International travel by students and scholars in non-immigrant status
requires advance planning and careful attention to details. The most
important thing is to make certain you have the required documents with your
passport (not packed in your suitcase) when you arrive back in the U.S. Check
your immigration status for a list of required
travel documents. Check with OISS
before you leave if you have any questions, particularly if you need to apply
for a new visa.
Arriving in the U.S. Upon admission (initial and re-entry) into
the U.S., you will receive an I-94 card (see
the sample). Before you leave the U.S. immigration area, check to make
sure your I-94 card, and those of your dependents, are marked correctly.
The card should indicate visa classification and the length of time each person
is allowed to stay in the U.S. For F or J visa classifications, the
duration should be noted as “D/S” meaning duration of status. For all
other non-immigrant visa classifications, it will be date specific according to
your immigration document. You should keep this I-94 card securely in your
passport during your stay in the U.S.
Departing the U.S. When you depart the U.S. the airline will
usually take your I-94. However, students who are citizens of Canada in
F-1 or J-1 status or scholars in TN status may be allowed to retain their I-94
card and use it multiple times. Those entering
Canada, Mexico or a contiguous island using automatic
revalidation should not relinquish their I-94 card upon U.S.
department.
Applying For or Renewing Your U.S. Visa
Traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Adjacent
Islands
NSEERS/Special Registration Entry & Exit Requirements
If you are subject to NSEERS there will be a notation on your visa and/or
I-94 card that says NSEERS or FIN (followed by a number). Students and scholars admitted into the U.S. under the National
Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) and Special Registration
are required to register with immigration authorities each time they enter and
leave the U.S. Allow several hours for the NSEERS exit process in addition
to the normal airport departure guidelines. You will know you are subject
to NSEERS if there is a notation on your passport and/or I-94 that says NSEERS
or FIN (followed by a number). If you have any concerns or questions,
please contact OISS
Traveling in the U.S.
You are advised to carry your passport and immigration documents (your I-20,
DS-2019 or I-797 form) with you when traveling in the U.S., including on trips
where you are traveling by car, train or bus. It may also be advisable to carry
a copy of your I-94 card, a copy of your I-20 Form, a copy of your passport page
with your biographic information and photo with you at all times. While it is
extremely unlikely you would be questioned, having these documents with you
provides immediate proof of your lawful status in the U.S. OISS can verify this
information by phone should that ever be necessary
