We wish you the best at the end of the Fall semester and safe travels to those of you who will travel over the winter recess. If you have any questions and need to talk to an OISS adviser before the holidays, you can find different ways to connect with us here. If we do not see you before the break, we look forward to seeing you again in the new year!
As you prepare to travel for winter break, please review these travel reminders.
Before You Leave
Please make sure you have all the required and unexpired travel documentation below before you travel.
Valid Passport
You must have a valid passport to exit the U.S. Your passport must also be valid for a minimum of six months into the future at the time of re-entry to the U.S. Some countries have an agreement with the U.S. which exempts their nationals from the six-month rule for U.S. entry purposes only.
Valid Visa
You also need a valid visa to re-enter the U.S. (except for Canadian citizens, who do not need a visa). Please check the expiration date of the visa in your passport. If your visa has expired, the short winter recess might not be the best time to travel, as visa services and visa interview appointment availability might be limited due to the holiday schedule. Some of you might also find out that your visa application needs to go through administrative processing. If your visa has expired and you still wish to travel and apply for a new visa, please plan accordingly and submit the online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) in advance (you need to be outside the U.S. to attend your visa interview or drop off your documents, but you can submit the DS-160 and schedule required actions prior to your travel).
Valid Travel Signature
If you are in F-1 or J-1 status, you also need to ensure that your I-20 or DS-2019 has a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S. Please remember that travel signatures are only valid for one year, but good 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 or J-1 student and need a travel signature, please contact your designated OISS adviser and they will electronically send you a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature. If you are a J-1 scholar and need a travel signature, please follow these directions to request a new electronic travel signature.
A Note About the Transition in Presidential Administration
Some of you have asked whether your travel plans might be impacted due to the transition in presidential administrations. Here are some points to consider as you go about finalizing your winter recess travel plans:
- OISS does not have any reason to believe that the current administration will change international travel requirements between now and January 19th.
- OISS does not know what immigration policy changes the new administration might put into effect. Although it is possible that new executive orders that impact your ability to re-enter the U.S. could be issued as early as January 20th or thereafter, we do not know what the scope of these orders might be, what exceptions they might include, and when these orders would take effect. As such, you should assess your risk tolerance and decide accordingly.
- If your visa has expired and you need to apply for a new visa over the winter recess, please see our advice about the potential risks above and how to mitigate them if you still wish to travel and renew your visa.
Please know that OISS will continue to monitor the situation and send you any updated information affecting travel. We are here to support you and ensure that your academic endeavors continue smoothly.
Other Reminders
- Pack all 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/H-1B 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 Global 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 one hundred 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.
I-94 is your arrival and departure record that is automatically created online upon your entry to the U.S. After you re-enter the U.S. at the end of winter break, 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 are in F-1 or J-1 status). If you see an error in your I-94 record, please contact your OISS adviser.
