Travel Information

*JHU works diligently to review federal government executive actions to understand the impact to OIS clientele.  When considering travel, keep in mind that changes can occur at any time. If you cannot afford an interruption in your studies, research, employment or teaching due to an indefinite period abroad, you should carefully consider the need to travel outside the U.S.*

Travel Outside the U.S. and Re-entry to the U.S.

In the past few years, there have been a number of changes that may affect international students and scholars who plan to leave and re-enter the United States. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within 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. Travelers should review the information provided here so they can be as prepared as possible for their re-entry into the U.S. For initial entry, review the pre-arrival information specified for students and scholars we have available on our website.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., it is important to be aware of the following:

• OIS can never guarantee re-entry to the U.S. as the decision is up to Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• The best way to plan for seeking entry to the U.S. is to make sure that you have all required documentation for entry to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
• Carry OIS emergency contact information with you and reach out to us if a CBP official needs to verify the details of your visa status
• Check the most current Department of State updates regarding travel and visas and ensure that you are aware of any travel restrictions and changes to the visa application process
• Prepare your emergency contact details before traveling. Complete and print this emergency contact resource and carry it with your immigration documents. Having this information easily accessible can be helpful in case of emergency

Documentation Required for Entry to the U.S.

Be sure to have your physical documents in your carry-on luggage ready to present to U.S. customs officers.

• Valid passport – your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at the time of entry unless exempt by country-specific agreements
• Valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in your passport
  • Citizens of Canada are exempt from this requirement
  • Carefully review the details of your visa stamp before traveling
    • Confirm that your visa will be valid on the date you plan to re-enter the U.S. If it will expire before your return, you must renew your visa prior to re-entry. If applicable, review information on Visa Renewal
    • Check the “Entries” notation on your visa:
      • If your visa lists “S” (for single) or “1” entry and you have already used it to enter the U.S., it is no longer valid for another entry. You will need to obtain a new visa stamp before returning
      • If your visa lists “M” (for multiple) entries, you may enter the U.S. multiple times during the visa’s validity period
  • You may be able to re-enter the U.S. using an expired visa stamp if eligible for Automatic Revalidation
• Valid I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) with current travel signature
  • Review your I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure all information is up-to-date
  • You should print and then sign in ink any electronically transmitted I-20 or DS-2019

Documentation that may be helpful when entering the U.S.

• Documentation of your financial support- this could be personal funds, a JHU admission or offer letter, appointment letter, or letter from an outside source that provides your funding
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
• Unofficial transcript or verification of enrollment (students only)

Travel Signatures

All individuals in F-1 and J-1 status are required to obtain a travel signature in order to return to the U.S. after a period of international travel. 

Instructions for requesting a travel signature are below. Please plan ahead and allow up to 10 business days for issuing your I-20 or DS-2019 with the travel signature. OIS will process your request and issue the I-20 or DS-2019 electronically.

Click here for instructions on how you can access your document once it is issued. 

*NOTE: You should print and then sign in ink any electronically transmitted I-20 or DS-2019.

F-1 Students

• Request a travel signature or I-20 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/I-20 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the F-1 Student Services section
• Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the I-20 expires, whichever is earlier. During F-1 OPT, the travel signature is valid for 6 months or until the OPT EAD expires, whichever is earlier

J-1 Students

• Request a travel signature or DS-2019 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/DS-2019 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the J-1 Student Services section
• Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier

J-1 Scholars

• Request a travel signature or DS-2019 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/DS-2019 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the J-1 Scholar Services section
• Travel signatures are valid for one year or until DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier. For J-1 short-term scholars, the signature is valid for 6 months or until the DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier

For J-1 Alien Physicians sponsored by ECFMG, only ECFMG personnel can provide the required travel validation signature.  Please consult the ECFMG travel page for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions