Thanksgiving Break in US Universities for International Students

(UNITED STATES) International students planning for Thanksgiving break have two goals: enjoy the holiday and keep immigration status safe. This step-by-step guide walks you through the full timeline—from checking your academic calendar to returning to campus—so you know what to do, when to do it, and what to expect from school officials and U.S. authorities.

Holiday overview and planning timeline

Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2025, that’s November 27, 2025. Most universities cancel classes for several days, sometimes a full week.

Many offices, libraries, and dining halls close or run on limited hours, so plan early. Your school’s academic calendar will list exact dates for the break and any changes to services. Expect higher airfares, sold-out trains, and busy roads during this time, so book travel early if you plan to explore the United States during the break.

8–10 weeks before Thanksgiving: build your plan

• Check the university’s academic calendar and note class cancellations, office closures, and residence hall rules for the break.
• Decide if you will travel domestically, leave the country, or stay on campus.
• Review your immigration documents:
  • For F-1 students: Form I-20 (learn more on DHS’s Study in the States page: Form I-20 overview).
  • For J-1 students: Form DS-2019 (official details at the U.S. Department of State: About DS-2019).
• Confirm your travel signature is valid:
  • For F-1 students, the signature on page 2 of the Form I-20 is usually valid for one year; if you are on OPT, it is usually valid for six months.
  • For J-1 students, check your Form DS-2019 signature rules with your Responsible Officer.
• If you may need a visa renewal abroad, consider that U.S. consulates can have limited hours around U.S. and local holidays.

What to expect from school officials:
– International student offices may hold workshops or send email advisories before holidays.
– They can sign your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, explain travel rules, and confirm your SEVIS record is active.

4–6 weeks before: book travel and secure documents

• Book flights, trains, or buses before prices spike.
• If traveling within the U.S., no new visa stamp is needed. You must still carry your passport and immigration proof.

Common documents students carry for domestic travel:
– Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
– Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
– I-94 printout if available

• If leaving the U.S., confirm re-entry rules, visa validity, and required documents for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Expect officers to ask about your school, program, and funding. Keep documents handy in your carry-on.

What to expect from U.S. authorities:
– If you travel internationally, CBP officers at the airport will check your identity, student status, and entry class.
– Be ready to explain your study plan in simple terms and show your signed Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.

2–3 weeks before: confirm campus services or host plans

If staying on campus, confirm:
– Dining hours and meal access during the break
– Overnight housing rules and sign-up forms
– Library and gym schedules

If traveling to friends or host families:
– Share your arrival time and any dietary needs early.
– Many international student offices match students with local hosts or offer “Friendsgiving” meals.

Arrange essential contacts:
– International student office emergency line
– Airline or train hotline
– Health insurance phone number
– Your country’s nearest consulate

Note:
– According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, students who save emergency contacts and copies of documents to cloud storage face fewer delays if a wallet or phone goes missing during holiday travel.

The week of Thanksgiving: final checks

• Re-check your travel signature date. If it’s close to expiring, ask your Designated School Official (DSO) or Responsible Officer (RO) if it needs renewal. Offices may close from Wednesday through the weekend.
• Pack your passport, Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, and proof of enrollment. Take your student ID. For domestic flights, TSA accepts a foreign passport as valid ID.
• Budget for holiday costs. Black Friday follows Thanksgiving, and sales can tempt you to overspend. Keep rent, tuition, and winter break travel in mind.

Key dates in 2025:
– Thanksgiving Day: November 27, 2025
– Black Friday: November 28, 2025
– Cyber Monday: December 1, 2025

During the break: travel, culture, and safety

• If traveling domestically, expect full flights and traffic. Arrive at airports early and keep your documents on you, not in checked bags.
• Typical Thanksgiving meals include turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Many students bring a dish from home to share.
• Community centers, faith groups, and student associations often host inclusive events.
• If you stay on campus, use the quiet time to rest, catch up on assignments, or plan CPT/OPT.

Safety tips:
– Keep copies of important documents in cloud storage and a separate physical copy.
– Share your itinerary with a friend or roommate and keep emergency contacts accessible.

Returning to campus: what to expect

• After the break, classes resume quickly, and finals often start soon.
• Offices reopen, but appointment slots fill fast. If you need a fresh travel signature for winter break, book early.
• Check any online holds or payment deadlines that may appear after the holiday.

If you leave the U.S.: re-entry steps and timing

Carry these documents when re-entering the U.S.:
– Passport with valid U.S. visa
– Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with current travel signature
– Proof of enrollment and funding
– I-94 details (if needed)
– For OPT: I-765 receipt and EAD if issued

At CBP:
– Officers may ask about your school, program level, and return date. Answer briefly and clearly.
– Keep your SEVIS record active by remaining enrolled and following full-time study rules when classes resume.

Helpful official guide: DHS’s Study in the States guide to breaks and travel: Tips for traveling over holiday breaks.

Graduating soon or starting OPT/STEM OPT: timeline checklist

Thanksgiving often falls just before finals and graduation, which affects F-1 status and Optional Practical Training (OPT) timing.

Important points:
– Program end date matters:
– F-1 students usually have a 60-day grace period after the program end date.
– J-1 students typically have a 30-day grace period.
– If you plan to apply for OPT:
– File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization online or by mail with USCIS. Official form page: USCIS Form I-765.
– Filing window: up to 90 days before, and up to 60 days after, your program end date (check school rules).
– If traveling after filing, carry your I-765 receipt, job offer (if any), and expect closer questions at the border.
– For STEM OPT:
– Confirm your employer is in E-Verify and your training plan is ready.
– Minimize travel until you receive your new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and have proper documents.

What to expect from authorities:
– USCIS processing continues through the season, but mail delivery can slow near holidays.
– Track receipt numbers in your USCIS account and plan for longer shipping times for EAD cards.

Changing status or transferring programs: risk points around the holiday

If you’re moving from F-1 to another status (for example, H-1B), or transferring to a new program, talk to your DSO before leaving the United States. A missed update or delayed re-entry can affect your SEVIS record.

Ask your DSO:
– Will travel interrupt a pending change of status?
– Do I need a new Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 before travel?
– Is my SEVIS transfer date set during the break?

Budgeting and tax to-dos over the break

Holiday shopping can strain a student budget. Set spending limits before Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you work on campus or under OPT:
– Review your payroll details and withholdings.
– Check your W-2 delivery method for January.
– Save pay stubs and any 1099 forms.

Getting nonresident tax basics right now helps avoid IRS issues later and supports clean records for future benefits like H-1B or permanent residence.

Cultural connection and wellbeing

Thanksgiving is about gratitude and community. Say yes to invitations, join a “Friendsgiving,” or host a simple potluck. If you feel lonely, reach out to your international student office; many keep a short list of local families and campus groups welcoming students.

Mental health reminders:
– Shorter days, colder weather, and finals stress can add up.
– Most universities provide counseling, even during breaks, with emergency options after hours.

Special notes for Indian students

With over 250,000 Indian students in U.S. universities, Thanksgiving is both a cultural bridge and a logistics checkpoint. Indian associations often host dinners and volunteer events.

Consulate and travel notes:
– Consulates may adjust hours around U.S. and Indian holidays; check notices before planning visa services.
– When flying to India and back during Thanksgiving week, expect higher prices and tight connections—build in extra time.

Quick-reference checklists

Documents to carry for domestic trips:
– Passport
– Student ID
– Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (even for domestic travel, it’s smart to carry proof of status)

Documents to carry for international trips:
– Passport with valid U.S. visa
– Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with current travel signature
– Proof of enrollment and funding
– I-94 details (if needed)
– For OPT: I-765 receipt and EAD if issued

On-campus planning:
– Confirm dining hours and housing access
– Note office closures from Wednesday through Sunday
– Reserve library study space for after the break

Key takeaway: By following this timeline, international students can enjoy Thanksgiving break, protect their status, and step back into class ready for the final push of the semester. A little early planning turns a busy travel week into a smooth and memorable part of the U.S. college experience.