Whether traveling within the U.S. or outside, there are certain considerations you need to make before leaving UMass. While you can make plans to depart at any time, you need to make sure that you have the right documentation to return to the U.S.
Inside the U.S.
NOTE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has the right to check all documents of any person within 100 miles of the U.S. border. UMass does not fall within this area, but you should carry copies of your documents at all times when in this zone.
The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) will require all air travelers to have a government issued REAL ID to fly within the U.S. If you do not have a REAL ID, you will need to use your passport.
Outside the U.S.
If you plan to leave the U.S., all non-immigrations (F-1s, J-1s, H-1Bs, etc) and their dependents must have certain documentation to return to the U.S. If your dependent is traveling without you, your dependent should carry copies of the student's documents.
We are happy to assist with questions about your documents. If your visa stamp has expired or will expire soon, please see below regarding renewing your visa stamp.
If your flight home includes a layover in another country, even if you are not leaving the airport, you may need to apply for a transit visa. Check that countries' consular web site or the airline issuing your ticket for confirmation. For worldwide advisories, check the Department of State site.
Document Checklist Specific to Visa Category:
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Valid Passport
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Valid Visa (for exceptions read Automatic Visa Revalidation below)
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I-20 with a valid travel signature on page 2 (valid for 12 months)
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Valid Passport
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Valid Visa (for exceptions read Automatic Visa Revalidation below)
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I-20 with a valid travel signature on page 2 (valid for 6 months)
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Valid EAD (not required)
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Job offer letter or job confirmation letter (not required)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel while OPT is pending but before my program end date?
Yes. You must ensure your documents (valid passport, valid visa, I-20 with travel signature signed in the last 12 months) are in order and you return to the U.S. before the final program end date listed on your OPT I-20. Prior to your program end date on your I-20, you are still considered a student. After the program end date, you are either on pending OPT or approved OPT when traveling.
Remember that you must be in the U.S to apply for OPT or STEM OPT.
Can I travel while my OPT is pending and after my program end date?
Yes. If you travel, be sure all your documents are in order (valid passport, valid visa, I-20 with travel signature signed in the last 6 months). Some ports of entry may request your I-797 notice indicating your OPT is pending, and confirmation of employment but these documents are not technically required for travel.
Can I travel once my OPT/STEM OPT has been approved and I have a job?
Yes. International travel for personal and professional reasons while employed on OPT/STEM OPT should be routine as long as you have the documents noted above. Working remotely outside the U.S. is permitted as long as your employer has approved it.
If you are delayed for any reason, you must work directly with your employer on how/if you are eligible to work remotely from abroad.
Can I travel while on OPT/STEM OPT (pending or approved) and renew my visa?
Yes. Renewing your visa can be quick or can take months (if you need administrative processing). Remember that you do not need to renew your visa if you have no travel plans.
If you are delayed for any reason, you must work directly with your employer on how/if you are eligible to work remotely from abroad. As long as you are still employed, you may work outside the U.S. remotely and not accrue unemployment. Please see more information about renewing your visa.
Can I travel while on cap-gap and applying for an H-1B?
You should confirm with your immigration attorney that you can leave the U.S. while your H-1B (or other immigration status) is pending. Leaving the U.S. is often considered an abandonment of your application so you will need to make alternative arrangements.
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Valid Passport
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Valid Visa (for exceptions read Automatic Visa Revalidation below)
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DS-2019 with a valid travel signature on page 2 (valid for 12 months)
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Valid Passport
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Valid Visa (for exceptions read Automatic Visa Revalidation below)
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DS-2019 with a valid travel signature on page 2 (valid for 12 months)
- Valid H-1B entry visa stamp
- Valid I-797 Approval Notice (photocopies acceptable)
- Paystubs or Offer Letter (recommended but not required)
- Complete H-1B application: Form I-129 & Supplemental documents (recommended but not required)
Additional Travel Considerations
Review information below about renewing visa stamp, passports, automatic visa revalidation, requesting a new travel signature, and non-U.S. Visas.
If your U.S. visa in your passport has expired or will expire before your next entry to the U.S., you will need to renew your visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad before you can re-enter the U.S. There is no option to renew a U.S. visa while inside the U.S.
Visit this website for updated visa renewal information and procedures at your nearest U.S. consulate in your home country. A visa application is a personal application between you and the U.S. government. We can only provide general information; you will need to work directly with your chosen consulate.
If you're currently enrolled and your U.S. visa has expired or will expire, you don't need to renew it if you do not have immediate travel plans. Your immigration status remains valid as long as you maintain proper F-1/J-1 status at UMass. A U.S. visa is required only for travel and re-entry to the U.S.
If you plan to leave the U.S. and return after a temporary absence, you must have a valid passport to enter the U.S. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months into the future at the time of re-entry to the U.S. Some countries have an agreement with the U.S. that automatically extends passport validity for 6 months, for U.S. entry purposes only.
For a visit of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean (except Cuba), you are allowed to re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa. This process is known as Automatic Visa Revalidation.
F-1/J-1 Document Checklist:
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Valid Passport
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Most recent visa stamp
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Current I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature
H-1B Document Checklist:
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Valid Passport
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Most recent visa stamp
- Current valid I-797 Approval Notice
Please note if you apply for an F-1/J-1/H-1B visa in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and are denied, you will not be able to return to the U.S. using Automatic Revalidation.
Nationals of Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria are not eligible for automatic revalidation of an expired visa.
Each travel signature is valid for 1 year during your I-20/DS-2019 program dates and must be renewed if it will expire before re-entry. Check the travel signature date on your most recently issued I-20/DS-2019.
ISSS processes travel signature requests though the Reprint E-Form. Once processed, you will receive the approval email with instructions on how to access your document. The approval emails sometimes go into your Spam/Junk folder. Please check this folder if 10 business days have passed and you have not received the approval email yet.
Failure to acquire a travel signature prior to departing the U.S. is NOT an emergency. Request a reprint of your document as soon as you realize you need it. Please do not call the emergency UMPD switchboard after hours regarding a travel signature issue.
Note: This is for informational purposes only. ISSS cannot advise on non-U.S. visas, immigration statuses, or paperwork.
Schengen Visas
A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that permits travel within specific EU nation states for up to 90 days. More information can be found at the EU’s Schengen Visa. If you need a letter for your Schengen visa application, submit the Visa Verification Letter.
Canadian Visas
If you plan to visit Canada, a visa may or may not be required depending on your citizenship. Review your Canadian visa requirements here.
Please pay extra attention to your most recent I-94 record and make sure that you won't inadvertently lose H-1B status and work authorization. At the immigration officer's discretion, some H visa holders may be given a 10-day grace period reflected on their I-94. The grace period is outside the approved H-1B petition period that allows you to work in the U.S. Do not confuse with the date discrepancy and speak with IPO if you have questions.