Statement on International Travel During Spring Break

UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement wishes to remind all international students planning international travel during Spring Break to review the travel reminders that apply to their specific immigration status.

F-1 Status Students

Please see the travel reminders that apply to enrolled F-1 students and to students pursuing post-graduation OPT or STEM OPT. Specifically, students should check that they have a travel endorsement on Page 2 of their Form I-20 that will still be valid on the date they will return to the U.S. Students should also check the expiration date of their F-1 visa to be sure it will be valid on the date they plan to return to the U.S. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of reentry.

J-1 Status Students

Students in J-1 status should make sure there is a valid travel endorsement on page 1 of their Form DS-2019. J-1 students should also check the expiration date of their J-1 visa to be sure it will be valid on the date they plan to return. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of reentry.

In-person Interviews for Visa Applicants

As we have shared on our Immigration Policy Updates page, the U.S. Department of State recently made changes to its in-person interview policy. The Department's new policy makes the requirement for an in-person interview a discretionary decision by consular officers, and students should not assume that their in-person interview will be waived. The in-person interview may add to the time required to process a visa renewal. Additionally, visa appointment wait times can fluctuate drastically without warning.

For these reasons, anyone whose visa has expired should carefully consider these factors when planning international travel. Before departing the U.S., travelers without valid visas should work with the U.S. embassy or consulate at their travel destination to determine if they are required to appear for an in-person interview. If an in-person interview is required, travelers should secure an appointment before departing the U.S. We strongly recommend that travelers seek an appointment during the early part of their trip, since there can be unexpected delays in the visa renewal process. Anyone who departs the U.S. with an expired visa will not be able to re-enter the country until they are issued a new visa.

Future Communications

Students should monitor their UMBC email account closely for important messages from the Center for Global Engagement, as this is how we send alerts of any changes in U.S. immigration policy.

Students who have questions about their individual travel plans should contact our advising staff prior to travel. 

We wish a safe journey to those choosing to travel during Spring Break, and we hope that all members of our community enjoy the break and come back refreshed and ready to finish out the semester. 

Dave Anguish
Director, Office of International Students and Scholars
Center for Global Engagement