Travel Within the U.S.

The Office of Global Services recommends that all international students and employees carry the following documents as proof of nonimmigrant status:

  • A valid passport. The passport should always be valid for at least six months after your date of entry to the U.S.
    • For routine travel (e.g. within your city) you may choose to carry a copy of your passport information page to avoid the risk of losing or misplacing your passport
  • Form I-20 (F-1 Students) or DS-2019 (J-1 Students/Scholars)
  • Your most recent I-94 which is your arrival/departure record
  • EAD (if applicable)

Any family members traveling with you who have F-2 or J-2 visas should carry the same documents.

Review this FAQ and guide to understand the documents that non-U.S. citizens are required to carry while inside the U.S.

Travel Registry

All Northeastern students, faculty, and staff enter their travel itinerary and housing accommodations into the Travel Registry. This allows the university to communicate directly with travelers if unexpected events or conditions create circumstances that might pose health or safety risks. In addition, it enables on-campus resources and external support providers to better respond to students, faculty, and staff who may need medical or security assistance.

The 100-Mile Border Zone

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may periodically carry out enforcement actions, such as transportation checks or traffic stops, in areas close to the U.S.-Canada and the U.S.-Mexico borders, as well as the U.S. coastline. These activities are conducted under CBP’s stated authority to perform random checks within a 100-mile zone from any external boundary of the United States. To remain compliant, students are advised to always carry the valid travel documents as listed above.  

To learn more about the 100-mile border zone, review the ACLU “Know Your Rights” website.