Prior to departure. Special restrictions apply when traveling to certain foreign destinations.
- Caltech: 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.
- JPL: Before you travel internationally, review all relevant JPL guidelines with the Travel Office and understand the rules regarding traveling with your JPL devices.
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. To 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. 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 to the United States to ensure that you were properly admitted in the correct nonimmigrant status.
- An F-1 or J-1 status I-94 should indicate an "Admit Until Date" of "D/S"
- For other statuses, the I-94 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 Not to 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 to review your specific case.