As you prepare to travel for winter break, please review these important travel reminders that the Office of International Affairs has put together. We've also pulled out some of the highlights and included them below. We wish you safe travels and look forward to seeing you again in the new year!
Before You Leave
Travel Signature reminders: If you will be traveling internationally over winter break, please check your I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure you have a valid travel signature before traveling and returning to the U.S. Remember that travel signatures are only valid for one year, but for multiple entries. Travel signatures can be found on the second page of your I-20 or the first page of your DS-2019.
If you are an F-1 student and need a travel signature, please contact your designated OISS adviser and they will electronically send you a new I-20 with a travel signature. If you are a J-1 student or J-1 scholar and need a travel signature, you can stop by at OISS during out business hours (before December 16th!) and we can give you a new signature if you are in New Haven, or you can contact your OISS adviser, who will need to be mail you the new DS-2019 with the travel signature.
Other reminders:
- Pack all of your immigration documents in your carry-on: review what you need to carry with you and ensure your immigration documents are valid for travel (F- 1 /J-1 student travel, or J-1 scholar travel).
- Register your travel with Yale. In the event of a major emergency, Yale will be able to contact you.
- In an emergency, contact International SOS travel assistance. All members of the Yale community are automatically enrolled with International SOS (ISOS), which provides pre-travel consultations and 24/7/365 domestic and international emergency medical, security and travel assistance for Yale travelers and accompanying family while more than 100 miles from home.
- Check your medical insurance. Check with your medical insurance provider before you travel to verify coverage of routine medical needs and coverage limitations while you are outside the U.S. For students enrolled in Yale Health Basic and Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage, your Yale Health insurance coverage is good worldwide in the event of a health emergency.
- Review our page on handling immigration travel emergencies when returning to the U.S.
- Review Yale's Cybersecurity advice for traveling with electronics and protecting your privacy and data.
After You Arrive in the U.S.
Check your I-94 record after you enter the U.S.: I-94 is your arrival and departure record that is automatically created online upon your entry to the U.S. After you arrive at Yale, please check your I-94 record and make sure you have been admitted in the correct visa status and for the correct duration (i.e. for D/S, duration of status). If you see an error in your I-94 record, please contact your OISS adviser.
