to you at the time of your acceptance to a school. It is used to apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate in your country and is then presented to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry when you arrive in the U.S. If you plan to return home during school breaks, please come to the CIE for a travel authorization signature. If your visa will need to be renewed, you will need a new I-20. Please give us at least a week’s notice. If you lose your I-20, we can issue a replacement.
Form DS2019
The "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the document issued to potential exchange visitors when they are admitted to a school. It is used to apply for the J-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate in your home country. It is then presented to the immigration officials at the port of entry in the U.S. Exchange Visitors are given one page to keep as their copy. This can be used for re-entry to the U.S. as long as the visa is still valid. If the visa is not valid, a new DS2019 can be requested from UNC. If you lose your copy of the DS2019, contact the CIE for information regarding replacement procedures.
