There are many issues that will affect your decision and ability to travel to the U.S., and unfortunately with the ongoing global pandemic it is important to stay informed with up-to-date information. In addition to the information below you should also review the detailed information provided by NAFSA: Association of International Educators regarding COVID-19 restrictions on U.S. visas and entry.
Whether you are traveling to the U.S. for the first time or re-entering, please review the information below carefully. At a minimum, you will need a valid passport, valid visa (except Canadian citizens) and a valid immigration document. Click the box below for details about your specific immigration status. If you have questions or concerns, check with your OISS adviser before you make travel plans. If you had a difficult time entering or re-entering the U.S., please let us know.
You can find detailed information below regarding what documents you need to carry with you, what you need to be aware of when entering the U.S., and what the I-94 record is and why it is important.
Information Specific to Visa Category
F-1 Travel Document Checklist
- Valid, unexpired (Section #5) Form I-20 - also referred to as “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status” - with an OISS signature on the bottom of page 2, The OISS signature should not be older than 12 months, and can be used for multiple entries
- F-2 dependents must have their own I-20 forms meeting the same criteria above
- Valid F-1 or F-2 visa from a U.S. embassy (except for Canadian citizens who are not required to have a visa)
- Valid passport (see note below)
- There are additional documents needed to travel after graduation using F-1 OPT.
Passports
All international students, scholars and family members planning to depart from the U.S. and return after a temporary absence must have a valid passport in order to exit the U.S. The 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. that automatically extends passport validity for 6 months, for U.S. entry purposes only.
Visas
Except for Canadian citizens, all international students will also need to have a valid F-1 visa in their passport issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. F-1 visas cannot be obtained or renewed inside the U.S.
J-1 Travel Document Checklist
- Valid DS-2019 (not expired in Section #3) with OISS signature in the Travel Validation section at bottom. The OISS signature should not be older than 12 months and is valid for multiple entries to the U.S.
- J-2 dependents must have their own valid DS-2019 forms
- Valid J-1 or J-2 visa from a U.S. embassy (except for Canadian citizens who are not required to have a visa)
- Valid passport (see note below)
- If graduated and authorized for Academic Training, a copy of the OISS authorization letter
- If Yale University is not your J-1 program sponsor, please contact them directly (e.g. Fulbright)
Passports
All international students and family members planning to depart from the U.S. and return after a temporary absence must have a valid passport in order to exit the U.S. The 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. that automatically extends passport validity for 6 months, for U.S. entry purposes only.
Visas
Except for Canadian citizens, all international students will also need to have a valid J-1 visa in their passport issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. J-1 visa cannot be obtained or renewed inside the U.S.
Transit Visas When Changing Planes
If your travel plans require a change of planes in a third country, you must check to see if you need a transit visa. Some countries (including the U.S.) required an entry or transit visa, even if you are only changing planes and resuming your travels during a short time frame. Before purchasing your ticket, make certain you are aware of any travel requirements or restrictions.
