Travel Outside the U.S.

H1-B1 employees should talk to an ISSO advisor concerning travel requirements.

To re-enter the U.S. after travel abroad, students, faculty, and Scholars in J-1 and F-1 visa status will need:

• valid passport,
• valid visa stamp,
• and valid (signed) DS-2019 (for J-1) or SEVIS I-20 (for F-1)

Travelers to contiguous territories ( Canada, Mexico, Caribbean Island, etc.) for periods of 30 days or less are not required to be in possession of a valid visa stamp if all other documents are valid.

Please request a support letter from ISSO prior to any travel under the “Automatic Visa Revalidation” provision.

Such travelers are advised to keep the original Form I-94 rather than surrendering it to the airline.

If your Form I-94 reflects a change in visa status within the U.S., visitors to contiguous territories for 30 days or less do not need a visa stamp corresponding to the new status. The Form I-94 must be retained for re-entry from contiguous territories if the visa stamp is expired or a change of status has been approved.

Travelers to all other areas must renew their non-immigrant J-1 or F-1 visas at U.S. consular posts abroad to permit re-entry to the U.S. The Electronic Embassy website will help you to determine embassy phone numbers, and locations.

J-1 Scholars must present a DS-2019 form signed by an ISSO advisor.

F-1 visa holders must present an I-20 form signed by an ISSO advisor Designated School Official. A letter of financial support is recommended.

Visitor's visas may be required for travel to Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Consult the Electronic Embassy website for visitor visa information.