Travel to Other Countries
Prior to departure. Special restrictions apply when traveling to certain foreign destinations. Before you travel internationally, contact the Caltech Export Compliance Office, conduct a travel briefing, understand the Institute's guidelines, and learn about the destinations with the highest risk.
Third Country. When traveling to a third country (other than your home country or the United States), remember that a new set of laws will be in effect. You may need a visa to enter that country. To learn more about visa requirements, contact the country's closest Consul General or Embassy in the United States.
Documents. If you plan to travel abroad and re-enter the United States, you will need:
- Valid passport
- Valid and appropriate U.S. visa (if required)
- Valid immigration documents, such as an I-20, DS-2019, or H, O, TN, E approval notice
- Valid travel signature from your international advisor for F and J status. The travel signature on an I-20 or DS-2019 should be less than 12 months old
I-94. Review your electronic I-94 record after each entry into the United States to ensure that you were properly admitted in the correct nonimmigrant status.
If you are admitted in F-1 or J-1 status, your I-94 should indicate an "Admit Until Date" of "D/S." I-94s for other statuses should show a specific date (MM/DD/YYYY).
If you find an error on your I-94, or if you cannot retrieve your I-94, contact your international advisor for assistance.
When Should You Not Travel Outside the United States?
If you have a change of status pending or when you are filing an I-485 adjustment of status application, consult with your international advisor for details for your particular case.
