General Information
It is important that you have travel authorization and take the appropriate documents with you whenever you exit and reenter the United States. Contact the OISSS before you leave the country to secure your travel authorization and ensure you have gathered the appropriate documents prior to your departure. Please do not wait until the day you are leaving the country to visit the OISSS office.
General Information
- F1 and J1 students and visiting scholars and their dependents who leave the U.S. must have the following documents in order to reenter the U.S. in F or J status:
- Valid passport (passport must be valid for at least six months into the future)
- Unexpired U.S. visa stamp (page) in your passport (Canadian citizens are visa exempt) notated with an “M” for multiple entry.
- Travel Validated I-20 or DS 2019 no more than 6 months old
- F1 and J1 Students: Please log in to your OISSS Student Portal to request a travel signature at least 2 weeks prior to your travel date.
- J1 Scholars: Please email [email protected] to request a travel signature.
- Demonstration of funding (copies of whatever funding sources were submitted to secure your visa)
- Proof of enrollment at Bard College. If you are a student, request enrollment verification from the Office of the Registrar. If you are a scholar, bring your letter of appointment from the College.
- I-901 SEVIS Receipt
- F1 Student Travel After I-20 Program End Date With OPT Approval:
Please note: Entry into the US in any other status will invalidate OPT work authorization.
- Valid passport (passport must be valid for at least six months into the future)
- Unexpired U.S. visa stamp (page) in your passport (Canadian citizens are visa exempt) notated with an “M” for multiple entry.
- Travel Validated I-20 no more than 6 months old
- Please log in to your OISSS Student Portal to request a travel signature at least 2 weeks prior to your travel date.
- I-901 SEVIS Receipt
- Valid EAD Card issued by USCIS
- Signed Employment Offer Letter or proof that you are actively seeking OPT employment
- J1 Visa Holder Travel while on Academic Training:
- Valid passport (passport must be valid for at least six months into the future)
- Unexpired U.S. visa stamp (page) in your passport (Canadian citizens are visa exempt) notated with an “M” for multiple entry.
- Travel Validated DS-2019 no more than 6 months old
- Please log in to your OISSS Student Portal to request a travel signature at least 2 weeks prior to your travel date.
- I-901 SEVIS Receipt
- Signed Employment Letter
- H1B Visa Holder Travel:
- Copy I-979 Notice fro H1B Petition
- Evidence of Maintenance of Status, such as recent paystubs
- Employment Verification Letter
- Typically from Human Resources, confirming your Title and Salary
- Valid passport (passport must be valid for at least six months into the future)
- Valid H1B visa stamp in your passport notated with an “M” for multiple entry
- Copy of H1B Petition Package (recommended)
- Contact [email protected] to obtain a copy
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Admissions Procedures
Nearly 70,000 foreign travelers arrive in the US every day. Everyone arriving at a port of entry is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection. These inspections are routine; however, it is important to understand the process and to be prepared.
Please review the attached documents for more information.
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Electronic Device Searches at U.S. Ports of Entry: What You Need to KnowU.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices—including phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices—of anyone entering the U.S., including U.S. citizens and non-citizens. These searches can happen at U.S. land crossings, airports, seaports, and even at CBP preclearance locations abroad, such as Dublin or Toronto. These searches can occur without a warrant or suspicion.
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Practice Good Digital HygieneThis flyer is designed to help individuals who may be affected by the impending travel ban prepare to travel through U.S. ports of entry. For case-specific advice and information, please consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or accredited representative as soon as possible.
Update on Potential US Travel Ban -- March 10, 2025
Dear International Students:
On behalf of the Administration of the College, we write to you and your faculty, as Spring Break is approaching, to share recommendations and best practices suggested to us by international educators and immigration attorneys.
As you have probably heard, various sources, including the NY Times and Reuters, are reporting that the US government may implement a travel ban soon. While there has not been any official communication by the government yet on this topic, the travel ban enacted under the previous Trump Administration affected students from Chad, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Venezuela. Sources indicate that Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Palestine/Gaza might also be added to the list. More information can be found in a notice put out by the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors..
If you are an international student residing at Bard and may be affected by the potential travel ban, we strongly encourage you to avoid any non-essential travel outside US borders until further notice. Students who may be affected by the travel ban, including students currently studying abroad, will be contacted by a Bard staff member. For other international students planning to travel outside the US, please follow Bard’s regular travel validation process: a message with further details will be sent out tomorrow. If you have any questions, please email: [email protected] to connect with a member of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
There is no information at this time indicating that green card holders will be affected, but persons with green cards should continue to monitor the situation. Some civil rights organizations are warning those with green cards from affected countries to avoid travel abroad.
Bard is a truly international institution: our international students are a vital part of our community, and our international programs are an integral part of Bard’s academic experience. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates and clarification as they come available.
Yours cordially,
Chrys Margaritidis, Interim Director: Institute for International Liberal Education
Jonathan Becker, Vice President for Academic Affairs
If Your Visa Has Expired
Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process. The Interview Waiver Program may be available to you, however you must check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply to determine if this option is available and if you qualify.
You will need to complete the following steps to renew your visa:
Pay your SEVIS fee.
Complete the DS 160 application and begin the application process for your new visa. Canadian citizens are visa exempt and do not have to complete the DS 160 or apply for a visa stamp.
Bring the following documents to your visa interview:
Valid passport (six months beyond end of program)
Valid I-20 or DS 2019
Appointment letter, admittance letter, or verification of enrollment
If you are on post-completion OPT, bring your OPT/Employment Authorization Card (EAD) and employment letter.
I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
Evidence of financial support
You may want to contact the U.S. consulate or embassy where you will be interviewed to inquire if there are any additional documents you should have with you.