Travel Information for Current J-1 Scholars

U.S. Visa

Check your U.S. J-1 visa in your passport to learn if it has expired. If it has expired, you will have to apply at a US Embassy or Consulate to have it renewed before returning to the United States. If you have changed your visa status since you first entered the US, you will have to apply for an updated visa at a US Embassy or Consulate before returning to the United States. U.S. Embassies and Consulates – Visa Processing If you need to apply for a new visa on this trip, we recommend that you check individual US Consulate web sites at http://usembassy.state.gov/ for consulate-specific information.

WARNING: Currently, it often takes several weeks to apply for a visa. Make an appointment with the US Embassy/Consulate in the country you are traveling to BEFORE you leave the U.S. It may take 3 to 4 weeks just to get an appointment. Visa to Country You Are Visiting If you are traveling outside of the United States to a country other than your home country, call the nearest consulate of that country to learn if you need a visa to enter that country. If so, ask for the requirements, cost, and time-frame for applying for a visa. Keep in mind that it often takes 2 to 3 weeks to process a visa application.

Under US Citizenship & Immigration Service (UCIS) regulations, most nonimmigrant J scholars and their dependents who have an expired visa or a valid visa in another classification because status was changed to J after entry to the US, may re-enter the USA after a visit of not more than 30 days to contiguous territories (Mexico or Canada) or adjacent islands (most islands in the Caribbean, excluding Cuba) without going to the US Consulate in that country during the trip to apply for a new J visa.

Information on Automatic Revalidation

J-1 Scholar Out of Country Status

On April 18, 2008, the Department of State introduced an “Out of Country” functionality that allows a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor to participate in his/her exchange program for a particular period of time outside of the U.S, provided the program activities will be continued in the out of country location. The DS-2019 and SEVIS record remain ACTIVE during this time period.

If you will be outside of the U.S. for any reason other than a brief vacation during the validity of your DS-2019, you must notify International Student and Scholar Services. We must follow the appropriate reporting requirements for your J-1. Under some circumstances we are able to keep your J-1 active while you are overseas. However, note that any J-2 family members will either need to depart the U.S. with you, or no later than 30 days after your departure. J-2 family members cannot remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days if you, as the J-1, are no longer in the U.S.

While “Out of Country” the J-1 Scholar MUST:

• Continue to follow the regulations of the Exchange Visitor program to maintain status.
• Within 10 days, report any changes in address, activities, or status to the International Student & Scholar Services office.
• Changes in dates indicated on J-1 Scholar Notice of Departure Form MUST be reported at least 10 days prior to the current out of country end date. End dates cannot be extended if the date has already passed.
• Maintain a local address in the United States
• Maintain health insurance in compliance with the J-1 regulations.
• Ensure that all J-2 dependents leave with the scholar for the period of time s/he will be “out of country”.

For more information on Out Of Country and if this is a possibility, please be in contact with your department administrator.