Travel Outside the U.S. for J-1 Students

You will need current documents in order to travel back into the U.S. after leaving while on your J-1 visa. The Immigration and Advising Coordinator can help you navigate the appropriate documents you need and provide a travel signature for your trip.

Make an Appointment with the Immigration & Advising Coordinator

Required Documentation

You should have the following documents with you (not in your luggage) when you re-enter the United States. If you left the U.S. without getting your DS-2019 signed or you forgot the document, you will receive a Form I-515A and need to contact the Immigration & Advising Coordinator to get a new DS-2019.

Valid Passport

If your passport is expired or close to expiring, you should renew it before you travel
Passport should be valid for at least six (6) months into the future
Contact your home country’s consulate or embassy in the U.S. to find out how to extend or replace your current passport

To Obtain a New J-1 Entry Visa

Most U.S. consulates and embassies have websites where you can download visa application forms and find information about application fees and requirements prior to your departure from the U.S. You will need to schedule an appointment. Your visa may take longer to process than in the past, due to security checks.

Contact the U.S. Consulate
Ensure that you have proper documents
Unexpired passport
Valid DS-2019 with re-entry signature
Transcripts and copies of Reduced Course Load Forms (students only)
Evidence of funding
Evidence of health insurance
Additional documents may be requested by the consular officer

Be Aware of Security Clearance Checks!

A security check will delay your visa application significantly
If you are employed at the University, please discuss your travel plans and the risks with your supervisor so that your department can be prepared in case your return is delayed due to security check

Current SEVIS DS-2019

You may use your current DS-2019 for travel if it reflects accurate information
You need to request a new DS-2019 before you travel if your current document is about to expire or if any of the following information has changed
- Your name
- Major
- Degree level (students only)
- Academic department (scholars and student-interns only)
- Significant change in the funding information

Valid Re-entry (“Travel”) Signature on your SEVIS DS-2019

The signature appears in the lower right corner of your DS-2019 and is valid for 12 months or the expiration date of your document, whichever is earlier
If the signature is more than 12 months old and your document has not expired, you need to request a new re-entry signature from the Immigration & Advising Coordinator before you travel

What if I left the U.S. without getting my DS-2019 signed, or I forgot to take it with me?

It is important you obtain a re-entry signature from the Immigration & Advising Coordinator before leaving the U.S.
If you did not (or you forgot your DS-2019) and your visa is still active, you will be issued a Form I-515A by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at your arrival port of entry (airport, land border, seaport). With this document, you will be admitted into the U.S. for 30 days.
You must report to or contact the Immigration & Advising Coordinator immediately to get a newly signed DS-2019, and you will mail this DS-2019 and your I-515A to the SEVP Office in Washington, D.C. These documents must reach the office before the 30-day expiration date on your Form I-515A. Before mailing, see the instructions and address printed on your I-515A.

Note: If you realize you forgot your DS-2019 or it is missing a re-entry signature and you have sufficient time remaining before your return to the U.S., you can request a replacement form by emailing the Immigration & Advising Coordinator.

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Immigration inspectors may ask you to verify the financial support indicated on your document. Carry documentation with you (such as employment verification letter, bank statement, scholarship letter, letter verifying your employment at UNI).

Unofficial Transcript or a Verification of Enrollment Letter (students only)
This is a record of your academic career at the University and verifies full-time enrollment at the University
Unofficial transcripts and verification of enrollment letters are available from any Student Services Center on campus
Carry copies of Reduced Course Load form(s) in which you had less than a full course load, if applicable
You should also bring transcripts from any other schools attended in the U.S.
Offer Letter of Employment
This is the letter that students receive from an employer when offered a job for those that have been authorized for pre-completion, mandatory, post-completion, or post-doctoral academic training
Letter from Supervisor and a UNI Business Card (scholars and student-interns only)
We recommend scholars and student-interns ask their Faculty Mentor at the University to write a letter to prove that they are pursuing the original purpose of their stay in the U.S.
The letter should include the following three points
- The Faculty Mentor is aware of the scholar or student-intern's travel
- The travel does not negatively effect the scholar or student-intern's J program objective
- The Faculty Mentor expects the scholar or student-intern to return to the University of Minnesota to complete their J program

Proof of Adequate Health Insurance

The University of Northern Iowa requires J-1 and J-2 visa holders to enroll in the University Student Health Benefits Plan. This insurance also meets minimum U.S. government requirements listed on page 2 of your DS-2019 form.

Carry the card you receive from the insurance company for proof of insurance while you travel
J-1s who receive health insurance through their University employment are not required to enroll in the student health benefits plan
They must also buy insurance for their J-2 dependents through the Employee Benefits plan
Carry the dependents' cards you receive from the insurance company for proof of insurance while you travel
You should carry your current DS-7002 (“Training/Internship Placement Plan”) when traveling outside of the U.S.
Prior to departure, review it carefully for any substantive changes.
If your internship has changed significantly, your UNI Faculty Mentor and hosting department must request an amended DS-7002 and DS-2019 on your behalf