Travel

Required Documents for Re-entry

In order to re-enter the U.S. after a temporary absence (not exceeding 5 months) you must carry the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Valid J-1 visa stamp (except for a short trip to Canada, Mexico and Adjacent Islands)
• Valid DS-2019 with travel endorsement from OISS or J-program sponsor.
• Evidence of adequate finances
• Copy of WSU transcript and your current course schedule (optional)

Travel Endorsements

To travel outside of the country and re-enter the U.S. as a J-1 student intern, you must have a valid DS-2019 which has been endorsed by an OISS advisor in Bryan Hall 108.

Bring the following documents to request an endorsement.

• Completed Endorsement Request Form (pdf format); and
• Your current, original DS-2019

Allow 3 working days for processing. A travel signature is valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, you are advised to obtain a new endorsement if the previous one is over six months old.

J-2 Dependent Travel

Dependents in J-2 generally need the same documents to re-enter the U.S. as the primary J-1 student intern. Be sure to obtain an endorsement on the dependent DS-2019 in order to re-enter the U.S.

Dependents are not required to travel with the primary J-1 student intern. In addition, dependents may remain in the U.S. without the primary as long as the J-1 maintains their current status and will return after a temporary absence (generally 30 days or less) using the same SEVIS ID number.

Trips to Mexico, Canada & Adjacent Islands

To facilitate entry into Canada or Mexico as a visitor, you must carry all the documents listed above except for a valid F-1/J-1 visa stamps for some students. In addition, a visitor's visa may be required depending on your country of citizenship

Visitor's Visa to Canada and Mexico

F-1/J-1 students or their dependents who are planning a trip to Canada or Mexico should contact the respective consulate offices to determine whether a visitor's visa to the country is needed prior to your trip.

Mexican Consulate www.sre.gob.mx/acerca/directorio/consulados/seattle.htm Canadian Consulate www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Re-entering the U.S. from Canada on an Expired F-1/J-1 Visa

Most students* may travel to Canada, Mexico and Adjacent Islands and re-enter the U.S. on an expired F-1/J-1 visa if the trip does not exceed 30 days. (this is referred to as Automatic Visa Revalidation) Please note, however, that Automatic Revalidation, or entry on an expired visa, does not apply when a student applies for a new F-1/J-1 visa and is denied in Canada or Mexico.

OISS and the Department of Homeland Security recommends that students print out and carry a copy of a DHS docuement explaining the rules related to Automatic Revalidation (along with page 2, a copy of the regulations). This document should only be provided to the Custoumes and Border Protection officer at the port of entry if they experience difficulties in processing their re-entry.

DHS Automatic Visa Re-Validation Document.

Retaining Your Original I-94 Card for Re-entry

It is vitally important for students to retain the original copy of their I-94 card when traveling to Canada, Mexico and Adjacent Islands,if they plan to re-enter with an expired visa under the Automatic Visa Re-Validation law. They will need this document as a substitute for a valid visa when re-entering the US. Subsequently, when departing the US, students should not relinquish this card to the airlines or an immigration officer. If challenged, students can present the DHS Automatic Visa Re-Validation Document to explain why they must retain this document when departing the US.

• *Citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba are not eligible for this benefit and must be in possession of a valid F-1/J-1 visa to enter or re-enter the U.S. at all times.

Applying for a New J-1 Visa

To request permission to re-enter the U.S. from outside of North America, you must have a valid J-1 visa in your passport. A U.S. visa can only be obtained abroad, at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate, preferably in your home country.

SEVIS Fee

J-1 student interns who are initially issued an DS-2019 to begin a new program will be required to pay the SEVIS fee prior to obtaining their visa to enter the US (not required for Canadian citizens). Generally this fee does not apply to student interns who have maintained their current immigration status and are continuing their program of study.

More information on the SEVIS I-901 fee

US-VISIT Program

The US-VISIT program is operational at most major U.S. airports and seaports and tracks foreign visitors to the U.S. through the use of biometrics (=measurable, physical characteristics used to recognize identities such as fingerprints and facial features.)

When J-1 student interns and their dependents enter the U.S., immigration officers continue to review their travel documents. In addition, they take the non-immigrants' fingerprints (with inkless fingerprint scanner) and a digital photograph of their face.

When non-immigrants depart the U.S., they are required to "check out" at an exit kiosk at the port of departure. The exit procedures have not been fully implemented. Non-immigrants are expected to complete the exit procedures where the exit kiosks and attendants are available in some major U.S. ports.

Special Registration (NSEERS)

Under Special Registration (NSEERS: National Security Entry-Exit Registration System), nonimmigrants from certain countries are required to:

1. Register with immigration authorities at a port of entry.
2. Report to DHS for additional in-person interviews if instructed by the Port-of-Entry official.
3. Notify immigration authorities of changes of residential address by updating address on the OISS site.
4. Use specially designated portswhen leaving the U.S. and report in person to an immigration officer at the port on their departure date.

Male citizens or nationals of the following countries are required to comply with the Special Registration. (as of December, 2003)

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen