How to Return to the United States in Valid J-1 Immigration Status after a Trip Abroad

Currently Enrolled J-1 Exchange & Visiting Students and Scholars

International students returning to the US from a trip abroad must be prepared to show the following documentation at the port of entry:

• Current DS-2019 with a valid travel signature

• Passport valid at least 6 months into the future

• Unexpired J-1 visa valid for future entries into the United States.

• Recent financial documents.

• If you are on Academic Training (J-1), your DS-2019 with an employment authorization signature and a letter from your employer.

If you are in J-1 status and travel abroad, we recommend that your DS-2019 be signed once each semester that you travel.

If you do not travel abroad, it is not necessary to obtain a travel signature.

You must be registered as a full-time student and you must be in good standing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the university. 

J-1 students can find the travel signature section on their DS-2019, page 1, lower right corner in the Travel Validation by Responsible Officer section. 
 

Procedure: 

1. Log in to your My ISS-Profile.   

2. Click on “2. Requests.”  

3. Under “What Can We Help You With”, see your request options, and click on the request you would like to make (Travel Signature Request (J)).

4. Complete the Travel Signature Agreement.

5. Submit. 

Obtaining a New Entry Visa

If travel outside the United States, you must have a valid J-1 visa in your passport to re-enter the U.S. If your visa is no longer valid, you must make an appointment at the nearest United States consulate or embassy in the country you are visiting to apply for a new visa and show the following documents:

• Valid passport

• DS-2019 (J-1) with recent travel signature

• Recent financial documents

• Status letter from International Student Programs

• Receipt to show payment of SEVIS fee 

To be eligible for a status letter, you must be registered as a full-time student and you must be in good standing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the university.
 

A Few Words of Advice:

• Never discard your old DS-2019.  You may need to show these documents at a visa interview, the port of entry, or when making applications to USCIS.

• ​If you are unsure about your status, please check with International Student Office via email:  international@newpaltz.edu or call 845-257-3595.
   

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