SCHOLARS TRAVEL
If you are planning to travel overseas, make sure you have these things in order to re-enter the United States. Please consult the International Student Advisors in the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for further information. J-1 scholars must be mindful of visa concerns when planning any international travel.
- A valid passport.
- DS-2019 recently endorsed with a signature from the ISSO on the “Travel Validation” in the right bottom.
- Valid visa stamp in passport. Check the expiration date. If expired, you must renew at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
- Your I-94 card (white card in your passport). Remember to turn in your I-94 card as you depart the U.S.
- It is your responsibility to determine if the country you plan to visit requires a valid visa for you to enter.
WARNINGS
- ANY time you leave the U.S., there is no guarantee you will be allowed to return.
- If you have applied for an extension of stay or change of status, these procedures must be completed before travelling outside the U.S.
TRAVEL OUTSIDE USA - WITH AN EXPIRED VISA
If your F1 visa is expired, you may not need to obtain a new visa if you plan a short trip (less than 30 days) to another country in North America. This is called Automatic Revalidation of an expired visa. The following conditions apply:
- Your trip must be limited to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island*.
- Your trip must be less than 30 days in length.
- To re-enter the USA you must have:
- a passport that is valid 6 months into the future
- an updated I-20 or validated DS-2019 within the past 6 months
- your original I-94 card from when you last entered the USA (make sure you do NOT give this up when leaving the USA upon your departure)
- expired F-1 or J-1 visa OR proof of a visa change of status to F-1 or J-1
WARNINGS
- If you apply for a new U.S. visa during your stay outside the country, you are NOT eligible for Automatic Revalidation. You need to provide a copy of any new I-94 card upon return from your trip to the ISSO.
- ANY time you leave the U.S., there is no guarantee you will be allowed to return.
- If you have applied for an extension of stay or change of status, these procedures must be completed before traveling outside the U.S.
- If you are a citizen of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, North Korea or Cuba, you are not eligible for Automatic Revalidation.
*TRAVEL INSIDE THE U.S.
Whenever you are within the U.S., you are required to have your passport (with visa stamp), I-94 and DS-2019 with you.
For more information, go to travel.state.gov. Wishing you safe and happy travels!