This information is for those with DS-2019 forms issued by ISSS only. If you have a different J-1 program sponsor, you must contact that sponsor for travel advice.
When traveling outside the U.S., you will need the following documents to re-enter. Make sure that these documents are with you rather than in your checked luggage. Do not rely on electronic copies. Check each item in the list below for more detailed information.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
If your passport is expired or close to expiring, you should renew it before you travel. Your passport must be be valid for at least six months into the future. Contact your home country’s embassy in the U.S. for information on renewal.
Valid J-1 Entry Visa
If your J-1 entry visa has expired or if you do not have an J-1 entry visa, you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate abroad before you return (except citizens of Canada or Bermuda). It is not possible to renew your visa from within the United States.
In limited circumstances, you may be able to use an expired J-1 visa to return from a short trip within North America and the Caribbean using a provision called “automatic revalidation”. Please talk to an advisor if you are interested in traveling with this option.
A visa is valid for re-entry until the day it expires, but it is wise to plan for unforeseen delays such as flight cancellations.
Valid DS-2019 document
A valid DS-2019 is a printed document with a digital or ink signature from ISSS and your ink signature at the bottom. Request a new document in MyISSS if the information on your DS-2019 is no longer correct or your DS-2019 is nearing expiration.
Valid Travel Signature
For re-entry to the U.S., your DS-2019 must have a valid travel authorization signature from ISSS, either digital or ink, in the lower right corner. A travel signature is valid for 12 months, or the length of the DS-2019, whichever is shorter.
If your signature is no longer valid, you must request a Travel DS-2019 through MyISSS before you try to re-enter the U.S. Documents are digitally signed and emailed to you.
- If you have dependents, they are allowed to travel with or without you. They will need to bring certain documentation when traveling.
- Register UMN-related travel: University policy states that all faculty, staff, students, residents, and fellows must register their travel with UMN if traveling outside the U.S. for University purposes. This requirement applies even if you travel to your home country for University purposes (for example, a University-sanctioned research trip).
- If you are traveling to a country with specific regulations related to sanctions or export controls, you must consult the university’s Export Control Officer prior to travel.
- Arrests or convictions for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) may result in the cancellation (also called "revocation") of your J-1 visa by the U.S. Department of State.
Additional Information
Be Aware of Security Clearance Checks!
A security check will delay your visa application significantly. If you are employed at the University, please discuss your travel plans and the risks with your supervisor so that your department can be prepared in case your return is delayed due to security checks. Please see Security Clearance for more information.
Visa Denials
Although it is not common for a returning student, scholar, or student-intern to be denied a new entry visa, there is no guarantee that you will be issued another visa to return to the U.S. Your risk of denial increases under the following circumstances:
- You are applying in a country other than your home country
- You have family members (spouse, siblings, parents) who are permanent residents or citizens of the U.S.
Caution: ISSS recommends that individuals take into consideration all factors before deciding to travel. It is important for students, scholars, and student-interns to understand that it will be extremely difficult if not impossible for ISSS or the University to be successful in obtaining a reversal of a visa denial or denial of entry into the U.S. Arrests or convictions for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) may result in the cancellation (also called "revocation") of your visa by the U.S. Department of State.
Stay in touch with ISSS: If your visa is denied or your application is significantly delayed, please contact ISSS so that we are aware of your situation. Call (612) 626-7100 or email us. Please write “visa denial” in the subject line of the email. Also, please check the ISSS website frequently and read the ISSS Weekly Update every week for most current information.
Current SEVIS DS-2019
You may use your current DS-2019 for travel if it reflects accurate information. You need to request a new DS-2019 before you travel if your current document is about to expire or if any of the following information has changed: your name, major, degree level (students only), academic department (scholars and student-interns only) or there has been a significant change in the funding information.
Valid Re-entry (“Travel”) Signature on your SEVIS DS-2019: The signature appears in the lower right corner of your DS-2019 and is valid for 12 months or the expiration date of your document, whichever is earlier. If the signature is more than 12 months old and your document has not expired, you need to request a new re-entry signature from ISSS before you travel.
What if I left the U.S. without getting my DS-2019 signed, or I forgot to take it with me? It is important you obtain a re-entry signature from ISSS before leaving the U.S. If you did not (or you forgot your DS-2019) and your visa is still active, you will be issued a Form I-515A by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at your arrival port of entry (airport, land border, seaport). With this document, you will be admitted into the U.S. for 30 days.
You must report to or contact ISSS immediately to get a newly signed DS-2019, and you will mail this DS-2019 and your I-515A to the SEVP Office in Washington, D.C. These documents must reach the office before the 30-day expiration date on your Form I-515A. Before mailing, see the instructions and address printed on your I-515A.
Note: If you realize you forgot your DS-2019 or it is missing a re-entry signature and you have sufficient time remaining before your return to the U.S., you can request a replacement form by emailing ISSS.
Documentary Evidence of Funding
Immigration inspectors may ask you to verify the financial support indicated on your document. Carry documentation with you (such as assistantship verification letter, bank statement, scholarship letter, letter verifying your employment at the UMN).
Unofficial Transcript or a Verification of Enrollment Letter (students only)
This is a record of your academic career at the University and verifies full-time enrollment at the University. Unofficial transcripts and verification of enrollment letters are available from any Student Services Center on campus. Carry copies of Reduced Course Load form(s) (formally known as Exception Forms) for any semester(s) in which you had less than a full course load, if applicable. You should also bring transcripts from any other schools attended in the U.S.
Offer Letter of Employment (students with Academic Training Authorization only)
This is the letter that students receive from an employer when offered a job for those that have been authorized for pre-completion, mandatory, post-completion, or post-doctoral academic training.
Letter from Supervisor and a UMN Business Card (scholars and student-interns only)
We recommend scholars and student-interns ask their Faculty Mentor at the University of Minnesota to write a letter to prove that they are pursuing the original purpose of their stay in the U.S. The letter should include the following three points:
- The Faculty Mentor is aware of the scholar or student-intern's travel
- The travel does not negatively effect the scholar or student-intern's J program objective
- The Faculty Mentor expects the scholar or student-intern to return to the University of Minnesota to complete their J program
Proof of Adequate Health Insurance
The University of Minnesota requires J-1 and J-2 visa holders to enroll in the University of Minnesota Student Health Benefits Plan (SHBP). This insurance also meets minimum U.S. government requirements listed on page 2 of your DS-2019 form. Carry the card you receive from the insurance company for proof of insurance while you travel. J-1s who receive health insurance through their University of Minnesota employment are not required to enroll in SHBP. They must also buy insurance for their J-2 dependents through the Employee Benefits plan. Carry the card you receive from the insurance company for proof of insurance while you travel.
Learn more about insurance for:
Current DS-7002 (student-interns only):
You should carry your current DS-7002 (“Training/Internship Placement Plan”) when traveling outside of the U.S. Prior to departure, review it carefully for any substantive changes. If your internship has changed significantly, your UMN Faculty Mentor and hosting department must request an amended DS-7002 and DS-2019 on your behalf.
