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Travel in J-1/J-2 Status

Travel in J-1/J-2 Status

Owned by David P Lawson
Last updated: Apr 11, 2025 by Elizabeth Clevenger
2 min read

Domestic Travel

When traveling within the USA but out of the immediate area of residence, all J visitors should carry their original passport and DS-2019. Also have access to your I-94 either saved on your phone, a printout on paper or the ability to refer to this link https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/home .

No permission/signature is needed on the DS-2019 from ISSS for such travel.

 

International Travel

When traveling outside the USA and wanting to return and resume your current program at UT, several steps are needed. Also read below for some things to consider before you travel.

Request a travel signature from ISSS by contacting Daivd Lawson at dplawson@utk.edu. You will be asked to complete a Travel Request Form that contains a few items of information. Normally within 2-3 business days after ISSS receives the request a new DS-2019 with a travel signature will be sent to you via email with a PDF attachment of the DS-2019(s).

Things to Consider Before Traveling Internationally

  1. Be sure your passport is valid well beyond your expected reentry date. If not, contact ISSS for advice.

  2. Be sure the US visa stamp in your passport will still be valid when you reenter the USA. If not, you must obtain a new visa stamp before attempting the reenter the USA. Be sure to factor in the extra time to process the visa application. This can vary greatly by country.

  3. If you changed status to J within the USA, you would likely need to obtain a J visa stamp to reenter the USA. If this is your situation contact ISSS for advice.

  4. Out of Country Designation: Will your absence exceed 30 calendar days? If so, you may qualify for an “out of country” designation in Sevis. This is added when the absence exceeds 30 days, and the purpose of the trip is related to the work at UT. This can aid the entry process if immigration questions the absence as excessive. Without the “out of country” designation you may still be able to reenter but may need to explain the need for the long absence. If seeking the “out of country” designation the host professor will need to write a letter to ISSS certifying that the absence is necessary for the work at UT. It must include the full address of the foreign work site, and the name and contact information of the supervisor at the work site.

  5. Has anything in your circumstances changed that might suggest to a visa officer or an immigration officer that your intent may have changed to live permanently in the USA? If so, contact ISSS for advice.

  6. Have you had an encounter with US law enforcement that resulted in an arrest or court trial? If so, contact ISSS for advice.

  7. Have you maintained status for your entire visit? If not, contact ISSS for advice.

  8. If you will be transferring your program from UT or to UT (returning using a different J sponsor) contact ISSS for advice.

Check the latest immigration updates on the ISSS website https://international.utk.edu/international-students-and-scholars-services/isss-about-us/immigration-updates/

Any concerns or worries you have can be addressed by contacting ISSS.

 

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