Travel Procedures

J-1 scholars travelling within the United States should carry their original immigration documents with them.

J-1 exchange visitors traveling outside the United States should be certain to have all necessary documents for entry into all countries he or she intends to visit and for re-entry into the United States. For re-entry into the United States, the exchange visitor needs:

• a valid passport
• a valid J-1 visa (if subject to visa requirement)
• a signature (no older than 6 months) of the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) of the program sponsor on the Form DS-2019, OR a new DS-2019 for extension of stay or transfer to a different program
• proof of financial support as indicated on the Form DS-2019

If a new visa is required, the exchange visitor should take the valid passport, signed DS-2019, and evidence of financial support to a United States Consulate or Embassy to apply.

If the exchange visitor is sponsored by an agency other than Georgia State University, a Responsible Officer of that sponsoring agency must sign the Form DS-2019.

Some exchange visitors traveling to Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean countries excluding Cuba for fewer than 30 days may be eligible for automatic revalidation of their expired J-1 visas; contact the J-1 Scholar Advisor for more details.