INFORMATION FOR J-1 EXCHANGE VISITORS

TRAVEL GUIDELINES FOR J-1 EXCHANGE VISITORS, SCHOLARS, AND THEIR DEPENDENTS

If you are in J-1 exchange visitor status wishing to travel outside the United States, you should be aware of regulations concerning your reentry into the U.S. As a J-1 nonimmigrant, you and your dependents are responsible for obtaining the necessary documents required for reentry into the U.S. after international travel. If you leave the U.S., there is never a guarantee that, if a new visa is required, a new visa will be issued, or that you will be allowed to reenter the country. The risk of being refused a visa or being denied entry to the U.S. should be weighed against your desire to continue academic or professional activities in the U.S.

U.S.-Visit Procedure

The Department of Homeland Security records all entries to and exits from the United States. For information about what to expect when entering the U.S., please visit http://www.dhs.gov/us-visit.

Documents Needed to Enter the U.S.

The following documents are required upon reentering the U.S.:

• Valid Passport: If your passport will expire soon, you must renew your passport before reentry to the U.S.
• Valid J-1 visa stamped in passport: If your visa has expired or will expire before returning to the U.S., you must renew the visa at a U.S. consulate while abroad. (unless exempt from passport and visa requirement) For more information, see our section on Applying for a J Visa and Automatic Visa Revalidation
• SEVIS Form DS-2019 signed by the J-1 program sponsor. Washington University’s OISS has staff members who are allowed to sign the DS-2019 for those on Washington University’s J-1 program
• Other documentation may be helpful when applying to reenter the U.S. Some recommendations are:
  1. A letter from your department confirming your continued pursuit of J-1 activity after returning from your trip abroad. If your department administrator has questions about the content of this letter, please have them contact OISS.
  2. Proof of financial support. If your support is from Washington University, this information can be included in the letter mentioned above.

Dependent Travel

A J-2 dependent who wishes to travel outside the United States for a temporary visit and to reenter the country follows the same procedures as a J-1 principal participant. Proper documentation to reenter the United States includes:

• A valid passport and visa (unless exempt from visa requirements).
• A currently valid SEVIS Form DS-2019 issued in the name of the J-2 dependent, properly endorsed for travel by the program sponsor. Washington University’s OISS has staff members who are allowed to sign the DS-2019 for those on Washington University’s J-1 program and their dependents.
• Evidence of relationship to the principal applicant, such as a birth certificate for children and marriage certificate for spouses.

After You Re-Enter the U.S.

All J-1 scholars and their J-2 dependents should check the I-94 card upon re-entry to the U.S. The I-94 should be marked "D/S," meaning "duration of status." This means that your stay in the U.S. is legal as long as you maintain your nonimmigrant status. Your status end date is indicated on the DS-2019.

If your I-94 card is marked with a specific date rather than "D/S", you should contact OISS immediately.

Scholars are encouraged to send their International Scholar Advisor at OISS a copy of their new I-94 card after they arrive in the U.S.

Further Questions about International Travel while in J Status

If you should have further questions regarding travel outside the United States, please contact an advisor at the OISS by e-mail at oiss@wustl.edu or by telephone at (314) 935-5910 (Danfoth Campus) or (314) 362-6939 (Medical Campus.)

Please note that legislation concerning nonimmigrant travel outside the United States is constantly changing, and it is important to be updated about such information before making your travel plans.