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If you do not have a passport or a current passport that is valid through 6 months after the end of your program, you should apply for a new passport immediately.

Information on applying for a passport can be found at:  http://travel.state.gov/passport

You should usually allow 4-6 weeks for the delivery of a passport. Students can sometimes wait for months because of a back-log. Don’t take any chances. Apply early. You will need all of the following when turning in your passport application:

• An official copy of your birth certificate OR expired passport, OR a certified copy of your naturalization or citizenship papers. If you do not have a birth certificate with the official seal, write to the County Clerk in your county of birth to obtain one.
• A photo ID with signature; examples include a driver’s license, California ID, or Military ID.
• Two identical passport photos, front view, 2” x 2” square, with a white background.
• $145 processing fee for new applications and $110.00 for renewal. Add $60.00 to expedite the service. Payment must be made by personal check, cashier’s check or by money order.

A visa is an official permission granted by the authorities of the country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in the country for a certain amount of time. A visa is usually in the form of a stamp or sticker placed in your passport. Some countries (e.g. Australia) now issue electronic visas for which nothing is placed in your passport; instead, the authorization to enter the country is linked to your passport number.

If your host country does not require a visa, you will need special documentation to be there as a student. You may not stay in your host country as a tourist (except for Cortona students). Consult your host country’s embassy and/or consular website.

A student visa is required to enter many of the countries in which USC sponsors study abroad programs. Visa requirements for US citizens may vary from those for citizens of other countries.

The documentation and fees required to obtain a visa vary greatly from country to country, and even between different consulates of the same country. Some countries will require a signed medical form or letter from a physician or certain immunizations. Some require an HIV test, tax return, or criminal background checks.

For some countries you need to apply as far as 3 months in advance. Most consulates will keep your passport while they are processing your visa application. This may force you to alter pre-program overseas travel plans.

Please note that for some visas you need to apply in person at the nearest consulate in the US. Most programs will inform you directly if you need a visa to enter your host country.

You will also be advised on the visa process by your program provider and your study abroad advisor.

It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to obtain the visa.

Visas for Non-US Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should consult the nearest consulate of the country of your citizenship and the nearest consulate of the country where you plan to study. The procedures you will follow are different from those for U.S. citizens. It is important to initiate this process as soon as possible in order to assemble the documents and allow time for lengthy procedures.  You should also consult with an  OIS  adviser before leaving USC.

Non-U.S. citizens should also check to see if a transit visa is required for the countries they pass through on the way to their ultimate destination, and whether they need a visa to travel to other countries during the semester.

Re-Entry to the U.S.

U.S. permanent residents must check with the U.S. Immigration Service concerning regulations for re-entry into the U.S. It is particularly important to verify procedures for those who contemplate being outside of the U.S. for more than one year or are in the process of applying for citizenship.

International students must see an advisor at the  Office of International Services (OIS)  to obtain important information regarding regulations and documentation to leave and re-enter the United States.

DACA-eligible students should consult with their study abroad advisor.

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International Student Guidelines

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While the Office of Graduate Admission is responsible for issuing I-20s/DS-2019s for incoming students, the Office of International Services (OIS) helps international students adjust to and fully participate in the USC campus community once they arrive at USC. Throughout the academic year, OIS provides:

• Counseling for personal, academic, and financial problems. • Immigration advisement. • Social and cultural exchange programs. • Advisement for student clubs. • Information about employment authorization for international students. • English classes for the spouses of international students and visiting scholars.

For more information about entering the United States, transportation to and from campus, and enrollment, please visit the Arriving in the United States  section of the Office of International Services website.

More information (213) 740-2666 ois.usc.edu [email protected]

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Office of International Services

Travel guidance.

This page is intended to provide travel resources and guidance to individuals who are currently in active status at UIC and planning to travel during their programs. If you are entering the U.S. for the first time to begin your UIC program or employment, please reference Arriving to the U.S. for information and resources.

General travel guidance Heading link Copy link

We encourage our entire international community to contact OIS prior to traveling internationally. Travel guidance and requirements vary depending on your status and you may need to request authorization from OIS prior to your departure if you intend to return to the U.S. to continue your current status/program.

When booking any type of travel arrangements, either domestic or international, ensure you book your airline ticket with the exact same spelling of your name as it appears in your passport (Machine Readable Zone – MRZ).

• Read latest travel news and immigration updates

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U.S. Domestic travel includes travel to the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Marianas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.)

We recommend you use your passport for photo ID and carry paper copies of your U.S. immigration documents (e.g. Form I-20, Form DS-2019, Form I-797 approval notice, Form I-94.)

International travel Heading link Copy link

International travel includes travel to/from non-U.S. destinations. Information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and may change without notice. Please check with OIS or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State for the most current travel information. For the most accurate information regarding entry procedures to the U.S., please see the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website .

Recommended international travel documents by status

Depending on your status, you will need specific paperwork to re-enter the U.S. when traveling internationally. While documents marked with an asterisk (*) are not required for entry, we strongly recommend that you carry them in your hand luggage so that you can provide them as needed.

Recommended international travel documents by status Heading link Copy link

If you find that you need to replace or update an immigration document, please see Document Replacement .

Current F-1 Students

• Passport – Valid for six months beyond the date of re-entry to the U.S.
• F-1 visa – Valid on the date of re-entry to the U.S. Canadian citizens do not need an F-1 visa in their passport but Canadian “Landed immigrants” (Permanent Residents, without Canadian citizenship/passport) do. In certain cases, you may be able to re-enter the U.S. after a short trip to Canada or Mexico using AVR. See Automatic Visa Revalidation below.
• Form I-20 with valid travel signature – Original, hardcopy document signed by you and OIS in blue ink. OIS recommends that the travel authorization signature be no more than one year old on your date of re-entry to the U.S. If you need to update your travel authorization signature, log into myOIS and submit the appropriate e-form.
• SEVIS (I-901) fee payment* – It is recommended that you carry proof that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee. If needed, print your SEVIS fee receipt .
• Proof of enrollment* – It is recommended that you carry evidence of current full-time enrollment or future enrollment if you are traveling between academic terms. You can print a copy of your class schedule from the MyUIC portal .
• Evidence of financial support* – It is recommended that you carry copies of your financial support documents. Documents should reflect the funding sources on your DS-2019 and be dated within the past six months.

If you attempt to enter the U.S. without the appropriate documentation, you may receive a Form I-515A from the customs officer and you will have 30 days to correct your status or risk falling out of status. Contact OIS as soon as possible if you receive Form I-515A.

Current J-1 EV Students

• J-1 visa – Valid on the date of re-entry to the U.S. and bearing the name of your current school or program. Canadian citizens do not need a J-1 visa in their passport but Canadian “Landed immigrants” (Permanent Residents, without Canadian citizenship/passport) do. In certain cases, you may be able to re-enter the U.S. after a short trip to Canada or Mexico using AVR. See Automatic Visa Revalidation below.
• Form DS-2019 with valid travel signature – Original, hardcopy document signed by you and OIS (or your exchange program sponsor if not OIS) in blue ink. OIS recommends that the travel authorization signature be no more than one year old on your date of re-entry to the U.S.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Scholars

• Form DS-2019 with valid travel signature – Original, hardcopy document signed by you and OIS (or your exchange program sponsor if not OIS) in blue ink. OIS recommends that the travel authorization signature be no more than six months old on your date of re-entry to the U.S.
• Proof of UIC appointment* – It is recommended that you carry a copy of your UIC departmental appointment letter and UIC ID (if available.)
• Request an updated travel authorization signature on your DS-2019

F-1 & J-1 Alumni on Practical Training

International travel while applying for and participating in practical training can carry additional risks and considerations. Please refer to the appropriate page for more information.

• F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• F-1 post-completion STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT)
• J-1 post-completion Academic Training

H-1B, O-1, TN, E-3 Employees

Many of the documents needed for international travel are the same as you provided during your visa application process. Please see our UIC Employees page , travel, and visa process drop-down, for more information.

Non-UIC sponsored Employees and Visitors

Please contact your sponsor and/or attorney for advice.  Some additional travel details may be found here .

International travel cont... Heading link Copy link

Automatic visa revalidation.

Generally speaking, if you travel outside of the U.S. and need to re-enter, you must have a valid/unexpired visa to return. There is an exception to this rule for some travelers when taking a short trip from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands. The exception is called Automatic Visa Revalidation or AVR.

To utilize the AVR allowance, your travel must be to contiguous territories and for less than 30 days. Under AVR, your expired U.S. entry visa stamp is considered to be automatically extended to the date of your re-entry to the U.S., provided that your visa has not been canceled, and that you have not applied for a new visa. Rules governing AVR are found in the United States’ Code of Federal Regulation .

Contiguous territories for the purposes of AVR are:

• The adjacent islands: Saint Pierre, Miquelon, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, the Windward and Lee Islands, Trinidad, Martinique, the other British, French, and Netherlands territories or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea.

AVR Exceptions and considerations:

• AVR does not apply to individuals from Cuba, Syria, Sudan, or Iran.
• AVR cannot be utilized by individuals who travel from a contiguous territory (e.g. Canada) to a non-contiguous country (e.g. Germany) and return to the U.S. via a contiguous territory (e.g. Canada).
• AVR cannot be utilized if you have a pending or approved visa application.
• H-1B workers are allowed to take advantage of AVR for travel to Canada and Mexico ONLY, not the adjacent islands. However, Mexican nationals traveling to Mexico must have a valid U.S. visa to reenter the U.S.
• If you have changed your status while in the U.S. and hold a visa for the previous status (for example, you changed your status from F-1 to H-1B, but still only have an expired F-1 visa; you may still use AVR), You must bring the supporting documents for your new status.
• More information about AVR from the U.S. Department of State

International travel cont...Visas to Canada and Mexico Heading link Copy link

Visas for travel to mexico and canada.

If you intend to travel to Mexico or Canada, you may require a visa to enter either of those countries, depending on your citizenship. To confirm your need for a visa and how to obtain one, you must contact the Mexican or Canadian government, respectively. Please see below for resources.

• Institute of National Migration, “Immigration Procedures”
• Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, Visa Information
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Consulate General of Canada in New York City

Post-Completion OPT

Updated 03/28/2024

Post-completion OPT is a type of work authorization for F-1 students who are completing a bachelor’s or graduate degree in the U.S. and have studied in their degree program for at least one academic year (i.e., a spring and fall semester) in valid F-1 status . Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for employment experience in a student’s field of study. USC students who want apply for post-completion OPT must complete the following:

✓ Read the OPT Instructions Carefully The OPT Instruction s outline the seven (7) steps required to obtain OPT work authorization from USCIS. The instructions explain eligibility requirements, application instructions, submission deadlines, as well as reporting requirements.

✓ View OPT Modules – Info Sessions for Spring/Summer 2024 Graduates These recorded sessions are being provided in addition to the OIS OPT Instructions. OPT Module 1: OPT Basics & OPT I-20 OPT Module 2: Form I-765 and OPT Requirements

OPT Employment Reporting Requirements

Immigration regulations require F-1 students on post-completion OPT to report their employment, employment relation to major, status (e.g. forfeit OPT), US address, and telephone information on or after their approved OPT start date. All updates must be reported within 10 days of the change. To ensure you are in compliance with the reporting requirements while on OPT, you must submit the OPT Employment Update Form to OIS via Trojan International within 10 days of the change.

Failure to comply with OPT reporting requirements will result in the automatic termination of the student’s SEVIS record by SEVP and/or USCIS.

Additional resources:

• SEVP Policy Guidance announcement
• SEVP Policy Guidance: Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study

SEVP Portal (optional)

On or after the student’s OPT EAD start date, SEVP will email the student an account activation link (see SEVP Portal activation video ). By default, this link will be sent to the student’s USC email address. Students must create their SEVP Portal account within 14 days of receiving this link, regardless of employment status, if they wish to gain access to their SEVP Portal account. For additional guidance, see Study in the States: SEVP Portal Help , and SEVP Portal Videos.

Important: Students can utilize the SEVP Portal to view their employment information only . However, if students need to report any changes made to their OPT employment, they must utilize the OPT Employment Update via Trojan International. Do not update employment information using the SEVP Portal.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions? OIS provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding OPT I-20s, travel, application process, and more.

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OIS is providing remote assistance now

The Office of International Services is providing remote assistance to our international community. The physical offices at UPC and HSC are closed until further notice. Check out the details on OIS offical website

OIS Live (Virtual Front Desk/Drop-in Advising via Zoom)

Monday, Wednesday: 2:00 – 4:00 PM Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting   https://usc.zoom.us/j/93537901871

Zoom Group Advising

OIS will offer group advising sessions via Zoom. Refer to the   OIS eCalendar   to view upcoming session topics.

• For all F-1 student related inquiries: email   [email protected]
• For all J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration related inquiries: email   [email protected]

Document Processing Requests

• [email protected]   with 12-month OPT questions
• [email protected]   with 24-month OPT STEM questions
• Example: Travel Signature: Tommy Trojan, N0012345678
• Example: Program Extension, Tammy Traveler, N0012345678
• Include your preferred mailing address in the body of the email

Published on May 21st, 2020

Last updated on November 25th, 2020

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SEVIS Transfer-In Process

Introduction.

This information is for newly certified USC students who are currently attending another U.S. institution or are pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT) and need to transfer their SEVIS records to USC.

Transferring Your SEVIS Record to USC

Your F-1 SEVIS record must be transferred to USC before your USC I-20 can be issued. This type of I-20 is known as a Transfer I-20.

• Contact the international office of your current institution and submit a request to transfer your F-1 SEVIS record to USC. You may need to provide proof of your admission to USC. USC cannot do this for you.

SEVIS transfers must be requested just before you complete or graduate from your current program, or during the 60-day grace period after the program ends. Policies vary by school.

If you are on OPT, it will be terminated when your record is released to USC. Plan the end of your OPT employment and set your SEVIS transfer date with your international office accordingly. (Deadline information below.)

Your USC program must begin no later than five (5) months after the end of your current program or OPT. This is very important. Your SEVIS record will be cancelled automatically after five months.

USC will not accept Cancelled or Completed SEVIS records. Your international office must determine if a SEVIS transfer is appropriate, based on when your current program/OPT ends. If it is not possible to complete a SEVIS transfer, you can request an Initial I-20 from USC instead.

If you are able to acquire a USC transfer I-20, you can remain in the U.S. until your USC program begins, so long as you maintain your F-1 status with the USC Transfer I-20. You can remain in the U.S. even if your F-1 visa has expired. If you travel outside the U.S., you will have to renew your F-1 visa with a USC I-20 before you can re-enter.

• USC University Park Campus (UPC) only, including Dentistry and Gerontology students.
• USC Health Sciences Campus (HSC), including the Keck School of Medicine, Mann School of Pharmacy, Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, or USC Physical Therapy and Biokinesiology.
• For USC’s contact information, you can provide this Email Us link . If your school form requires an email address, we recommend you put “N/A.”
• Our phone number: (213) 740-1111 .
• For DSO information, please provide “USC Admission I-20 Processing.”
• USC does not provide or sign transfer forms.

USC will not provide students a transfer-out date. Students must determine their transfer-out date with the international office of their current school. For more guidance, see the “Deadlines” section below.

• Make sure you select “Transfer I-20” on the “New I-20 Start” e-form.
• On the “New I-20 Current Immigration Status” e-form, select “Yes” to the first question.

Your Transfer I-20 can be issued only after your school has transferred your SEVIS record AND your e-forms have been approved.

Deadlines for E-Forms and Receiving your I-20

• Note if your USC academic department has an early deadline for transferring your I-20. This deadline will take priority.
• Otherwise, USC must receive your e-forms and SEVIS record no later than fifteen days before the start of your program . This is the latest a transfer I-20 can be created. Ideally, you should complete the process as early as possible to avoid complications. Once a program has begun, a Transfer I-20 cannot be created.

Keep in mind that your current school’s international office will have its own deadlines for processing requests. Make sure that you submit your transfer request in time.

Traveling Overseas Between Programs

If you wish to travel outside the U.S. during the period between your old program and your USC program:

• You must re-enter the U.S. with the new USC Transfer I-20. You cannot re-enter with your previous school’s I-20.
• If your F-1 visa is still valid, you can re-enter the U.S. with your visa and your new USC I-20. If the F-1 visa has expired, you will need to use the USC I-20 to renew your visa before you can return to the U.S.
• The new USC I-20 does not require a travel signature.
• You are permitted to re-enter the U.S. sooner than 30 days prior to your class start. The 30-day limit applies only to Initial I-20s.

If you choose to remain in the U.S. during the five-month gap, you can remain in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa so long as you have a valid I-20 and you maintain your immigration status.

Receiving Your USC Transfer I-20

If your Trojan International e-forms are received and approved, your Transfer I-20 will be issued 5 to 10 business days after USC receives your SEVIS record from your previous school. Check your USC email frequently. The Transfer I-20 will be located in the “Documents” section of Trojan International as a downloadable PDF link.

Note: USC will search for your SEVIS record on the release date you indicated on your e-form. If we are unable to find your SEVIS record because your school has not released it on that day, your I-20 may be delayed. If your record is released too close to the start of your USC classes, your I-20 may not be issued.

PRINT Your I-20 

You will need a hard copy of your I-20 to apply for your F-1 visa and to travel to the United States. Presenting your digital I-20 on your phone, tablet, laptop, etc. will not be acceptable for any official purpose. Do not leave your I-20 in your checked luggage . Make sure you do not accidentally use your old school’s I-20.  

Some Things to Note About Your USC Transfer I-20  

• Personal Information: The Admission Number is blank by default and cannot be changed.  
• Form Issue Reason: All transfer I-20s have the “Transfer Pending” status message. This is normal and no cause for concern. You can still use this I-20 to leave and re-enter the U.S. and to renew an F-1 visa.  
• Major Information: SEVIS has a fixed list of major codes. Sometimes, the SEVIS major will not match the exact name of the degree program. When your program was created, USC selected the major code that most closely matched the program’s content. U.S. consular and immigration officers are aware of this , so it will not be an issue.  
• English Proficiency Notes: The notes regarding English proficiency are solely for the purpose of explaining USC’s English test policy to U.S. consular and immigration officials. They do not reflect your English proficiency status with the university. No other I-20 can be issued and these notes will not impact your ability to apply for a visa.  
• Estimated Average Costs: The I-20 Tuition and Living Expenses are calculated for immigration purposes only and cannot be changed. Your actual costs will vary depending on your enrollment and unique living situation.  
• Scholarships: Scholarships will be included on your I-20 if we receive a notice from your department before your I-20 is issued. If you are awarded a scholarship after your I-20 has already been delivered, your I-20 will not be amended. The absence of your scholarship will not affect your ability to obtain a U.S. visa.  

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Travel Outside the U.S. and Re-entry to the U.S.

In the past few years, there have been a number of changes that may affect international students and scholars who plan to leave and re-enter the United States. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the  U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have increased the level of review that international visitors face at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, at airports, and at border crossing posts with Canada and Mexico. Travelers should review the information provided here so they can be as prepared as possible for their re-entry into the U.S. For initial entry, review the pre-arrival information specified for students and scholars we have available on our website.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., it is important to be aware of the following:

• OIS can never guarantee re-entry to the U.S. as the decision is up to Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• The best way to plan for seeking entry to the U.S. is to make sure that you have all required documentation for entry to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
• Carry OIS emergency contact information with you and reach out to us if a CBP official needs to verify the details of your visa status

Documentation Required for Entry to the U.S.

Be sure to have your physical documents in your carry-on luggage ready to present to U.S. customs officers.

• Valid passport – your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at the time of entry unless exempt by country-specific agreements
• Citizens of Canada are exempt from this requirement
• You may be able to re-enter the U.S. using an expired visa stamp if eligible for Automatic Revalidation
• If applicable, review information on Visa Renewal
• Review your I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure all information is up-to-date
• You should print and then sign in ink any electronically transmitted I-20 or DS-2019

Documentation that may be helpful when entering the U.S.

• Documentation of your financial support- this could be personal funds, a JHU admission or offer letter, appointment letter, or letter from an outside source that provides your funding
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
• Unofficial transcript or verification of enrollment (students only)

Travel Signatures

All individuals in F-1 and J-1 status are required to obtain a travel signature in order to return to the U.S. after a period of international travel. 

Instructions for requesting a travel signature are below. Please plan ahead and allow up to 10 business days for issuing your I-20 or DS-2019 with the travel signature. OIS will process your request and issue the I-20 or DS-2019 electronically.

Click here for instructions on how you can access your document once it is issued. 

*NOTE: You should print and then sign in ink any electronically transmitted I-20 or DS-2019.

F-1 Students

• Request a travel signature or I-20 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/I-20 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the F-1 Student Services section
• Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the I-20 expires, whichever is earlier. During F-1 OPT , the travel signature is valid for 6 months or until the OPT EAD expires, whichever is earlier

J-1 Students

• Request a travel signature or DS-2019 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/DS-2019 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the J-1 Student Services section
• Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier

J-1 Scholars

• Request a travel signature or DS-2019 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/DS-2019 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the J-1 Scholar Services section
• Travel signatures are valid for one year or until DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier. For J-1 short-term scholars, the signature is valid for 6 months or until the DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier

For J-1 Alien Physicians sponsored by ECFMG, only ECFMG personnel can provide the required travel validation signature.  Please consult the  ECFMG travel page  for more information.

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Office of International Services

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I-20 requirements for traveling outside the U.S.

Whether you want to return to your home country over summer break, explore Europe on spring break, or participate in a study abroad program, chances are good that at some point during your time at Indiana University you will want to travel outside the United States.

But before you pack your luggage, there are some steps you need to take to protect your status.

Traveling after completing your program?

OIS cannot sign your I-20 for travel during your post-graduation grace period and you cannot re-enter in your F-1 status if you depart the United States.

Get a travel signature on your I-20

Before you leave the country, make sure you have a valid travel signature from an OIS advisor on page 2 of your I-20. You will not be able to re-enter the United States without one.

To get a travel signature, make a request through Atlas at least two weeks before you plan to travel.

Travel signatures are valid for one calendar year, or until the completion of your program, whichever comes first.

Description of the video:

Hi, I am José Mendez from the the Office of International Services. Today, I will be talking about travel signatures, the signature on page two of a continued-attendance I-20 is required by the US government to request entry into the US in F1 status. If you arrive to the US to start your program at IU, your initial or transfer-pending I-20 will not have a travel signature on page two. While you are enrolled in your program of study, the travel signature is valid for one year from the date it is signed, or the date you complete your program of study, whichever date comes first.

You need a travel signature even if you are just traveling across the border into Canada or Mexico. Read more below.

Make sure your I-20 reflects your current situation

If there have been any changes in your situation (for example, if you have changed your major, degree level, or source(s) of financial support) that are not indicated on your current I-20, you will need to get a new one.

For changes in major or source(s) of funding, request a travel signature through Atlas and note the changes in the “Notes” section.

For a change in degree level, you will need to complete the New Degree program request in Atlas . However, you do not need to request a travel signature. When your new degree program request is approved, a new I-20 will be printed and will be valid for travel.

Timing can be critical for all of these changes, so start the process early.

The following require your immediate attention:

• Degree level changes
• Graduate major changes
• I-20 expiration

Making these changes can be very complicated. Please call 812-855-9086 to make an appointment with an advisor to discuss your plans before you begin the process.

In most cases, updated financial documentation will be required to process your new I-20.

Make sure your I-20 will not expire while you are out of the country

Check your completion date in section 5 of your I-20 to see whether it is about to expire. If it expires while you are outside the U.S., you will not be able to re-enter the U.S.

If your I-20 is about to expire and you have not yet completed your program, you will need to apply for an extension via Atlas . You do not need to request a travel signature. When your extension is approved, a new I-20 will be printed and signed for travel.

Updated financial documentation will be required to process your new I-20.

Travel and your F-1 visa

Is the F-1 U.S. visa stamp in your passport valid beyond the date you plan to re-enter the United States? If not, you must apply for a new visa while you are abroad. We strongly advise you to carry the following documents with you when applying for a new visa at a U.S. consulate:

• Official Transcript issued by the registrar of IU
• Enrollment Certificate issued by the registrar of IU
• Valid I-20 issued and signed by OIS
• Current financial documentation: documents indicating the source(s) and amount(s) of financial support for your study in the current academic year. This must match the information listed on your I-20.

Note: if you intend to apply for a new U.S. visa in Canada or Mexico and are not a resident of either country, please contact an advisor at the Office of International Services.

See also the U.S. Department of State’s website on information for nonimmigrants present in the United States, and visiting Canada or Mexico .

If you need to apply for a new U.S. visa, visit the Department of State’s U.S. embassies and consulates website for an updated list of visa application locations.

Visitors’ visas—for travel to countries other than your home country

If you are traveling to a country other than your home country, you may need a visitor’s or transit visa. To find out, visit that country’s embassy website at Foreign Embassies of Washington, D.C. , and search for the consular section nearest you.

If you are traveling to the European Union and your home country is not within the European Union, you may apply for the Schengen visa , which permits travel within E.U. countries.

For the latest travel advisories, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website .

Office of International Services resources and social media channels

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OISS Travel Signature Request Form

During re-entry into the U.S., F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to have a travel signature on page 2 of their current I-20; or page 1 of their current DS-2019 with a date less than 12 months old. Travel Signatures can be used for multiple re-entries into the U.S. within 12 months for F-1 and J-1 students, and 6 months for J-1 Short-Term Scholars.

If you are an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT, you cannot use this form. You must use the I-20 request form.

If you need a new travel signature, please complete the request form below. Once reviewed, your OISS advisor will email an electronic copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 to your WashU email. This process can take up to two weeks (10 business days). We recommend you print, sign, and date this I-20 and DS-2019 so that you have a hard copy with you when you travel. F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors have not been approved to sign their I-20 or DS-2019 electronically.

Related Resources

Travel abroad, re-entry and visa renewal.

See regulations concerning the re-entry into the U.S. of F-1 and J-1 visa status students after travel abroad.

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Travel Signatures

On This Page:

What is a Travel Signature?

Travel signature eligibility, how to get a travel signature, emergency travel.

• An advisor issues you a signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 after you enter the U.S. to begin your F-1 or J-1 status.
• The travel signature is on page two of an I-20 or page one of a DS-2019.
• The signature confirms that you have valid F-1 or J-1 status.
• You must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 to return to the U.S. after you travel abroad.
• Each signature is valid for one year . (F-1 students on OPT: the travel signature is valid for six months).
• The travel signature is required for returning to the U.S. It is not required for leaving the U.S.
• If your current travel signature will expire before you will return to the U.S., you must request an updated travel signature.
• Have a valid I-20 or DS-2019 issued by UW Seattle
• Meet immigration requirements of maintaining a full course of study
• Be in good academic standing
• Have a current U.S. address and a permanent non-U.S. address active in MyUW
• New Students: Have completed the required immigration check-in

Students may request Electronic Travel Signatures through MyISSS. ISS will send a confirmation email notifying you that your travel signature has been processed.

Log into MyISSS

If you have an emergency travel need when the ISS is closed (weekends and federal holidays), go ahead and depart the U.S.

The travel signature is required to return  to the U.S. It is not required to depart the U.S.

What if I do not have enough time to receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature before returning to the U.S.?

Planning ahead is always key. If you did not receive a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 before traveling, please  request Form I-515A at the immigration port of entry . It is most likely the Customs and Border Protection officer at the U.S. Port of Entry will issue you an I-515 form. This form would allow you temporary admission to the U.S. for 30 days. If admitted to the U.S. with Form I-515A, If you have questions or concerns, submit them through the Contact ISS form immediately after you return to Seattle. We will send you an appointment booking link.

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Many international students, scholars, and/or their dependent family members will wish to travel abroad (outside the U.S.) temporarily during a program of study or research – particularly if it is a long program. Those in F or J status do not need permission from OIS to leave the U.S. and OIS does not generally need to know when a student or scholar returns. However, those wanting to return to the U.S. and resume their program (or their dependent family members wishing to re-join the principle F-1 or J-1)  DO  need to have a current travel endorsement by OIS (or other J-1 program sponsor if OIS did not issue the Form DS-2019). International students, scholars and/or their dependent family members should keep a copy of all travel documents and new documents received after traveling.

If you are an F-1 student will be out of the U.S. for an extended amount of time (5 months or more), you will need to contact OIS and schedule an appointment with an OIS advisor.  If you have any dependents in the US, it is required that they leave the country with you if you will be gone for an extended period. It may be necessary to close out your current SEVIS record and create a new record before your return and issue a new Form I-20.

Helpful Websites

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Entry and Exit FAQ

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Information for International Visitors

Documents Needed to Re-Enter the U.S.

It is important that you carry all travel-related documents on your person or in your carry-on luggage and  not  in your checked baggage. If you will have been out of the country for less than 5 months you should have the following documents readily available while traveling:

• Note: OPT students must have a travel signature valid within the last 6 months.
• A passport valid for at least six months into the future (some exceptions apply).
• If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, or for other similar reasons, your visa may in fact be revoked (even if it appears valid on the face of it and has not yet expired). If your visa has been revoked, typically you will have received an email notification of such to the email address associated with your DS-160 when you applied for the visa. Even if you did not receive any such notification, if you have such an arrest, your visa is likely revoked. If you try to re-enter the U.S., your entry may be denied. If your visa has expired and you are renewing your visa, you may have difficulty doing so if you have such an arrest. If you have any concerns about this or think your visa may have been revoked, please consult an OIS advisor BEFORE leaving the U.S.
• Receipt confirming payment of the SEVIS fee, if applicable. Please check to find out if you need to pay the  SEVIS fee .

Though the following documents are not required, they are suggested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement:

• Financial information showing proof of necessary funds.
• Evidence of student or exchange visitor status (transcripts, proof of enrollment (such as your enrollment history and current enrollment print out from MyPack, a letter of enrollment from Records & Registration or a letter from your department).

What to Expect at the Port of Entry

The Port of Entry (POE) is the first place you arrive in the United States and where you will go through the customs inspection. Even though the Raleigh-Durham International Airport may be your final destination, it  may not  be your port of entry if it is not the first place you arrive in the U.S.  In fact, some U.S. Ports of Entry are even located outside the U.S. and the customs inspection takes place before boarding the flight (e.g. in UAE, Canada, Ireland, and the Caribbean). When you arrive at the POE and go through customs, the officer will ask you some simple questions regarding the purpose of your visit to the U.S. (which is to be a student) and may ask for your documentation, and may fingerprint and/or photograph you. Border officials may also ask to inspect your electronic devices (including social media accounts). You should comply with these requests, so do not carry anything that you do not want inspected. If an officer determines you require additional screening, you may be asked to go to an interview area called Secondary Inspection. This is not uncommon and not cause for alarm.  However, Secondary Inspection can result in travel delays. Find more information  here  about your rights during inspection at the POE.

If You Encounter Difficulties at the Port of Entry

If you encounter difficulties at the border and need to contact OIS, call 1.919.515.2961 during regular office hours (Monday-Friday 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm EDT). If an emergency occurs outside of these hours, contact NC State’s University Police at 1.919.515.3000 in order to get in touch with an OIS staff member. Find more information  here  about your rights during inspection at the POE.

Information for Late Arrivals

International Students are expected to be  physically present in the US by the first day of classes   for each semester.  If travel or visa application delays will result in a late return to NC State (after the first day of classes), you must notify your NC State academic department and professors that you are returning late and follow your department’s instructions for arriving late. Not all departments may be willing to approve or grant permission for a student to arrive late. If your department is willing to approve a late arrival and put their approval in writing, OIS recommends that the student carry it with them during your travels as it may be helpful when entering the U.S. after classes have started.

Students arriving late should keep in mind that different courses have different requirements for absences, assignments, or group work. A student may be dropped from a class if the student has too many absences or it is deemed that the student will not be able to keep up with the course work. Please also remember, that the likelihood of being able to enroll in a class decreases after the semester begins. Students who are required to drop a class due to absences may find it difficult to get into another class and maintain full-time enrollment. Furthermore, late-arriving students are required to maintain  full-time enrollment  throughout the semester (no reduced course loads will be approved for students who are not able to find the right classes or are unable to catch up, or are likely to make a poor grade).

First semester students who plan to arrive late must review the Late Arrival policy on our  Pre-arrival webpage . Not all students will be permitted to arrive after classes start per academic department policy.

New I-20/DS-2019

If the information on your current I-20/DS-2019 is up-to-date (funding, curriculum, etc), you only need a recent OIS signature on the third page of your current I-20/DS-2019.  However, if your funding has changed or there are any other updates, we recommend that you  request a new I-20/DS2019  with the updated information.

Automatic Revalidation

Many foreign nationals will be eligible for a provision called “Automatic Revalidation”  It allows those in an nonimmigrant visa status (such as F-1 and J-1) to reenter the US from a “contiguous territory” (Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands) without a currently valid visa stamp in the passport. More information including limitations and exceptions can be found  here .

Travel and OPT

For information on travel while OPT is pending or approved, visit our OPT page  here . Information about Travel and OPT is at the bottom of the page.

Moscow, city of fire and ice

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MOSCOW — Once I came to Moscow to cover an urban ballooning expedition. In winter. But when the balloonists came face to frigid, wind-lashed face with the winter here — well, we never got off the ground.

And so, as icy gales scoured the city, I strolled near the Moskva River until I faced a vast, low-hovering cloud, lighted from within, scented with chlorine and cigarettes. Occasionally, a near-naked Muscovite would emerge, dripping, and wander off to look for a towel and his pants.

This, I learned, was central Moscow’s only heated outdoor public swimming pool, full of sloshing Russians. Later, I heard it had once been the site of a church, and there were rumors of some kind of curse. But to me, in early 1990, with the Soviet Union on the verge of collapse and Moscow full of features that I couldn’t begin to understand, this one made me smile. I wanted to jump in — another idea that never got off the ground.

Then last winter, on my way to a pre-Olympics assignment in Sochi, Russia, I landed again in Moscow, pelted by snow, numbed by wind. It was different. It was better.

For a tourist, anyway. Moscow, draped in snow and twinkling with unevenly distributed material wealth, is an amazing spectacle, whether or not you came of age during the Cold War. Besides all the new money, the westward cultural tilt and the wacky theme restaurants that have turned up in post-Soviet days, the city remains rich with architecture and art that go back centuries. And the Muscovites are so good at winter! One afternoon I watched a woman in a fur hat cross an icy sidewalk, hop over a slushy gutter and hail a taxi with all the elegance of a figure skater on a freshly prepped rink.

This is not to say that Russia is easy in any season. Many travelers are repelled by the anti-gay “propaganda” law adopted by the country’s legislators in 2013. Others are wary of terrorism in the run-up to the Olympics. More on the law and terrorism at https://www.lat.ms/1hFpU3u .

Then there’s the red tape. In trip planning, I heard nyet so often that I had to visit San Francisco (to get my journalist visa in time from the Russian Consulate there) and Beverly Hills (because Aeroflot would let me change my ticket only if I came to its office).

And then, once you arrive, you confront some of Europe’s stiffest prices and a legion of cashiers and waiters who want nothing to do with your American Express card.

Still, if you go, wintry Moscow will open your eyes. Before I update you on the swimming pool (yes, I went back) and before the Olympics begin in Sochi on Friday (and run through Feb. 23), here are a few questions and answers about a city where no snow-making equipment has ever been necessary. As we go, bear in mind what my translator and guide, Svetlana Gaikovich, told me on our first day:

“Moscow is not Russia. Moscow is a small country within Russia. A showcase.”

Do I have to start in Red Square like every other tourist?

Yes. Stand out front and gawk at the domes and turrets and statues of St. Basil’s Cathedral, which dates to the 16th century. Pay for a tour behind the walls of the Kremlin next door, where three more cathedrals wait, including the 15th century Assumption Cathedral, whose interior — martyrs on the pillars, Christ on the iconostasis — makes St. Basil’s gaudy exterior look like a blank slate.

Across the square from the Kremlin you have GUM, an arcade-style, three-level, 1890s department store formerly run by the government. Now GUM is a retail fantasy land, privately owned since 2005 by a group led by the ubiquitous luxury retailer Bosco di Ciliegi.

Only an oligarch could pay the prices at the GUM Tiffany and Burberry shops, but that’s not so different from Fifth Avenue in New York. And the holiday lights and displays are about as remarkable. What you won’t find on Fifth Avenue is GUM’s Stolovaya 57, a bustling restaurant that mimics a 1957 Soviet factory cafeteria all the way down to its plates of “herring in a fur coat.” (That’s herring and potatoes with beets and carrots. Better than it sounds.)

If you can afford it, sleep in one of the new or redone hotels near the square. Since 2007, Ritz-Carlton has been on a site once dominated by a grim Intourist hotel. In late 2011, the Intercontinental Hotel Tverskaya replaced the former Minsk Hotel. The old Hotel Moskva, a landmark that was built in the 1930s and razed in about 2004, has been replaced by a new Hotel Moskva, run by Four Seasons, due to open in mid-2014.

I stayed at the Hotel Metropol, an Art Nouveau landmark built in 1901. Every day, heading down to fortify myself at the breakfast buffet, I passed pictures of previous guests such as Vladimir Lenin, George Bernard Shaw, Bertolt Brecht and Michael Jackson.

Why am I hearing Louis Armstrong?

That’s the sound of the Red Square winter skating rink, a block from the Metropol. “What a Wonderful World” was playing as I stepped up. In the center of the ice, a couple was kissing. (All this, by the way, is two snowball tosses from Lenin’s Mausoleum.)

But don’t do all your skating in Red Square. Head instead to Gorky Park, which is so much more than a 1981 detective novel by Martin Cruz Smith. It’s 300 acres along the river, redesigned in 2011 to banish that bedraggled-old-fairgrounds feeling. In winter there are ice sculptures, light displays, playfully decorated Georgian food huts, hockey games, art installations, wedding parties and mini-slopes for snowboarders. The skating rink and linked paths cover more than 4 acres. If there’s a better place to insinuate yourself among hordes of happy Russians, I haven’t found it yet.

Will they keep me warm?

No. Your warmest option in Moscow is the ornately appointed Sanduny Baths, the oldest bathhouse in the city, about a mile from Red Square, where I half-melted a pair of glasses. (It would have been wiser to leave them outside the sauna.)

Another option is an 18th century mansion now known as Café Pushkin. It used to be a pharmacist’s home and office. The upstairs “library” area, appointed with bookshelves, globes and waiters who hover, is where plutocrats break bread with politicians. My lunch there was the biggest splurge of my trip (almost $150 for two people), but the mushroom soup and salmon-stuffed dumplings were terrific.

You said something about art. It’s not all icons, is it?

Well, icons are basically all Russian artists did from the 11th to 18th centuries, so you’ll see plenty at the State Tretyakov Gallery, along with brilliant later portraits and landscapes. In the New Tretyakov, at a separate location, there’s a statue garden of cast-off Soviet heroes (many Lenins, one Brezhnev, no Stalins).

But the surprise, art-wise, is Red October, a bohemian neighborhood that has arisen since 2006 in a former Red October chocolate factory across the river from the Kremlin. Tenants include the Lumière Brothers Center for Photography (opened 2010); Red October Gallery (opened 2012); Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design; and several nightclubs and restaurants, including a hipster café called Produkti, whose tattooed and perforated patrons could slouch into any coffeehouse in Eagle Rock.

Look up. What’s that enormous metal thing rising over Red October and the river?

It’s a sculpture of Peter the Great, father of the Russian navy and czar of Russia from 1682 to 1725. It’s taller than the Statue of Liberty (more than 300 feet) and was unveiled in 1997. The nicest thing I can say is that it’s really big.

And across the river ... . Wait. What happened to the big, round pool?

Remember how we used to hear of Soviet big shots appearing and disappearing from official photos as their fortunes rose and fell? Well, before it ever held a swimming pool, that plot of land held the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, completed in 1883 to commemorate Russia’s resilience during Napoleon’s attack and retreat in the early 19th century. It was a central figure in the Moscow skyline, the exterior topped by five golden domes, the interior walls crowded with frescoes.

Then came the revolution. Russia’s atheist government blew up the cathedral on Dec. 5, 1931 — leveled it — and started laying plans to raise a statue of Vladimir Lenin 1,600 feet tall — big enough to make today’s Peter the Great look like a Disney dwarf.

But then came the Great Patriotic War (World War II), which killed more than 20 million Russians. By the time it was over, nobody was ready to put up a 1,600-foot Lenin. And so in 1958, that massive pre-construction hole in the ground was converted into a big, round swimming pool — the pool I saw in 1990.

The end. Right?

Wrong. In the early 1990s, as the Soviet Union was falling apart, church leaders started lobbying to have the pool filled in and the church rebuilt. Finally the government said yes. Donations poured in. Construction went up. By 2000 the cathedral was born again, 338 feet tall.

The snow was falling hard and fast when I arrived at the site last winter. I spent a minute outside, sniffing for chlorine, before stepping inside under the vibrant frescoes and those five golden domes.

Clearly, Russia’s leaders and the Russian Orthodox Church are getting along better these days. In fact, that’s why the women of Pussy Riot staged their protest/prayer/performance in this church on Feb. 21, 2012 — to decry Vladimir Putin’s power.

I’m staying out of that conversation. For a stranger who drops by every 24 years or so, the cathedral is striking enough as a 338-foot-high reminder of how far a society can shift in a single generation — and then shift again. Who can be sure what this real estate will stand for, spiritually, culturally, politically, in another generation?

[email protected]

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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