F-1 Students

• Contact your DSO to get a Form I-20 endorsed for travel.
• Make sure your passport will still be valid for at least 6 months after the date you will reenter to the U.S., unless you are from one of these countries. 
• Most students need a valid visa for reentry.
• If you are on OPT, take your Employment Authorization Document (work permit) with you.
• Learn more.  

 

R-1 Religious Workers

• Make sure your passport will still be valid for at least 6 months after the date you will reenter the U.S., unless you are from one of these countries. 
• Take your I-94 with you. You may be asked to turn it in when you leave the U.S.
• Take your petition approval notice with you, and keep a copy in a safe place. When you return to the U.S., make sure your new I-94 has the same expiration date as your approval notice.
• Keep track of your exact dates of travel. You may need this information when you apply for a green card.

 

Refugees & Asylees

• You will need to apply for and obtain a Refugee Travel Document before leaving the U.S. This document allows you to reenter the U.S. and serves in place of a passport.
• Please remember that returning to the country from which you fled may cause the U.S. government to question your original claim to asylum or refugee status.
• Learn more. 

 

Lawful Permanent Residents

• Make sure your green card will still be valid on the date you plan to reenter the U.S.
• Make sure your passport is still valid.
• Keep a record of your exact dates of travel. You will need this information when you apply for citizenship.
• If you plan to remain outside the U.S. for over a year, apply for a reentry permit before you leave.
• If you want to apply for citizenship in the next 5 years, do not stay outside the U.S. for 6 months or more.
• Learn more. 
• See also How to Keep Your Green Card.

 

If you have a pending application for Adjustment of Status (green card)

• It is best to remain in the U.S. until your application is approved.
• If you must travel while your application is pending, you will need to apply for "advance parole," also known as a travel document. There are some exceptions for H, L and E visa holders.
• Learn more. 

 

Any immigrant who has violated his or her status by working without authorization, working for the wrong employer, working off-campus, overstaying, or committing a crime, should consult with an immigration lawyer before making plans to travel outside the U.S.

 

Happy Travels and a Blessed Advent to Everyone!

Refugee & Immigration Ministries continues Fast for Families on the National Mall and in solidarity events nationwide. Get the latest from RIM.

tana@dhm.disciples.org