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This page contains travel-related information for O-1 employees. JHU’s outside immigration counsel provides guidance about travel in O-1 status. Please review that information carefully and consider the information below supplemental travel information.  

When you travel out of the U.S., OIS recommends you should take the following with you:

  • Form I-797/O-1 approval notice
  • Valid passport
  • Three most recent paystubs

You are required to have a valid O-1 visa stamp in your passport to return to the U.S. from all countries except (in some circumstances) for brief trips (less than 30 days) to Canada & Mexico (see below*). (Note: Canadian citizens never require a U.S. visa stamp). Before applying for the O-1 visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy abroad, please review the U.S. Consulate/Embassy website where you will apply for the visa to ensure you have the necessary documents to apply for the visa. Document requirements for visas can vary by country and applicant. 

Travel to Canada & Mexico*: In limited circumstances, an O-1 visa stamp may not be required following a trip to Canada or Mexico. For detailed information about automatic visa revalidation, please refer to the information provided on Department of State’s website. 

Important Steps to take when you return to the U.S. from abroad

  1. Retrieve and print your I-94. Remember to carry your I-94 at all times in the U.S. as required by immigration law. To access your I-94 record you will need your passport. Go to https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home
  2. Verify that the following information on the I-94 printout is correct
    • Your name should appear as it is stated in your passport
    • The appropriate visa classification (O-1)
    • The end date on the I-94 should match the O-1 approval notice (Form I-797) or be extended for 10 additional days beyond the end date of the O-1 approval notice. this 10 day “grace period” is at the discretion of the border official 
    • If your I-94 is shortened due to your passport expiring prior to the I-797, your status will end on the date marked on the I-94 record rather than the O-1 approval notice
  3. Contact the OIS if you notice an error or data inconsistency, or if the end date on the I-94 does not match your I-797/O-1 approval notice (or the O-1 approval end date + 10 days)