Summer Travel: Guidance for J-1 Scholars & Students
As summer break approaches, we want to share this important information & reminders regarding international travel for J-1 Scholars & Students.
General Reminders
- Stay informed by reading all emails from ISSS.
- Stay updated on immigration policy changes affecting international travel by visiting our Immigration Policy Updates & Resources website (PennKey protected)
- Prepare for international travel by:
- Visiting our dedicated Travel webpage
- Reviewing our tips for navigating ports of entry (POE) and secondary inspection
Before You Travel
Confirm you can answer ‘YES’ to all of the following questions:
- Do you have a valid travel signature from ISSS on your Form DS-2019?
- The signed DS-2019 is required upon entry to the U.S., not while departing.
- Travel signatures are valid for 12 months from the date they were issued or until the end date on the form, whichever is earlier.
- Travel signatures for Short Term Scholars are valid for 6 months or until the end date on the form, whichever is earlier.
- To request an updated signature
- Submit the travel signature eForm in iPenn.
- Allow 3-5 business days for the DS-2019 to be issued. ISSS will email the signed document to you.
- Print the returned DS-2019 and sign in the designated space. You will present this form when you re-enter the U.S.
- To request an updated signature
Note:
If you were new to Penn this Spring, you likely already have a signed DS-2019.
Students may log into iPenn to download it.
Scholars may need to check their email since a travel validated DS-2019 would have been emailed to you if requested.
- Will your J-1 Visa be valid upon re-entry to the U.S.?
- If the answer is ‘NO,’ be sure to consult with your ISSS Advisor as soon as possible.
- Visa issues could prevent or delay your return to the U.S. to resume your program.
- Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require a J-1 entry visa.
- If your J-1 entry visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa to return to the U.S.
- If the answer is ‘NO,’ be sure to consult with your ISSS Advisor as soon as possible.
- When you return to the U.S.:
- You will present the following essential documents to the CBP Officer:
- Passport (valid for at least six months into the future)
- Valid Printed DS-2019 with travel signature
- Valid J-1 entry visa (except for citizens of Canada or Bermuda)
- For J-1 Professor/Research Scholar or Short-Term Scholars: Letter from supervisor verifying continued employment/sponsorship
- You will present the following essential documents to the CBP Officer:
Note:
Additional required and recommended travel documents for your immigration status are noted on our Travel webpage
Please Note
Electronic devices may be searched at the U.S. border, and certain content could impact entry decisions.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your ISSS Advisor by email.
Log into iPenn for your advisor’s name and contact information.