Voice & Tone Sample—Travel

There are many reasons you may choose to travel outside the U.S. during your course of study or employment with BU—study or research, a visit home, tourism, or visa renewal among them.

Different rules apply to travel with different types of visas, so please read the requirements carefully. We encourage you to contact us any time you plan to travel outside the U.S., especially because reentry regulations and practices continue to change. A conversation with our staff prior to travel can help you avoid delays and other difficulties.

Temporary Absence

A temporary absence is defined as travel outside the U.S. for five months or less. Read on for reentry requirements.


Longer Absences

Any travel outside the U.S. more than five months in duration is considered longer than a temporary absence.

Required Documents

When traveling outside the U.S., all Exchange Visitors are required to have:

  • A passport valid for at least six months
  • A valid visa stamp
  • For F-1 status: a Form I-20 with travel signature
  • For J-1 status: a Form DS-2019 with travel signature
  • For H-1 status: the I-797 Approval Notice and I-94 card

Travel Signatures

A travel signature authorizes you to leave and reenter the country with a valid passport, visa stamp, and Form I-20 or DS-2019. Only a responsible officer (RO) or alternate responsible officer (ARO) at ISSO may provide you with a valid travel signature.

To request a travel authorization signature, please visit the ISSO with your passport containing the visa stamp and Departure Record (I-94 card). Travel signature requests are processed in one business day. However, in case of complications with your documents or record, we recommend that you request your travel signature at least one week in advance of the day you plan to travel.

Travel to Replace a Visa

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Travel after Program Completion or Employment/Research Termination

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Tips for Successful Travel

  • Copy your documents.
    All copies of your immigration documents should be clean and clear. Include your I-797 approval notice, passport, and any I-94 card. Keep your copies in a safe place, and make them part of your permanent records.
  • Carry your documents with you at all times.
    Immigration laws require H-1 holders to carry at least the I-94 card at all times. If you choose not to carry the card itself, at least keep a good photocopy with you. It’s also a good idea to carry copies of your passport, visa, and any I-20, DS-2019, or I-797. If you travel outside of the Boston area, you should carry the originals with you.
  • Check with us any time you are about to travel or have questions about requirements for visa renewal or U.S. reentry.
  • Keep up-to-date on information from your Consulate or Embassy so you know what you’ll be required to do.
  • Keep our contact information and that of your Consulate or Embassy handy in case you need assistance while out of the U.S.