Travel Documents

International travel as a non-immigrant status requires advance planning and careful attention to details. The most important thing is to make certain you have all the required documents with your passport (not packed in your suitcase) when you arrive back in the United States. Check with a Visa and Immigration Services Advisor before you leave the United States if you have any questions, particularly if you need to apply for a new visa while abroad.

Although travel within the United States does not require that you carry immigration documents with you, it is always a good idea to keep a copy of pertinent items with you as a precautionary measure and to show that you have lawful status within the United States.

Please use the chart below as a guide to help you with your travel plans.

Visa Category	Documents Required & General Information for Travel Overseas and Return to the United States
J-1 / J-2	Valid passport. (Note: Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future at all times, especially upon initial entry or re-entry into the United States.) J-1 visa stamp. Form DS-2019 signed for travel validation. Evidence of financial support — It is strongly recommended that non-immigrants carry proof of financial support and resources (paycheck stubs, financial support letters, bank statements, etc.).
H-1B / H4	Valid passport. (Note: Your passport must be valid at least six months into the future at all times, especially upon initial entry or re-entry into the United States.) H-1B visa stamp. I-797A Approval Notice issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Copy of the H-1B petition, if needed. Most recent H-1B payroll records.
F-1 / F-2 / EAD/OPT/STEM	Valid passport. Visa stamp. Form I-20 signed for travel. If traveling during OPT period, have EAD/OPT card ready. Letter of Employment Status Verification from current employer.
Pending Immigrant	Valid passport. Original or copies of Form I-140 or I-130 Approval Notice. Form I-485 Receipt Notice. Valid EAD & Advance Parole Combo Card.
O1 / O2	Valid passport. Visa stamp. Form I-797A Approval Notice. Evidence of financial support – It is strongly recommended that non-immigrants carry proof of their financial support and resources.
TN / TD for Canadian Citizen	The TN visa applicant will need to have a valid Canadian passport, and supply the following documents: A job offer letter showing that the person will be working at a professional level, and describing the proposed employment activity, including daily job duties, the job requirements (such as educational level or license), employment location, salary and benefits, and how long the services will be needed (for up to three years); Evidence of qualifications to perform at a professional level, as demonstrated by college degrees, licenses, memberships, or other relevant credentials that establish professional status; and Evidence that the particular profession is among those listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 to Annex 1603 of NAFTA or 8 CFR Section 214.6.
TN / TD for Mexican Citizen	If you are a Mexican citizen, you are required to obtain a visa to enter the United States as a TN non-immigrant. You should apply for a TN visa directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.The applicant will need to have a valid Mexican passport, and to supply the following documents: A job offer letter showing that he or she will be working at a professional level, and describing the proposed employment activity, including daily job duties, the job requirements (such as educational level or license), salary and benefits, and how long the services will be needed (for up to three years); Evidence of qualifications to perform at a professional level, as demonstrated by college degrees, licenses, memberships, or other relevant credentials that establish professional status; and Evidence that the particular profession is among those listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 to Annex 1603 of NAFTA.
B-1 / B-2	Valid passport. Visa stamp. Supporting documents regarding B-1 business activity or B-2 family affairs in the United States.
WB / WT	Valid passport. Supporting documents regarding WB business activity or WT family affairs or pleasure in the United StatesI.