Travel Information / Advice

The ISSO provides this information to assist international students, researchers and faculty who plan to travel within or outside the U.S.  If you have additional questions after reviewing this information, please make an appointment with an ISSO Specialist at least 30 days before your intended travel.  During that time, we can answer your questions, review your immigration documents and provide a travel signature, if needed.  

In some cases, you may need to renew your visa stamp before returning to the U.S.  The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have increased the level of review that international visitors face at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, at airports, and at border crossing posts with Canada and Mexico. Ultimately, each individual must decide for him or herself whether or not to travel abroad.

Travel outside the U.S.

• Always carry your passport and valid immigration documents (I-797 Approval Notice for H or O visa holders, DS-2019 for J visa holders, I-20 for F visa holders, etc.) for domestic or international travel.  Passports should be valid for at least six months into the future.  J-1 and F-1 visa holders must be sure their documents have a valid signature from an Immigration Specialist in the ISSO (please check with ISSO at least 30 days before travel).
  
  • International Researchers/Faculty 
    • Proof of UMMS employment or appointment such as an updated appointment letter.  This letter can be obtained at the UMMS HR reception desk (x6-5260) and
    • recent UMMS paycheck stubs or other proof of funding (if not UMMS).
    • current CV
      
  • International GSBS Students 
    • Complete a Request for International Travel Form, which must be signed by the student, thesis advisor, and Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.  
    • Enrollment verification letter issued by the Registrar’s Office
    • Current official transcript to prove they are still in full-time student status
    • recent UMMS paycheck stubs where appropriate and
    • current CV
      
      F-1 students with Optional Practical Training pending or approved (but without a job offer) are strongly advised to postpone all travel until these two items are resolved  Please consult a Specialist in the ISSO for more information.
      
  • Graduate Medical Education
    • Proof of UMMS employment or appointment such as an updated appointment letter.  This letter can be obtained at the UMMS HR reception desk (x6-5260)
    • current cv and
    • recent UMMS paycheck stubs.

ECFMG sponsored residents and fellows must carefully watch the ECFMG travel approval signature date and obtain any ECFMG signatures as required.  Please review the additional information for ECFMG sponsored residents and fellows for more information.

If you need to obtain a new or renewed visa entry stamp while you are outside the U.S., please review the visa application information on our website.

Travel within the United States
In general, it is not necessary to carry your immigration documents with you at all times.  However, if you will be traveling within the country, we recommended that you carry your passport, I-94 card and immigration documents.  In particular, if you travel within 100 miles of any U.S. border, you may encounter random immigration checkpoints.  If you are uncomfortable traveling with the original documents or will not be traveling within 100 miles of a U.S. border, be sure to have clear copies of any documents pertaining to your legal status in the U.S. so that you can prove your status upon valid request.