The International Center advises caution to students considering international travel at this time. Current immigration policy and visa processing times are unpredictable and subject to change rapidly. Information is available on the International Center Immigration Policy Updates page. For general information about getting a visa, see the Department of State website.
Pre-Trip Checklist
✅ Passport Validity
Make sure your passport has 6+ months before expiration.
✅ Visa Validity
Make sure your entry visa is valid and has a future expiration date. If your entry visa is expired, you are required to apply for a new visa to return to the U.S. Due to visa wait times, and stricter vetting the processing time may be unpredictable and cause delays for your return to the U.S. Citizens of Canada do not have a visa in their passport, but are required to have a valid visa document.
✅ Check your Visa Document
F-1 and J-1 Visa: Review your I-20/DS-2019 and ensure that the information is accurate. H-1B/O-1 Visa: Check that your I-797 Approval Notice is valid.
✅ Check your I-20/DS-2019 for Valid Travel Signature
Look at your most recently issued I-20/DS-2019 and check to see if you have a valid travel signature. If you need a travel signature submit a request for a travel signature. Your updated document with a travel signature will be sent to you via DocuSign.
During Your Trip
✅ Apply for a New Visa If Your Visa is Expired
If after your reviewed the pre-trip checklist you determined that your visa is expired, you will need to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Consulate to apply for a new visa.
On May 27, 2025 media reports that there has been a pause on scheduling new appointments at U.S. Consulates. We will provide updates as we learn of new information.
✅ Be Aware of Potential Travel Bans
There have been no official or public government communications on what countries might be included or the scope of any bans on particular countries. Media reports identified numerous countries that may be subject to a ban during a first round. On March 14, 2025, The New York Times published this potential list:
✅ Electronic Devices
When entering the U.S., the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer may review your electronic devices, including social media. Please review the ACLU’s article for preparation tips before traveling.
Port of Entry Checklist
✅Carry Travel Documents
Carry documents with you on the airplane, NOT in your checked luggage. You need access to your visa documents when entering the U.S. A list of documents is available on the International Center website.
✅ Student Verification
It is important for you to carry all of your immigration documents and be able to provide proof of your student status at UCI. We recommend that you carry course schedule, unofficial transcripts, or an official university letter of student verification.
✅ Scholar, Professor or other International Employee
We recommend that you carry your academic appointment letter or other proof of employment at UCI.
✅ Answering Questions at the Port of Entry
Always remain calm and answer questions honestly.
✅ Electronic Devices
When entering the U.S., the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer may review your electronic devices, including social media. Please review the ACLU’s article for preparation tips before traveling.
✅ If you have difficulty at the Port of Entry or are Denied Entry
Contact the International Center by sending an email to internationalcenter@uci.edu. We will contact you directly to review your case and make recommendations on next steps.
After Arrival to the U.S.
✅Verify your I-94
Your I-94 should reflect accurate information based on your most recent travel. You can review your information on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. If the information recorded on your I-94 is incorrect contact the International Center for assistance in correcting.
✅ While in the U.S., carry a Physical Copy of your I-94
In order to provide proof of your immigration status you will need to carry a copy of your I-94 with you.
✅Continue to Maintain Your Status
As a student or scholar in the U.S., it is important to stay informed on requirements to maintain your immigration status during your program in the U.S.