Travel and Reentry

• Traveling Outside of the U.S.

  
  Traveling Outside of the U.S.

  When reentering the U.S. after traveling outside of the country, you must be prepared to show the Border Patrol the following documents:

  • Valid DS-2019 signed for travel within the last 12 months
  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of reentry or, if you are from one of the countries in the “six-month club,” a passport that is current through the date of entry.
  • Unexpired J-1 visa (Canadians are exempt from visa requirement)
  • Proof of Enrollment:
    • Undergraduates: Enrollment Verification from the Registrar
    • Graduates: Letter of  Good Standing from your department

  • Travel Signature

    J-1 students must have a valid travel signature on their DS-2019 to re-enter the US.

  • The Form DS-2019 contains only 2 spaces for RO/ARO travel validation (or travel signature). These spaces are located on the lower-right portion of page 1 of the form. The "Date" provided for travel validation should be the date the validation was signed by the RO/ARO. The validation will be valid for up to one year from the date of the signature, or until the program end date at item 3, whichever is shorter.

  • If your travel signature has expired, or will expire prior to your return to the U.S., please submit the "Travel Signature Request" eForm in accessVIS.

  • Once you have submitted a Travel Signature Request in accessVIS, VIS staff will review your request and determine your eligiblity. If approved, a new DS-2019 will be sent to you electronically. The U.S. government no longer requires J-1 students to obtain original signatures (This also applies to their dependents). 

    IMPORTANT:  It is your responsibility to see if you need any visitor's visas to enter the country to which you plan on traveling. Your J-1 student visa is only for entry to the U.S.

• Traveling Within the U.S.

  
  Traveling Within the U.S.

  If you are planning a trip within the United States it is important that you have your DS-2019, passport, visa and Stony Brook ID card with you for ALL travel, even travel within New York State.

  If you are applying for a change of nonimmigrant status, or have an immigration petition or EAD card application pending, be sure to carry your U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) receipt notice (Form I-797). This notice proves that you have an application pending with USCIS.

• Automatic Visa Revalidation

  
  Automatic Visa Revalidation - Travel to Canada or Mexico

  • If you are only traveling to Canada or Mexico for a period of less than 30 days, you may be eligible to reenter the U.S. with an expired J-1 visa in your passport under a process called “Automatic Visa Revalidation.”

    In order to take advantage of Automatic Revalidation, all of the following must apply:

    • The visit is ONLY to Canada or Mexico and you may NOT travel to any other country.
    • You did not apply for a new U.S. visa stamp while in Canada/Mexico.
    • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of reentry to the U.S.
    • You must possess an unexpired I-94 record.
    • You must have maintained and intend to resume your nonimmigrant status.

    Automatic Revalidation is not available to nationals from countries identified as state sponsors of terrorism. Individuals who apply for a new visa in Canada and/or Mexico, but are denied such a visa, are also not eligible to benefit from the Automatic Visa Revalidation option.

    IMPORTANT: This information only pertains to reentering the U.S. You may need a visitor's visa, or an eTA, in order to enter Canada. Click here for more information.

• FAQ's

  
  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I travel to Canada?

  All countries have their own travel restrictions and requirements which differ depending on the individual's nationality. Be sure to check the country's official website for information on what documents you'll need to visit.

  For instance, if you are traveling to Canada, you must:

  • Have a Temporary Resident (visitor) Visa depending on your citizenship (Check Eligibility or Apply Here).
  • Bring your Passport.

  I would like to take a cruise - are there any documents I should prepare before I travel?

  We advise students to prepare for taking a cruise in the same way that they would for international travel. Continuing students should carry:

  • Original DS-2019 signed for travel within the last 12 months.
  • Passport (valid for 6 months into the future).
  • Valid J-1 Visa.
  • Undergrads: Enrollment Verification from the Registrar.
  • Graduates: Good Standing Letter from your Department.

  Although the cruise may not have a planned stop at an international port, it may travel through international waters or may need to make an unscheduled stop for mechanical reasons. Good preparation will ensure you are able to board the ship and return to Stony Brook smoothly.