Home
About ISSS
Students
Scholars
Administrators
Survival Guide

Travel Information

H-1B employees and their H-4 dependents planning to travel outside the U.S. should make sure they have all the proper documentation prior to traveling. The H-1B Checklist for Travel Outside the U.S. is available to them through our website.

Please note: All H-1B and H-4 non-immigrants should consult with ISSS if they plan to travel while a change of status, portability or extension/amendment petition is pending with USCIS. Traveling during this time could have a negative impact on these petitions.

Departments and scholars should be aware that travel and subsequent application for a visa stamp may trigger security clearance delays for incoming scholars. You can read about security clearance delays or “administrative processing” here (link will take you out of the Administrators Area).

Departments must write a letter on behalf of the H-1B employee verifying their employment and that they are returning to the U.S. to resume that employment. You may be required to write two letters, one to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and another to the U.S. Consulate, if the employee needs to obtain an H-1B visa stamp while abroad. See Quick Links box to right for template letters.