Q: Can I travel to Puerto Rico with an expired F1 visa and a valid i-20?
My F1 visa expired and I haven't had the chance to renew it yet, but my i-20 is valid for the duration of my study (which is 2 more years). I also have a US ID. I want to travel to PR for a conference in January, but I’m worried about possible complications.
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A:
Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, you can travel there with your valid I-20 and U.S. ID without needing a valid F1 visa. The expired F1 visa only becomes relevant when entering the U.S. from abroad - Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel, similar to flying between states.
However, it's crucial to carry both your I-20 and U.S. ID during your trip. While you technically don't need to show these documents for domestic travel, having them readily available can help avoid any confusion or delays at security checkpoints.
Keep in mind that if you plan to travel internationally after your conference in Puerto Rico, you'll need to renew your F1 visa before re-entering the mainland U.S. from abroad. For your January conference, though, you can proceed with your travel plans without visa concerns. Have a great conference!
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