Holiday Travel Reminders for Students and Scholars (F/J)

As you prepare for any winter break travel, please review the following travel guidance from the International Center.

Review your travel documents ahead of time, including the expiration date of your passport, visa stamp, and I-20 or DS-2019 document.

-In general, your passport must be valid at least six months into the future after the date you enter or re-enter the U.S. Please see more information on this rule and exemptions on the Customs and Border Protection website.

-Check your I-20 or DS-2019 end date and travel signature dates and contact the International Center ahead of time regarding any necessary extensions. You will not be permitted to re-enter the U.S. after your I-20 or DS-2019 expiration date (even within your 30 or 60-day grace period) unless you have applied for post-completion work authorization. You must also ensure that you have a valid travel signature on your I-20 (page 2) or DS-2019 (page 1). Please find more information about this on our website and plan in advance, keeping in mind I-Center holiday closures.

-Your visa is a travel document that must be valid when you enter the U.S., even though you are permitted to remain in the U.S. beyond its expiration date with a valid I-20 or DS-2019. If your return trip to the U.S. is after your visa expiration date, you must renew your visa at a consulate or embassy abroad for return. Please note that Canadians and Bermudians are exempt from an F/J visa stamp, but must still be in possession of a valid I-20 or DS-2019.

-Because you are permitted to stay in the U.S. beyond your visa expiration date as long as you hold a valid I-20 or DS-2019, we do not recommend traveling for the sole purpose of renewing your F-1 or J-1 visa. Due to updated visa processing guidelines from the U.S. Department of State, visa appointment and adjudication wait times are longer than usual. We are seeing higher rates of administrative processing and delays in the return of passports from consulates and embassies. If you are planning to travel and require a renewal of your F-1 or J-1 visa, make sure that you have an appointment secured prior to travel and that you have contingency plans in case your return to the U.S. is delayed.

-Students from countries impacted by the June 9 U.S. travel ban should speak to the International Center about risks prior to engaging in travel.

-Prepare for increased scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry, including social media screening and device searches (phones, laptops, tablets) by Customs and Border Protection.

-Current students are expected to be physically present on campus by the start of the spring term. Plan your travels accordingly to avoid disruptions to your academic program. Students who anticipate or experience unexpected delays that may result in missed classes should be in touch with their faculty members, as the International Center is unable to guarantee exceptions for missed academic requirements. Any prolonged absences from the U.S. should be discussed with the International Center.

–Download the I-Center Emergency Card. If you have travel-related immigration problems – including lost/stolen travel documents or problems upon arrival at a US port of entry – contact the International Center during business hours (M – F, 9am – 5pm) at our main office number: (617) 627-3458. If you have an emergency after hours or during holiday closures, you can reach assistance by calling Tufts Public Safety at (617) 627-3030 who will connect you with the I-Center or the appropriate staff member based on your emergency. We ask that you not use this emergency line to request or report a missing travel signature. Instead, please review the information on our website regarding Obtaining a Replacement I-20/DS-2019 with Valid Travel Signature While Outside U.S.

Please contact internationalcenter@tufts.edu with any questions and, on behalf of the I-Center Team, we wish you a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.