UCAR International Visitor & Scholar Services

TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES WHILE IN VISA STATUS

Both salaried and non-salaried foreign visitors and scholars are strongly encouraged to contact the Foreign Visitor Coordinator, (303) 497-8705, prior to any travels outside of the United States while on visa status. Depending on the visa, written authorization may be required to allow the foreign visitor to return to the U.S. If the visitor's visa status has changed or extended, a new visa stamp may be required to reflect the changes. This may require an appointment by the foreign visitor to a U.S. Embassy in the country they will be visiting, however, please note that it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain a new visa stamp in a country other than the visitor's home country.  We strongly advise that the visitor make plans to visit his or her home country to get the visa stamp, when required. 

Please note: new procedures at all U.S. Embassies are meaning longer wait times for visas.  Please be sure to plan ample time for the visa application process - at least 4-6 weeks. Additionally, there may be other conditions or considerations associated with a visa status that could jeopardize work authorization or appointment status. The Foreign Visitor Administrator will be able to assess your appointment status and what information or documentation may be required for travel in and out of the United States.

ENTERING THE U.S.:  Occasionally there are questions at the port of entry and the Immigration Official may decide to deny entry to the visitor.  Having a visa stamp does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter.  Anyone who is denied admission at a U.S. port of entry should be very cautious about arguing with the immigration official.  You may risk being issued "expedited removal," which now entails a five-year bar on admission to the U.S. If you are denied admission, first try to contact UCAR's Foreign Visitor Coordinator, 303-497-8705 for assistance, but also make it known to the Immigration Official that you are willing to withdraw your application for admission to the country rather than be subject to expedited removal.  Please remember that the Immigration Official has the final say in whether a prospective visitor may enter the country.

Special note to applicants for H-1B visas: If the visitor is currently in the U.S. in another visa status, he or she is advised not to leave the country while the H-1 application is pending.  If the visitor leaves the country while the H-1 visa application is pending, by law he or she will be taken off payroll once the visa is approved and cannot be reinstated without leaving the country and returning with the H-1 visa stamp in his or her passport.

Information on U.S. Embassies can be found here: http://travel.state.gov/links.html. This site provides information on addresses, phone numbers, contacts, and special directions for each Embassy. You are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy you will visit prior to your travels to inquire about timelines, required documentation and any special requirements that Embassy might impose. Each Embassy's processing procedures differ, and the process may impact the timeline for your travels.

Depending on the home country, some visitors/scholars may need additional travel visas to enter certain countries. Information and procurement of additional travel visas can be obtained through a local international travel agent.

TRAVEL INSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES WHILE IN VISA STATUS

If you are planning a trip within the United States by car, bus, train or air plane, to U.S. cities near or far, it is essential that you have your passport and visa documents with you. Since September 11, 2001, there has been heightened security not only at all border crossings, but also at bus terminals, train terminals, and airports throughout the United States. Police from multiple agencies; federal, state and municipal, patrol these areas. People may be stopped and questioned randomly. Therefore, foreign nationals are urged to be sure to have their passports, visa documents (I-94 card and I-20, DS-2019, or I-797A), with them for ALL distance travel. If on a J visa, be sure that the DS-2019 has been signed to authorize travel.  If you are applying for a change of non-immigrant status, visa petition or EAD card, be sure to carry your USCIS receipt notice as well, which proves that you have an application pending with the Immigration Service. A person without valid travel documents can be arrested, threatened with deportation and taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

EXCHANGE VISITOR AND STUDENT TRAVEL TIPS: Click here for travel tips for international students (F visas) and exchange visitors (J visas), by Ellen H. Badger, Director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

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