Travel for Employees & Scholars

It is strongly recommended that you always carry your original documents when traveling internationally. It is also recommended that you scan/photograph/email/save e-copies of your documents. These additional resources (available on Box, accessible with your UChicago.edu CNet ID) are intended to provide guidance on international travel for the entire University community.

J-1 Scholars and their dependents

  • Form DS-2019

  • Travel signature on Form DS2019

  • Valid J-1/ J-2 visa

  • Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)

  • Copy of offer or invitation letter, or employment verification letter from department

  • If you will be out of the U.S. for more than 30 days, submit an Out of Country request that an OOC designation be added to your SEVIS record. 

H-1B Employees and their dependents

  • Original, unexpired Form I-797 Approval Notice

  • Valid H-1B/H-4 visa

  • Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)

  •  H-1B petition which includes Form I-129, Labor Condition Application, and supporting documents

  • Copy of offer letter or employment verification letter from department

E-3 Employees and their dependents

  • Copy of E-3 support letter issued by OIA, if you obtained status by travel

  • Copy of petition filed to USCIS, if your status was changed/extended by USCIS

  • Valid E-3 visa

  • Copy of certified Labor Condition Application

  • Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)

  • Copy of offer or employment verification letter from department

TN Employees and their dependents

  • Copy of TN support letter issued by OIA

  • Valid TN/TD visa (for Mexican citizens only; Canadians exempt from visa requirement)

  • Passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)

  • Copy of offer or employment verification letter from department

NOTE:  Please visit our section on Automatic Visa Revalidation if you are traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean islands.

Travel Tips for Employees and Scholars

  • When traveling abroad or within the U.S., you should always carry all relevant travel documents.

  • Always use the most recently issued DS-2019 form or H-1B/TN/E-3 packet. All previous documents should be kept for record keeping purposes, but are not required for travel.

  • Valid documents, including a valid visa, do not guarantee admission to the U.S.  Admission is always granted at the discretion of the port of entry officer.

  • Do not take privacy for granted. Customs officials may ask you to present your devices upon entering or existing the country. 

  • Authorization to work in the U.S. does not exempt you from visa requirements.

  • Reminder to generate your I-94 record when you re-enter the U.S.

    • Form I-94 records can be retrieved from www.cbp.gov/i94.

    • It is recommended you retrieve your I-94 arrival record each time you enter the U.S. 

  • For J-1 Scholars, a travel signature on your DS-2019 form is not required to leave the U.S. (although it may be required to obtain entry to Canada or Mexico as proof of return in the case of a third country national), but is required to re-enter the U.S. A travel signature is valid for 12-months from the latest dated signature for multiple entries.

  • For J-1 Scholars who will be outside the U.S. for more than 30 days and will be participating in J-1 program activities should request an Out of Country designation to their SEVIS record. 

  • If you have to leave the U.S. suddenly, for example because of an emergency, and don't have a travel signature on your DS-2019 to return, contact our office as soon as possible via e-mail at international-affairs@uchicago.edu. We can assist you while you are abroad.

  • If you will be visiting a third country, ensure that you have the proper entry documents for that country. To locate a consulate in Chicago or elsewhere in the U.S., visit the U.S. Department of State website.

  • Under no circumstances should you re-enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa or under the visa waiver program while you are enrolled or employed here. Employment is prohibited under those statuses and you would be in violation of that status and would have to leave and re-enter the U.S. again to resume your activities.

  • We recommend you carry your original documents when traveling in the U.S. domestically - this should include your I-94 arrival record as well. 

  • Every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a “REAL ID” compliant driver’s license, state issued “enhanced” driver’s license or valid passport to fly within the United States or to access high security Federal Government Buildings including Argonne, Fermilab and Federal Courts. Enforcement of the law will become effective May 7, 2025. This change has the potential to impact faculty, executives, staff, students, guests and contractors. For more information in Illinois, call 1-833-503-4074 or see online resources at https://realid.ilsos.gov/

Additional university resources: