Documents Needed to Travel
Before You Go
KU IT has compiled important considerations for the University of Kansas community for protecting data security when you travel. If you are entering the U.S. for the first time as a KU scholar or employee, visit our Entering the U.S. page for scholars.
If you're traveling to a country other than your home, check the website of your destination's embassy to learn about their visa requirements for visitors.
Documents Needed to Re-Enter the U.S.
- Original Form I-797, Approval Notice from USCIS which is valid for a period beyond the anticipated travel.
- Valid H-1B visa stamp in passport (except Canadian citizens)
- Valid passport
- Copy of your entire H-1B petition that was provided to you at the time the H-1B petition was filed by International Programs
- Copies of your 3 most recent paychecks from KU
- Current employment verification letter. The letter should include your title and salary, and can be requested from Human Resources or your Shared Service Center representative.
Please examine the admission stamp, expiration date or annotation on your I-94 record after entering the United States. If your period of authorized stay is shortened or limited due to expiring passport, an application for extension of H-1B stay may be required. Report any discrepancies to Keeli Nelson, keelinelson@ku.edu.
- Unexpired passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel to the U.S.)
- Unexpired visa (Canadians are exempt from visa requirement)
- Unexpired DS-2019 with travel signature (valid for 12 months)
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Evidence of continued employment (if you are working for KU)
- Invitation letter from Department (if you are a Visiting Scholar)
Upon entry you will receive your automated I-94 Admission record. You can access this I-94 record on U.S. Custom and Border Protection website. We suggest your check your I-94 as soon as you enter the United States. If there is an error with your I-94 record, please contact International Support Services immediately.
- Unexpired passport
- Employer letter that was used in obtaining the most recent TN status
- Copy of your degree certificate (diploma)
- Citizens of Mexico: must have a valid TN visa stamp in passport.
Upon entry you will receive your automated I-94 Admission record. You can access this I-94 record on U.S. Custom and Border Protection website. We suggest your check your I-94 as soon as you enter the United States. If there is an error with your I-94 record, please contact International Support Services immediately.
- Original Form I-797, O-1 Approval Notice from the USCIS which is valid for a period beyond the anticipated travel
- Copy of Form I-129, the O-1 visa petition with the approval notice
- Valid O visa stamp in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)
- Valid passport
- Current letter from faculty sponsor verifying your employment
Upon entry you will receive your automated I-94 Admission record. You can access this I-94 record on U.S. Custom and Border Protection website. We suggest your check your I-94 as soon as you enter the United States. If there is an error with your I-94 record, please contact International Support Services immediately.
Traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands
- Learn about certain provisions that allow return from these countries with an expired visa.
Need a new visa or is your visa expired
- Read our page on how to get a new visa.
Dependent Documentation
Look at the drop down menus below to see what documents your dependent(s) must have in order to re-enter the U.S. Each visa dependent (spouse and children) must carry his/her original documents.
- Original Form I-797, H-4 Approval Notice from USCIS (if you changed your immigration status to H-4 while in the U.S.)
- A copy of spouse's I-797, H-1B Approval Notice which is valid for a period beyond the anticipated travel.
- Valid H-4 visa stamp in passport (except Canadian citizens)
- Valid passport
- Copy of documentation establishing the relationship to the H-1B (marriage certificate for spouse or birth certificate for children)
- Copy of the entire H-1B petition that was provided to the H-1B employee at the time the H-1B petition was filed by International Programs
- Copies of the H-1B's 3 most recent paychecks from KU
- Current employment verification letter for the H-1B.
- Unexpired passport (valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel to the U.S.)
- Unexpired visa (Canadians are exempt from visa requirement)
- Unexpired DS-2019 with travel signature (valid for 12 months)
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Evidence of continued employment/visiting scholar appointment of J-1 scholar
- Unexpired passport
- Proof of relationship with TN visa holder (marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- Citizens of Mexico: must have a valid TD visa stamp in passport
- Original Form I-797, O-3 Approval Notice from the USCIS or copy of spouse's I-797, O-1 Approval Notice which is valid for a period beyond the anticipated travel
- Valid O visa stamp in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)
- Valid passport
Documents Recommended for Travel Within the U.S.
Domestic travel includes travel to any of the 50 states or travel to the U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa).
When traveling within the U.S. (even if you’re not crossing any borders or traveling by air), we recommend that you travel with your passport and other immigration status-related documents.
Travel Frequently Asked Questions
If a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer determines your documentation is incomplete, you may be issued a Form I-515A and a date-specific I-94 card for admission in J-1 status. This will grant you only 30 days instead of the usual duration of status (D/S). To have your legal status extended:
- Follow the instructions on what to do if you get an I-515.
- Submit the required documents before the expiration date of the I-94 card.
- Visit us as soon as possible with an I-515. We will assist you with the documentation you need.
Sometimes scholars are sent to secondary inspection so that a port of entry officer can verify your status.
If you are sent to secondary inspection on multiple occasions, it may be helpful to file a report through DHS Trip.
Yes, if you don’t have an entry visa for you current status, your dependents won't be able to obtain a dependent visa. You must obtain a visa for your current status first.