Immigration
UPDATES
Essential Information for Winter Travel 2024
If you plan to travel during Ohio University’s Winter Break Closure, we wish you safe travels. Please consider the following information if you plan to travel internationally this holiday season.
Traveling Outside of the U.S.: Ensure you have all required immigration documents for your visa type and check your passport and visa validity dates. If you need to renew your H-1B visa, you should prepare for potential delays as U.S. consulates and embassies abroad experience high volumes of visa applications during holiday travel. Please carefully review the visa application instructions that are posted on the U.S. embassy/consulate website.
For international travel, we recommend you carry the following documents:
H-1B Visa Holders
- Original Form I-797, H-1B Approval Notice from USCIS, which is valid for a period beyond the anticipated travel
- Copy of Form I-129, H-1B Petition, including the Labor Condition Application and Letter of Support, provided by the Office of Legal Affairs
- Valid H visa stamp in your passport (except for Canadian citizens)
- Valid passport
- Current letter from your Department or Office of Legal Affairs verifying your employment. The letter should include your title and salary.
- Three most recent paystubs
H-4 Dependent Visa Holders
- Original Form I-797, H-4 Approval Notice from USCIS OR copy of spouse’s I-797, H-1B Approval Notice, which is valid for a period beyond the anticipated travel
- Valid H visa stamp in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)
- Valid passport
Please contact Erin Patterson in the Office of Legal Affairs at patterson@ohio.edu if you require the above information or if you hold an employment-based visa other than an H-1B.
Transiting Through a Third Country: If you are traveling through a third country, make sure you are familiar with the country’s visa requirements.
If you have questions about traveling with your J-1 or F-1 visa, please contact Ohio University International Student and Scholar Services.
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