UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement wishes to remind all international employees and visiting scholars planning international travel during Spring Break to review their travel documents ahead of their departure.

J-1 Exchange Visitors

Individuals holding J-1 Exchange Visitor status (including J-1 Professors, Research Scholars, and Short-Term Scholars) must check the validity of the travel validation (signature) on the front of their Form DS-2019. Travel validations remain valid for one year for most J-1 categories, but are only valid for six months for Short-Term Scholars. Additionally, travelers must ensure that their J-1 visa remains valid through the date that they plan to return to the U.S. and passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of reentry.

H-1B Employees

Employees holding H-1B status must confirm that their H-1B visa will be valid on the date of their planned reentry into the U.S. If employees obtained H-1B status by changing from another nonimmigrant status from within the U.S., then it is important to remember that an H-1B visa is required for reentry to the U.S. after international travel. Additionally, travelers must ensure that their passports are 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; travelers should not assume that their in-person interview will be waived.The in-person interview may add to the time 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 in planning any potential international travel. Before departing the U.S., travelers without valid visas should work with the U.S. embassy or consulate in 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 return until they are issued a new visa.

Future Communications

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

Anyone who has questions about their individual travel plans should contact me 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. 

Diane Zeenny Ghorayeb
International Scholar Coordinator
Center for Global Engagement