Dear students and scholars,

We would like to remind you about international travel procedures if you are traveling outside the U.S. during the upcoming winter break. 

Required Documents

All travelers on an F and J visas need to report their travel information to ISSS through the Travel Information Record. You can access the Travel Information Record and other travel information on this webpage. 

To return from your trip abroad, you will need to present: 

• An I-20 form or DS-2019 form, with travel signature signed within 12 months of your return date to the U.S. 

• A passport valid at least 6 months into the future from your date of arrival. If your passport has expired while you are here, you may require a new passport or an emergency travel document to enter your home country. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. for more information on this process.

• An unexpired F or J visa (exception: Canadian citizens do not need a U.S. visa stamp)

It is also wise to carry academic or financial documentation with you to demonstrate you are a bona fide student or exchange visitor. Do not present these extra documents to immigration unless asked, and keep them in your carry-on bag (not checked luggage) in case you are asked to show further documentation. 

Remember to submit your new I-94 copy, as well as any new passport or visa copies you receive, through the Immigration Document Update form when you return.

How to Request a Travel Signature

• Submit the online Travel Information Record to ISSS. 

• If you are on an F-1 or F-2 visa, ISSS will issue your form I-20 electronically, with electronic travel signature from a designated school official, and you can download it from the ISSS Portal when complete. Then you can print a paper copy for yourself, and sign page 1.

• If you are on a J-1 or J-2 visa, we will issue for you a new PAPER DS-2019 form, with wet travel signature from a responsible officer. You can either pick this up from the ISSS office in Storrs when complete, or we can mail it to you. Sign the form after you receive it.

Current Entry and Travel Restrictions

• You can always review the latest entry and travel restrictions on the ISSS COVID-19 FAQ. 

• Entry of F and J visa holders is still restricted for most travelers who are coming to the U.S., and were present in China, Iran or Brazil within the 14-days prior to arrival. 

• J-1/J-2 visiting scholars (Research Scholar, Short Term Scholar, Professor, Specialist programs) who are returning from Schengen Area countries of Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and who have a visa that was issued without a National Interest Exception, must obtain a separate National Interest Exception from the U.S. embassy before traveling to the U.S.

• The Canadian/U.S. border remains closed through November 21 except for essential travel (subject to extension). While travel to resume educational activity has been considered essential, your travel may be subject to the border officer's interpretation of essential.

• These entry restrictions and procedures are subject to change as conditions change worldwide; ISSS will keep you updated with future changes.  

• If your visa has expired or will expire prior to returning, you must renew it prior to returning. U.S. visa services vary around the world. Some are offering routine visa appointments, and others do not. 

• Due to the pandemic, please remember that all situations related to travel restrictions, flights, visas, etc. can change, both in your destination country, and the U.S.

• Contact your ISSS advisor with further visa questions related to travel. 

Study Requirements for Spring Semester 2021

We want to remind you that the government still has not announced study rules for international students in the upcoming Spring semester. We will update you as soon as we know whether the government will continue to allow international students on F-1 and J-1 visas to engage in online study and maintain an active SEVIS record. We will update you as soon as we know their plans. 

Students can download this travel letter if they wish to have documentation that UConn will offer courses through a variety of course modalities (not just online) for Spring 2021 semester. 

Best wishes,