Traveling Outside the USA for J-1 Exchange Visitors
travel endorsement of ds-2019
All exchange visitors (EVs) and their family members who plan to leave the US, even for a day, must have a valid passport, visa, and endorsed copy of the DS-2019 Form in order to reenter the USA in J-1 status. The EV should ask the J-1 Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer to sign or endorse the DS-2019 form at least 2 weeks before traveling. EVs should complete a Travel Form in the Office of International Students and Scholars to request this endorsement. The endorsement is valid for 6 months only so it must be endorsed periodically according to your travel schedules.
If your J-1 visa and entry stamps are in an expired passport and you have been reissued a new passport, you will need to carry both passports when you travel. If you go home for a vacation, you may contact the US Embassy/Consulate to request information on the process of acquiring a new stamp/visa in your new passport.
J-1 principals and J-2 dependents can travel independently of one another. However, a J-1 visa holder cannot leave J-2 dependents alone in the USA for more than 30 days. Doing so will result in both the J-1 principal and J-2 dependents being “out of status” and possible program termination. Exchange Visitors should consult with the Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible in the Office of International Students and Scholars when requesting travel validation on their DS-2019 forms to make certain traveling outside the USA without their dependents will not jeopardize their program status.
If an EV is planning to transfer, change categories or extend in the United States or if any other adjustments to their SEVIS record and DS-2019 are required, these should be done and a new DS-2019 should be issued and signed before the planned travel.
When an EV departs, s/he surrenders the I-94 Form (Arrival/Departure Record); therefore, when s/he returns to the United States, s/he must have the proper documents to get a new I-94 with the correct visa classification and immigration status. EVs must make certain they have obtained the necessary visas and transit visas for all countries of destination.
J-1 students should travel with transcripts, certificates of enrollment and financial statements. J-1 research scholars or professors should take copies of invitation/appointment letters and other supporting documentation. This may help when attempting to re-enter the USA.
Travel to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands
If J-1 visa holders travel to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands (except Cuba) for less than 30 days, they may be eligible for an automatic extension of their visas. Upon exiting, the EV must have a valid passport and endorsed (signed for travel) DS-2019 Form and should not give up the I-94 card at the border when departing. If the US Visa in the passport has expired and the EV is only planning to travel to one of these countries, an EV may be able to return to the US in J-1 status without obtaining a new visa. Contact the Mexican Consulate or Consulate General of Canada prior to traveling to check policies and procedures. Citizens of some countries may require a visa to enter Mexico or Canada. Please be cautious when driving to Canada or Mexico by car. Be very aware of where the border zone begins. Crossing this line will automatically require you to present immigration documents for departure, entry or re-entry.
Travel within the USA
Once an EV has entered the USA with the proper visa and has a stamped DS-2019 to verify status, s/he may travel within the USA without restriction. EVs may also travel to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and other US territories. EVs should still carry all documentation in case one needs to prove immigration status. It is very wise to leave a copy of travel plans and an itinerary with an academic advisor, a trusted friend and/or relatives. Leaving photocopies of your important documents in a safe place, in care of a trusted friend or relative can also assist in the event your documents are lost or stolen.