Information for Returning USC International Students
If you are a continuing USC international student (on an F-1 Visa) you are allowed to re-enter the United States to continue studies at USC as long as your I-20 has a valid travel endorsement. More information about travel endorsements available at https://ois.usc.edu/students/travel/requirements-for-re-entry-to-the-us/travelsignature/. For more information and questions related to international students and scholars, please contact the USC Office of International Services by emailing ois@usc.edu.
If you are stopped or detained by U.S. immigration officials at an airport or land border port of entry, you may call the USC Immigration Clinic Emergency Hotline: 213-740-7435. Please leave a detailed message including your name, date of birth, nationality, current location (e.g. LAX), and airline and flight number. We recommend that you provide the USC Immigration Clinic Emergency Hotline number to a close family member or friend who can monitor your arrival in the United States and call us on your behalf if you are not able to make any calls during any delay during processing at the port of entry.
You may also contact the USC Gould Immigration Legal Assistance Center by email (iclinic@law.usc.edu) for non-emergency inquiries.
Know Your Rights: What To Expect At Airport and Land Border Ports of Entry
At Ports of Entry, U.S. Immigration officials are permitted to search you, your belongings, electronic devices, and to interview you without a warrant.
U.S. Immigration officials will ask your immigration status and other questions about the nature and purpose of your travel in order to determine whether you have the right to enter the country. If you are asked questions regarding your religion, political affiliation, or beliefs, you may choose to remain silent and ask to contact a lawyer. However, if you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer any of the officers’ questions. Do not lie about anything, however insignificant or unimportant the questions may seem.
U.S. Immigration officials have sometimes asked travelers to provide their laptop passwords or unlock their mobile phones when they are entering or leaving the United States. Be aware that U.S. Immigration officials will review social media posting and other methods of communication. You may be denied entry if you refuse to provide a password, and you should consider that risk before deciding how to proceed. If an officer searches and/or confiscates your laptop or cell phone, get a receipt for your property.
Additional Information
You may also contact the USC Gould Immigration Legal Assistance Center by email (iclinic@law.usc.edu) or by leaving a detailed message on our emergency hotline at 213-740-7435.