Traveling Abroad

General Information

When traveling outside the United States, J-1 faculty and staff must have in their possession the proper documents to return to the U.S. to resume their activities. These documents are:

• Valid passport (for at least 6 months into the future)
• Valid J-1 visa stamp in passport
• Form DS-2019 authorized for travel by an ISSS counselor (the authorized signature space is on the front of Form DS-2019)

Anytime you plan to travel please submit a completed document request form and your current Form DS-2019 for travel endorsement at least two weeks prior to your departure date. Be sure to also bring your passport and Form I-94 card with you. Emergency situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

If you need to apply for a new J-1 visa stamp abroad, please submit updated financial information so that a new Form DS-2019 may be issued to you to present to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Visa Appointments in Canada and Mexico

Due to the increased security checks applied to third country national visa applications at US consulates in Mexico and Canada and recent changes in the regulations regarding entry from these countries, ISSS generally advises against traveling to these border states to apply for visas.