Documents Required for International Travel
F-1 Students (currently enrolled in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences)
F-1 Students on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
J-1 Exchange Visitors
H-1B Temporary Workers
TN (Treaty NAFTA)
Dependent Visa Holders (F-2, J-2, H-4, TD, etc)
Additional documents and preparation may be required if applying for a new U.S. visa stamp before re-entry to the U.S.
How to Request an Employment Verification Letter:
Employees (researchers, staff, faculty, GME fellows/residents) can obtain and download instant employment verification letters through The Work Number
F-1 Students currently enrolled in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
The following documents are needed for travel:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry to U.S.
- Valid F-1 visa stamp (if the visa is in an old passport, travel with both passports). Canadian citizens are visa exempt.
- A Form I-20 with program end beyond the intended re-entry date
- Valid travel signature on page 2 of the I-20 (less than 12 months old ) from the Immigration Services Office*.
- *Non-UMass Chan students in F-1 status must contact the school that issued the I-20 if a travel signature is required.
- Proof of funding - updated stipend letter from the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
- An Enrollment Verification Letter indicating full-time student status (from Registrar's Office).
- Please note that students who have completed their academic program cannot depart and re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status during the 60-day grace period
NOTE: If your return to the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is delayed due to visa processing, the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences may require that you take a Leave of Absence and return to school at the start of the next available semester. This will affect the F-1 visa status so it is important to contact ISO immediately if delays are encountered.
F-1 Students on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT):
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry to U.S.
- Valid F-1 visa stamp (if the visa is in an old passport, travel with both passports). Canadian citizens are visa exempt.
- Valid Form I-20 with OPT employer information updated on Page 3.
- Valid travel signature on page 2 of I-20 (less than 6 months old) - signed by the Immigration Services Office*.
- *Non-UMass Chan sponsored students in F-1 OPT status must contact the school that issued the I-20 if a travel signature is required.
- Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) issued for Optional Practical Training
- Proof of employment, volunteer activity or other affiliation to show maintenance of status on OPT. Employer letter should include dates of employment and salary information. If you are funded by a source other than your employer, bring proof of funding as well. If you are a UMass Chan employee, you may request an Employment Verification Letter for this purpose.
- Copy of diploma or Letter of Program Completion from University Registrar to confirm completion of degree program.
J-1 Exchange Visitors:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry to U.S.
- Valid J-1 visa stamp (if the visa is in an old passport, travel with both passports). Canadian citizens are visa exempt.
- A Form DS-2019 valid beyond the intended re-entry date
- Valid travel signature (less than 12 months old) from Immigration Services Office*
- *Non-UMass Chan sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors (Graduate Medical Education Residents / Fellows sponsored by ECFMG, for example) must contact their J program sponsor for the appropriate travel signature. Physicians - please review the additional travel information for ECFMG sponsored residents and fellows
- ECFMG Sponsored Physicians are recommended to take the ECFMG Fact Sheet for Consular Officials if applying for a new visa.
- Updated CV
- Proof of Funding:
- UMass Chan funded employees should request an Employment Verification Letter
- Contingent Workers (funded by non-UMass Chan sources) should carry a letter of affiliation from their UMass Chan sponsoring department to explain the UMass Chan affiliation as well as a letter from the institution/organization funding their J program to outline the funding being received by the J scholar.
H-1B Temporary Workers:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry to U.S.
- Valid H-1B visa stamp (if the visa is in an old passport, travel with both passports). Canadian citizens are visa exempt.
- Original Form I-797 (approval notice) that is valid beyond the intended re-entry date.
- Copy of H-1B petition and approved Labor Conditions Application given to you from the Immigration Services Office when the H-1B was approved.
- GME residents and fellows in H-1B status are recommended to take the ECFMG Fact Sheet for Consular Officials if medical degree was completed outside of the U.S. and physician is applying for a new visa stamp.
- Employment Verification Letter
- Last 3 pay advices printed from HR Direct
- Updated C.V.
TN - Treaty NAFTA Professionals:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry to U.S.
- Valid TN Visa if Mexican citizen (Canadian citizens are visa exempt)
- Original diploma
- Updated TN Support Letter from UMass Chan Department (contact ISO for template)
- Updated C.V.
- Employment Verification Letter
- Last 3 pay advices printed from HR Direct
Dependent Visa Holders (F-2, J-2, H-4, TD, etc):
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of entry to U.S.
- Valid visa stamp for appropriate dependent visa status (Canadians are visa exempt)
- F-2 and J-2 visa holders will need a valid travel signature on their Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (less than 12 months old or 6 months if primary F-1 is on OPT).
- If traveling separate from primary visa holder, copies of primary visa holder's visa documents verifying status.
- Marriage certificate for spouse
- Birth certificate or documentation showing legal guardianship for child
- If one parent/guardian is traveling with minor child (under age 18) or if child is traveling alone, it is recommended to review the following CBP articles: