Definition

Domestic travel covers all travel within the United States; International travel is divided into two different categories for F-1 students: travel outside North America and travel to North American countries (Canada, US, Mexico, and the contiguous island territories). Students should obtain a visa, if required, for each country they plan to visit.

Domestic Travel

When traveling domestically in the U.S. you are required to carry your passport, I-94 card, and your valid form DS-2019. No endorsement is needed, however, on the DS-2019 form.

Procedures for Travel Outside North America

Obtain a signature on the back of your DS-2019 form from an international student adviser in ISSP. This signature is valid for one semester, so it is not necessary to get a new signature every time you travel within that one semester period. If your visa will expire by the date that you would like to re-enter the US, you will need to get a new visa from the US Consulate/Embassy in the country you are visiting. In order to facilitate this process, the ISSP will issue you a letter of support. The process will be similar to the process used when you applied for your initial visa, including providing proof of finances and filling out form DS-156. This new form (version date 08/2001) replaces Form OF-156, and must be used for all nonimmigrant visa applications. The new DS-156 can be downloaded in PDF format from the Department of State Visa Services website. Also, if you are not going to apply for the visa in your home country, you should check with an advisor in ISSP. Before applying for a new visa, you should always talk to your advisor.

Checklist of documents needed when traveling

• Valid passport, if applicable
• Valid J-1 visa, if applicable
• Valid DS-2019 with current signature
• I-94 card
• Visitor visa, if applicable

Procedures for Travel to Mexico, Canada, and Adjacent Islands Other Than Cuba

Obtain a signature on your DS-2019 from an international student adviser in ISSP. This signature is valid for one semester, so it is not necessary to get a new signature every time you travel within that one semester period. J-1 students may travel to Mexico, Canada, and the adjacent islands other than Cuba for fewer than 30 days with an expired J-1 visa if the student will continue in J-1 status upon return to the U.S. and the student has not recently been denied a visa at the U.S. consulate. This is not available to those who apply for a new visa. Be sure to talk to an advisor about the exact procedure before you leave. Citizens from certain countries will need to obtain a visitor visa in order to enter Canada or Mexico. ISSP has applications and instructions for visitor visas to aid students; or, for more information, link to embassies in Washington, D.C.

Checklist of documents needed when travelling to adjacent territories

• Valid passport
• Valid DS-2019 with current signature
• I-94 (students should not give up their I-94 upon departure)
• Visitor visa if applicable
• Information about automatic revalidation of visa available at ISSP to show to an immigration official

If you have any questions please contact an ISSP advisor!