/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Travel Outside of the United States

If you plan to travel outside of the United States during your J-1 program, you must have the correct documents to reenter the country. You will present these documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when you return.

Required Documents for Reentry

When you return to the United States, you must carry the following original documents:

  • Your valid passport

    • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry to the United States

  • Your valid J-1 visa stamp

    • Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement

  • Your most recent Form DS-2019

    • Your DS-2019 must include a valid travel signature

DS-2019 Travel Signature Requirements

  • For J-1 Research Scholars, Professors, Specialists, and Student Interns:

    • Your travel signature is valid for 12 months from the date it was signed

  • For J-1 Short-Term Scholars:

    • Your travel signature is valid for 6 months or until your program end date, whichever comes first

Before you travel, confirm that your travel signature will still be valid on the date you plan to reenter the United States.

Proof of Current Program Participation

In addition to your immigration documents, you should carry proof that you are actively participating in your J-1 program:

Visiting or Non-Salaried J-1 Scholar

  • Request a letter of good standing from your host department

Salaried J-1 Scholar (University Employee)

J-1 Student Intern

  • Carry your Form DS-7002 (Training/Internship Placement Plan)

  • Undergraduates: Enrollment Verification from the Registrar

  • Graduates: Good Standing Letter from your department

 

Special Circumstances & Considerations

J-1 Exchange Visitors Subject to 212(e)

If you are subject to the two-year home residency requirement (212(e)) and have applied for a waiver, you should speak with your VIS advisor before making any travel plans.

 

Travel Outside the United States for More Than 30 Days

If you will be outside the U.S. for more than 30 days but plan to continue your J-1 program, you may request Out of Country authorization. This allows you to remain in active J-1 status while abroad. Approval is not automatic and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by VIS.

You may qualify if:
  • You will be outside the U.S. for a defined period of time
  • You will continue your program activities as approved
  • You will work from an affiliated academic or research location (not a personal residence)
Authorization is not required if:
  • You are traveling outside the U.S. for 30 days or less
  • You will end your program and not continue activities (submit the Ending My J-1 Status eForm in accessVIS)
  • You are a Research Scholar or Professor who is not required to teach during that term and will return the following term
  • You are a J-2 dependent

How to Request Out of Country Authorization

Your department must email vis_scholar@stonybrook.edu with:

  • Travel start and end dates
  • Location name and address
  • Summary of your program activities while abroad

Your Responsibilities While Outside the U.S.

While abroad, you must:

  • Maintain valid J-1 status and follow all program rules
  • Continue your approved program activities
  • Report any changes in dates, location, or duties to your department and VIS
  • Keep your Stony Brook email active
  • Maintain required health insurance for yourself and any J-2 dependents at all times
  • Ensure J-2 dependents travel with you and do not remain in the U.S. for extended periods

If your time abroad changes or extends, your department must notify VIS. A new authorization may be required.

 

Export Control Considerations

If you plan to continue your program activities while outside the U.S., you must contact VIS before traveling.

Sharing certain research, technology, or data with individuals outside the U.S. may be subject to U.S. export control laws.

Important Reminders

  • You must carry your original immigration documents when traveling. Copies are not accepted for reentry.
  • Your visa must be valid on the date you reenter the United States (unless you qualify for an exception, such as automatic visa revalidation).
  • You are responsible for ensuring that all documents are valid and up to date before travel, including your passport, visa, and Form DS-2019.
  • If you plan to be outside the U.S. for more than 30 days, you must consult VIS in advance and may require Out of Country authorization.
  • If you are subject to the 212(e) requirement or have applied for a waiver, you should speak with VIS before traveling.
  • You must maintain required health insurance at all times, including while outside the U.S.
  • Final admission to the United States is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.