J-1 Exchange Visitors
An exchange visitor who wishes to travel outside the U.S. and return during the course of his or her program must have the proper documents to enter the country abroad as well as to reenter the U.S.
Travel to his or her country of citizenship or permanent residence requires a valid passport. Travel to another country may require a visa or entry permit. J-1 travelers should contact the consulate or embassy of the country to be visited to learn about the required processes.
Re-Entry for J-1 Exchange Visitors to U.S.
To reenter the U.S. the J-1 traveler must have the following documents:
- a valid passport
- valid visa (unless exempt from this requirement; or reentry is from Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands [ Caribbean]), and
- a current DS-2019 signed by a responsible officer (or alternate responsible officer) affirming that the J-1 is in good standing.
If the visa is no longer valid, the J-1 scholar must apply to a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the U.S. for a new one when circumstances do not exist for automatic revalidation of an expired visa at the port of entry, as it does for travel to Canada, Mexico, or the adjacent islands. Most consular offices accept the extended DS-2019 as sufficient documentation for issuing a new visa.
At the Port of Entry to the U.S., a U.S. immigration officer will issue an I-94 card which will post pertinent information regarding the foreign national’s status and stay in the U.S. The immigration status (Ex: J-1, H-1B, TN, or Parolee) posted on the I-94 card determines the current status of the foreign national and the date entered on the I-94 card by a U.S. Immigration Officer determines the status end date. Remain aware that the Last Action Rule applies to the action taken by the immigration officer. Therefore, information posted on I-94 cards at the U.S. Port of Entry invalidates previously issued immigration documents and the University may be required to take subsequent action on the foreign national’s behalf to maintain the immigration status of the non-immigrant.
For additional information about travel documents, please click here.