Travel

As soon as a student or scholar makes plans to travel internationally (including short trips to Canada or Mexico), they should complete the following:

1. Submit the "Travel Information Update" e-form in ISSS Link.

   • This e-form should be submitted each time a student or scholar travels internationally—even if they have a valid travel signature. Within 5 business days, ISSS will review the e-form and advise accordingly.

2. Review the International Travel Document Checklists to ensure that the nonimmigrant has the necessary documents (i.e. valid passport and US visa, I-20/DS-2019 travel signature etc.) to return to the US after a trip abroad.

   • If the traveler does not have all the required documentation, the US Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may deny their entry to the US.

   • If the traveler needs to get a new US visa stamp while abroad, they should follow the procedures outlined on ISSS' Apply for a US Visa page.

3. Monitor travel advisory updates issued by the United States Department of State.

4. Become familiar with Emory’s international travel best practices.

5. Upload the itinerary to International SOS before departure.

   • Emory contracts with International SOS (ISOS) to provide security and medical evacuation services, and a variety of health, safety, and security resources for the university community traveling abroad.

   • If their travel plans change during their trip, students and scholars should upload their new itinerary in ISOS immediately for proper assistance.

6. Apply for a third country visa (if necessary): If a student or scholar is visiting or traveling through any country other than the one that issued their passport, they may need a visa. ISSS cannot advise students and scholars on the entry requirements for countries other than the US. However, it is recommended that travelers check the embassy website for the country to which they will travel and/or contact their closest consulate or embassy.

F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their F-2/J-2 dependents must have a valid travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 to re-enter the US. To check if they have a travel signature and/or if it will be valid at the time they return to the US, Fs and Js should refer to their most recent I-20 or DS-2019:

• F-1/F-2: the travel signature can be found on page 2 of the most recent I-20.
• J-1/J-2: the travel signature can be found in the bottom right corner on page 1 of the most recent DS-2019.   

Travel Signature Validity:

• F-1 and their F-2 Dependents:
  • If pursuing a degree, the signature is valid for one year.
  • If in a period of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), the signature is valid for 6 months.
• J-1 and their J-2 Dependents: the signature is valid for one year 

Request a Travel Signature:

Submit a "Travel Information Update" e-form in ISSS Link. Upon approval, ISSS will issue a new I-20/DS-2019 and send it to the student/scholar electronically (if they do not already have a valid travel signature). When they receive the new I-20/DS-2019, the student or scholar should make sure to print, sign, and date the document. They must present the printed document to US Customs and Border Protection upon re-entry into the US. 

I-20/DS-2019

Complete the appropriate e-form in ISSS Link to request a replacement I-20/DS-2019 or to request an update to a document.

• If lost, stolen or damaged, submit the "I-20 or DS-2019 Replacement Request" e-form.
• If the document does not have a travel signature or the signature will be expired at the time the student or scholar will return to the US, fill out the "Travel Information Update" e-form.
• If the document requires an update (i.e. major, expected program completion date, funding source, etc.), complete the corresponding e-form.

Passport 

• Expiring/Expired Passports:
  • Must be valid at least 6 months past the date the student or scholar will return to the US.
  • If the passport is expiring, students and scholars should contact their home country’s closest embassy/consulate to renew it.
• Lost or Stolen Passports
  • Review the US Department of State's website to learn how to:
    • File a police report.
    • Contact the home country’s closest embassy/consulate to report the lost/stolen passport and request a new one.
  • Contact an ISSS advisor for further guidance.
• Provide ISSS with a copy of the new passport by completing the "Submit New Document" e-form ISSS Link. 

US Visa

• Expired/Expiring US Visa
  • Must be valid at the time of entry to the US.
  • Exceptions:
    • Citizens of Canada or Bermuda
    • Eligible for Automatic Revalidation (See the "Automatic Revalidation for Travel to Mexico, Canada, and Adjacent Islands" section below for details).
  • If a traveler's visa will be expired when they will return to the US, and they do not meet the exceptions above, the traveler willl need to apply for a new US visa while abroad.
• Lost or Stolen Visas
  • Review the US Department of State's website to learn how to:
    • File a police report.
    • Contact US embassy/consulate abroad that issued the visa to report the lost/stole visa.
    • Apply for a replacement visa from abroad.
      • Lost/stolen US visas cannot be replaced in the United States.
      • Nonimmigrants can remain in the US without a valid visa in their passport. However, next time they travel abroad, they will need to apply for a replacement visa before returning to the US.
  • Contact an ISSS advisor for further guidance.
• Provide ISSS with a copy of the new visa by completing the "Submit New Document" e-form ISSS Link. 

Automatic Revalidation for Travel to Mexico, Canada, and Adjacent Islands 

Generally, international students and scholars must present an unexpired US visa each time they enter the US. An exception to this rule is known as Automatic Revalidation—which allows some nonimmigrants to return to the US with an expired US visa after visiting certain countries for less than 30 days.

• F-1 Students, J-1 Exchange Visitors, and their dependents:  May be eligible to use Automatic Revalidation when traveling to Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island (except Cuba).
• H-1B/TN/O-1/E-3 Scholars and their dependents: Cannot return to the US with an expired visa after traveling to an adjacent island, but may be eligible to use Automatic Revalidation when traveling to Canada or Mexico. 

Note: Not all nonimmigrants are eligible to return to the US with an expired visa. Visit the US Department of State’s website for the full requirements. 

1. Keep documents in carry-on bag and not packed in checked luggage.
   • Fs and J Exchange Visitors only:  If a student or scholar does not have their I-20/DS-2019 with them or if the travel signature on the I-20/DS-2019 has expired, the US Customs and Border Protection officer may issue an electronic Form I-515A.
     • An I-515A form allows a student or scholar who is missing some of their immigration documents to enter the US on a temporary basis. Once issued an I-515A, a student/scholar must provide the US government with updated versions of the missing documents within 30 days or depart the US.
     • Contact an ISSS advisor immediately if issued a Form I-515A. The student/scholar should meet with their advisor within two business days to ensure the I-515A form is handled in a timely manner. If not, they will need to depart the US.
2. Obtain a new I-94 and ensure the new I-94 information is accurate. Pay special attention to the “class of admission” and the “admit until date”. If a student or scholar notices any errors, they should contact their ISSS advisor immediately.
3. Upload any new immigration documents (e.g. new I-94, a new visa sticker, etc.) to ISSS Link by completing the "Submit New Document" e-form. 

Document Checklist:

1. Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the US (with these exceptions)
2. Valid F-1/F-2 or J-1/J-2 visa (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
3. Form I-20 or DS-2019, with a valid travel signature
4. SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt (print receipt)
5. Evidence of student enrollment (a print-out of transcript from OPUS is recommended)
6. Financial documentation (such as a bank statement, assistantship award letter, etc.)
7. If participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Academic Training (AT), the traveler will also need:
   • A letter from the employer on official letterhead and signed by the supervisor stating that the student will return to the US to resume their training that is directly related to their major.
   • Employment Authorization Document (EAD card from USCIS) or AT authorization letter (from ISSS) showing the approved dates of OPT/AT authorization.
     • Note: The “not valid for re-entry” notation on the EAD simply means that the EAD alone is not sufficient. It must be accompanied by the other items on this list.

F-2/J-2 Dependents Only:

• In addition to the documents listed above, F-2/J-2 dependents must travel with documentation verifying the relationship to the F-1 or J-1 student (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate)   

Document Checklist:

1. Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the US
2. Valid J-1/J-2 visa (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
3. DS-2019, with a valid travel signature
4. SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt (print receipt)
5. Financial documentation (such as offer letter, funding letter, bank statement, etc.)

J-2 Dependents Only:

• In addition to the documents listed above, J-2 dependents must travel with documentation verifying the relationship to the J-1 scholar (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate)   

Document Checklist:

1. Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the US
2. Valid H-1B/H-4 or O-1/O-3 visa (except citizens of Canada and Bermuda)
3. I-797 approval notice
   1. H-1B/O-1 Visa Holder: Original I-797 approval notice
   2. H-4/O-3 Dependents: Copy of I-797 approval notice provided to H-1B/O-1 scholar
4. Copy of entire H-1B/O-1 petition as submitted to USCIS, including supporting documentation (Note: ISSS provided a copy to the scholar along with the original I-797 Approval Notice)
5. Three most recent pay stubs, printed from PeopleSoft

H-4/O-3 Dependents Only:

• In addition to the documents listed above, H-4/O-3 dependents must travel with documentation verifying the relationship to the H-1B/O-1 scholar (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate).

Document Checklist:

1. Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the US
2. Valid TN/TD visa (only for Mexican citizens and TD dependents of Canadian citizens, if the dependent is not a Canadian citizen)
3. TN employment letter provided by Emory ISSS
4. Original diplomas and transcripts, including English translations. 
   • If the scholar earned a degree outside the US, they will also need a credential evaluation
5. Three most recent pay stubs, printed from PeopleSoft
6. If a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf:
   • Copy of the I-129 petition, including supporting documentation
   • Copy of the I-797 approval notice

TD Dependents Only:

In addition to the documents listed above, TD dependents must travel with:

• Copy of TN's I-94
• Documentation verifying the relationship to the TN scholar (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate).    

Document Checklist:

1. Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the date of return to the US
2. Valid E-3 visa
3. Original offer letter from Emory department
4. Copy of certified Labor Condition Application (LCA)
5. Three most recent pay stubs, printed from Peoplesoft
6. If a petition was filed with USCIS on the scholar's behalf:
   • Copy of the I-129 petition, including supporting documentation
   • Copy of the I-797 approval notice

E-3 Dependents Only:

• In addition to the documents listed above, E-3 dependents must travel with documentation verifying the relationship to the E-3 scholar (i.e. marriage license, birth certificate).