Travel Information for International Scholars

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., and even within the U.S, please be sure to review the list of documents that you should carry with you. Should you have any questions about how immigration policies may impact your travel, please reach out to ISSS and meet with an ISSS advisor to review your situation prior to travel.  If you are in H-1B status or in the process of employment-based Legal Permanent Residency sponsorship, please contact the immigration law firm that has been working on your case for guidance on international travel and its potential impact to your particular situation.

When re-entering the United States, ISSS always recommends carrying the following documents with you (and not in your checked luggage):  

1. Passport, with expiration date at least 6 months into the future from intended date of entry.
2. Valid/unexpired visa for your intended entry purpose (if needed—and most of you need a visa).
3. I-94 record (not travel history), most recent version

4. Middlebury contact phone numbers in case you need to request our assistance:

   • ISSS (802-443-5858 in Vermont or 831-647-3586 in California)
   • Non-emergency number of Middlebury’s Public Safety office (802-443-5133)  

   AND:

   F-1 or J-1 status:

   • Most current I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. (Note: Validity period is within one year for actively enrolled students and scholars, and six months for alumni on in F-1 status on the OPT or STEM OPT Extension benefit.)
   • F-1 Status on OPT or STEM OPT Extension: valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, if applicable.
   • F-1 or J-2 dependents should have their most current F-2 I-20 or J-2 DS-2019 with a valid travel signature  in addition to a current, valid passport and F-2 or J-2 visa stamp in their passport, if they are not traveling with the F-1 or J-1 primary.  They also should carry copies of the above documents if not traveling with the F-1 or J-1 primary.

   TN:

   • Evidence of continued employment in TN position (2 or 3 most recent paycheck stubs and/or a letter confirming employment from HR)
   • Most current I797 Approval Notice for TN (if Middlebury filed a petition with USCIS for TN status on your behalf while in the U.S.)
   • You most recent contract letter for your current position.
   • Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa stamp in their passport.  Canadians do not need to have a visa stamp in their passport.
   • TD dependents should carry copies of the above, if not traveling with the TN primary  in addition to a current, valid passport and TD visa stamp (if a Mexican citizen) in their passport.

   H-1B:  Please consult with the immigration attorney (Green & Spiegel) to confirm what is needed.  For the contact information for the attorney, please email isss@middlebury.edu.  However, in general, most H-1Bs should carry with them the following:

   • Evidence of continued employment in the position approved for H-1B (2 or 3 most recent paycheck stubs and/or a letter confirming employment from HR)
   • Most current I-797 Approval Notice for H-1B
   • Most current H-1B petition packet copy
   • Evidence you have complied with all U.S. tax laws while in the U.S.
   • H-4 dependents should carry copies of the above if not traveling with the H-1B dependent in addition to a current, valid passport and H-4 visa stamp in their passport.

   Other Categories: You may be working at Middlebury pursuant to another status that is not sponsored by Middlebury, please consult with your status sponsor and/or an immigration attorney as what documents are needed to obtain/renew any visa, if needed, and to re-enter the U.S.

Optional items: 

• Current transcript (if applicable; unofficial copy is sufficient).
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt (for those in F-1 or J-1 status).
• Financial documents (bank statement, salary/contract letter, etc.)  

Upon re-entry to the U.S., please provide copies of the following to ISSS and Green & Spiegel the following documents, as applicable.  You can upload these documents for ISSS via our Document Submission Form.

• New I-94 admission record obtained at time of re-enter
• New visa stamp, if you needed to obtain a new visa for your status during your travel.
• Passport ID page, if you needed to renew/extend it.

Whenever you apply to enter the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines your eligibility for entry.  Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose while in the United States. CBP has authority to ask many questions, including requesting access to your phone or other electronic devices. Read about your rights at: Immigrants’ Rights | American Civil Liberties Union