Q1: Can I travel outside the U.S. while my COS application is still pending? A: It is highly discouraged. Generally, if you depart the U.S. while your COS application is pending, USCIS will consider the application abandoned and deny it. You must remain in the U.S. until a decision is made.

Q2: Can I return to my home country and wait for the COS approval there? A: No. The COS process is strictly for individuals who are physically present in the United States. Once you depart, you no longer meet the eligibility requirements for COS. In that case, you must switch to “Consular Processing” and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Q3: Can I travel to Canada or Mexico after my COS is approved? A: This is possible under specific, limited conditions known as Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR). If your trip is 30 days or less and you meet other strict criteria (such as not applying for a new visa while there), you may be able to re-enter without a physical F-1 visa stamp. However, this is a complex regulation—you must consult your DSO (Designated School Official) to confirm eligibility before making any travel plans.

Q4: Do I ever need to get a physical F-1 visa stamp after my COS is approved? A: As long as you remain inside the United States, you do not need a physical visa stamp to maintain your F-1 status. However, the moment you decide to travel abroad and wish to re-enter the U.S. as a student, you must visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain a physical F-1 visa stamp.

Q5: If I leave the U.S. after my COS is approved and need a new I-20 to return, will my SEVIS ID change? A: Yes, typically you will need a new “Initial Attendance” I-20 with a new SEVIS ID (the number starting with “N”). This means you may be required to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee again or request a fee transfer. Please follow the specific instructions provided by your school’s DSO.

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