Travel Workshop for International Students and Visiting Scholars

Workshop Overview Document Review Departure from the U.S. Visa Application & Interview Re-entry to the U.S. Automatic Revalidation Q & A

Document Review

Passport Generally must be valid at least 6 months into the future, 12 months recommended

Visa

I-20 or DS-2019

Travel Signatures Come to BIO after presentation to get your travel signature Bring your original I-20 or DS-2019 and passport

I-94

SEVIS Fee Receipt

Departure from the U.S. Surrender your I-94 at the ticketing counter Buy some nice souvenirs for your loved ones…

Special Registration Update NSEERS Registration Eliminated Effective April 28, 2011 National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) Removed following countries from list: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. DHS has determined that it is no longer necessary to subject nationals from these countries to special registration procedures, and deletes all currently designated countries from NSEERS compliance

Visa Application and Interview

Visa Application Preparation Check US Embassy or Consulate website for wait & processing times: Make an appointment & pay fees Check the embassy website for a list of required documents Plan ahead and be prepared for delays due to security checks and holidays

Visa Application Documents DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Valid passport I-20 or DS-2019 with proper signatures Proof of funding as reflected on I-20 or DS-2019 Proof of continued enrollment or research Documents that demonstrate ties to home country Visiting scholars Your latest CV Students pursuing practical training: Valid EAD card & job offer (OPT students) DS-2019 with Academic Training details (J-1 Academic Training students)

Visa Application: The Interview Your story INA 214(b) Intent to return – what are your future plans? Financial ability Students: full course of study Scholars: academic exchange or research Language ability

Visa Application: Security Checks Targeted at students and scholars primarily in science and technology Other reasons: Criminal clearance (may be caused by a common name) Normally 6-8 weeks In case of a security check: Students - prepare a letter from the academic advisor that explains: major; what the applicant studies specifically; and public availability of research/technology of student’s work. Scholars - prepare your CV; a letter from your host faculty describing the work you are performing in the U.S.

Visa Application: Visa Denial Don’t panic! Ask for the reason in writing and get the officer’s name Make detailed notes about the interview, including the officer’s name, questions and your answers Berkeley International Office and recount details Re-apply with additional information

Visa Check your visa before you leave the consulate!

Re-entry to the United States

Re-entry to the U.S. Continuing Students & Scholars Valid Passport Valid Visa Stamp Latest I-20 or DS-2019 with travel endorsement from Berkeley International Office Proof of Funding Students: Proof of registration or transcripts Scholars: Letter from host department ( if outside the country for more than 1 month)

Re-entry to the U.S. On F-1 OPT F-1 Students with pending OPT applications Valid Passport Valid Visa Stamp I-20 with travel endorsement from Berkeley International Office every six months I-797 Notice of Action Receipt Proof of Funding Job offer recommended F-1 Students with approved OPT Valid Passport Valid Visa Stamp I-20 with travel endorsement from Berkeley International Office every six months EAD card plus letter of employment after OPT approval Proof of funding (salary)

Re-entry to the U.S. On J-1 Academic Training J-1 Students on AT Valid Passport Valid Visa Stamp DS-2019 w/Academic Training details and recent travel endorsement from Berkeley International Office

Automatic Revalidation

Allows re-entry to the U.S. with an expired U.S. visa stamp in a valid passport Travel to Canada, Mexico & adjacent islands only* Travel is 30 days or less You must keep your I-94 when departing the U.S! Do you need a visa to enter Canada or Mexico? * Adjacent Islands include Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, Martinique, but NOT Cuba!

Automatic Revalidation Automatic Revalidation does not apply to: Students and scholars who apply for a visa in Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands Students or scholars from Iran, Cuba, Sudan, or Syria *Mexican nationals to their home country Returning to the U.S. after program has ended Attempting to enter the U.S. with automatic revalidation when ineligible is fraud!

Special Concerns Consult with a Berkeley International Office adviser if: You will be out of the U.S. for more than five months You are considering traveling to Mexico or Canada to renew or change the U.S. entry visa Your I-20 or DS-2019 has expired or will expire within 30 days of your expected return to the U.S. You are a citizen of Iran, Sudan, Cuba or Syria You are currently applying or have applied in the past for U.S. legal permanent resident status (green card)

Emergency Contact Information Berkeley International Office Front Desk (510) Monday through Friday 9-12 noon, 1-4 pm

Travel Signature Days for International Students & Visiting Scholars Friday, December 2 nd & Friday, December 16th from 9am to 4pm Great Hall, International House

QUESTIONS?