DHS Rule: Travel Guidance for J-1 Scholars

On July 17, 2026, DHS published a rule that was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. The rule has been postponed. All travel and reentry to the U.S. should follow our current guidance and procedures. Learn more about the rule on the DHS Rule Ending Duration of Status (D/S) webpage.

International scholars and employees who wish to travel outside the U.S. before returning to WashU should be aware of regulations concerning their re-entry into the U.S. It is your responsibility to be informed about these regulations.

There is never a guarantee that a new visa will be issued after expiration of a previously issued visa, or that you will be allowed to re-enter the country. The risk of being refused a visa or being denied entry to the U.S. should be weighed against your desire to continue academic or professional activities in the U.S.

Important Reminders:

Discuss your plans with OISS before traveling if you:

  • are filing a petition or have application pending with USCIS.
  • have a pending or approved 212(e) home residence waiver (J-1 scholars).
  • will be outside the U.S. for more than 30 days.

Print and save your I-94 record each time you return to the U.S.

  • J-1 exchange visitors: I-94 record “admit until date” should be “D/S”
  • Employees in all other statuses (e.g. H-1B): I-94 record end date should match the end date of your I-797 approval notice

If your I-94 record end date does not match your approved program, contact OISS. After entering the U.S. and checking your new I-94, send a printout or screenshot of your I-94 record to OISS.

Before traveling, save digital copies and/or make photocopies of all documents. Lost or stolen documents are easier to replace with photocopies.

Leaving the U.S. while a change of status, an extension, an amendment or a change of employer petition is pending approval by USCIS may be considered abandonment of the petition or result in additional visa processing delays and employment disruption. 

Documents needed to re-enter the U.S.

You must have the following documents to enter the U.S. Remember to have these documents on your person, not in your checked luggage. Before you travel, review what to expect at the U.S. Port of Entry.

  • Current passport, valid at least six months after the date of your re-entry (unless your passport was issued by a country belonging to the “Six Month Club” and is exempt from the 6-month rule)
  • Valid visa stamp (Canadians are exempt from this requirement)
  • Printed copy of I-94 Record
  • Printed paper Form DS-2019 with a valid travel signature (for J-1s only) endorsed by OISS
  • Original Form I-797 Approval Notice (for H-1B, E-3 or O-1)
  • Printed paper copy of letter from your department confirming program/employment and last two paystubs, if employed

Entry through a land border

All scholars re-entering the U.S. via a land border must pre-apply and pay for the I-94 before traveling. Apply for an I-94 online. Read all information on the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, click “I acknowledge and agree” and select the option for “via land or selected ferry” to receive your I-94. You need this I-94 for accurate records of your U.S. travel records and may need it for future status applications. Upon entry, ask the CBP officer to stamp your passport.

important note for tn scholars

TN scholars entering the U.S. via a land border must do so Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Land ports do not process TN entries on Fridays or weekends.

J-1 EVs only: Request a ‘travel signature’ on your DS-2019

In order to re-enter the U.S., you must have a valid travel signature on your DS-2019. To request a travel signature, submit an DS-2019 Reprint request:

  • Log into the MyOISS for Scholars platform.
  • Click “Requests” on the lefthand side.
  • Complete and submit the J-1 Scholar Travel Signature request.

You will receive an email notifying you when your DS-2019 reprint with travel signature is ready to access and print. Note that the ARO adviser travel signature can be electronic. Processing time is up to 3 business days. Remember that you must still physically sign your DS-2019.

Travel signatures are valid for 12 months or until the program end date, whichever is sooner.

Travel signature validity

Continuing J-1 scholars:

The signature on the center right of page 1 of the DS-2019 is valid for 12 months. If your re-entry date to the U.S. is within 12 months from the last signature, you will be eligible to re-enter with that DS-2019. However, if the signature on your DS-2019 will be more than one year old by the time you re-enter the U.S., then a new travel signature is required.

J-1 short term scholars:

Travel signatures are valid for 6 months or until the program end date, whichever is sooner.

Expired visas

If your J-1 visa stamp has expired or will expire before you return to the U.S., it must be renewed at a U.S. consular office abroad. Find the visa renewal application process on our Visa Renewal webpage.

Dependent travel

Dependents applying for a visa will need to submit a copy of the main applicant’s Form I-797 Approval Notice or Form DS-2019, as well as documentation of the relationship to the scholar/employee (i.e., birth certificate, marriage certificate). Dependents will need to show their valid passports with valid visas in order to enter the U.S. (Canadians are exempt from the visa requirement).

Inviting family

Throughout your time at WashU, you may wish to invite family members to visit for short periods. Review the B Visitors / Visa Waiver Program page for information.