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
- F-1 and J-1 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
- F-1 and J-1 Students: Please log in to your OISSS Student Portal to request a travel signature at least 2 weeks prior to your travel date.
- J-1 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
- F-1 Student Travel After I-20 Program End Date With OPT Approval:
Please note: Entry into the U.S. 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
- J-1 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
- H-1B Visa Holder Travel:
- Copy I-979 Notice for H-1B 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 H-1B visa stamp in your passport notated with an “M” for multiple entry
- Copy of H-1B Petition Package (recommended)
- Contact [email protected] to obtain a copy
Travel Guidance for International Faculty and Staff - November 2025
Travel Advisory for International Faculty and Staff (H1B / J-1)
Recognizing the uncertainties of the current U.S. immigration environment, we have prepared this
advisory for staff and faculty. The risks associated with international travel have increased significantly,
and this advisory outlines some of the key points to consider when deciding whether to travel. Our goal
is to ensure that you have the clearest possible understanding of the situation and changing landscape so
you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family. We remain committed to supporting you
and will continue to monitor developments closely. If you have additional questions not covered by the
advisory below, please reach out.
The current administration has demonstrated a willingness to make sweeping policy changes with little or
no warning, which could impact the ability to return to the U.S. We have seen heightened consular
scrutiny, unpredictable administrative processing, more extensive social media review and inspections at
the ports of entry. For these reasons, the most conservative and risk-averse approach is to avoid travel
unless it is absolutely essential.
H-1B Status and Extensions
The recent presidential proclamations have not invalidated H-1B status for those who are already lawfully
present in the country. You may continue to live and work under your approved H-1B status, and Bard
College can still file timely extensions or amendments on your behalf without interruption. If your visa
stamp has expired, you will need to secure a new one abroad before you can re-enter. USCIS recently
clarified that visa applications or renewals based on H-1B petitions previously approved in the U.S. will
not trigger the new $100,000 fee.
For re-entry to the U.S., H1B holders should have a valid passport, original H-1B approval notice (Form
I-797), recent pay statements, and an employment verification letter confirming your position and duties.
We also recommend that you have a copy of the original H1B petition that was filed.
J-1 Status
J-1 scholars should be sure to travel with all required documents for re-entry including a valid
passport—valid for six months from your expected return date, J-1 visa stamp, DS-2019 with a valid
travel signature issued within the past six months, I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt, appointment letter,
and proof of funding. If you plan to remain outside of the U.S. for more than 30 days, please be in touch
with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services ([email protected]). If your J-1 visa has
expired, you will need to apply for a new J-1 visa to re-enter.
Risks Associated with Visa Processes
Renewing a visa, which was once relatively routine, now carries significant uncertainty. The Department
of State recently updated instructions for nonimmigrant visa applications. Applicants for U.S.
nonimmigrant visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not
conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate,
unless their residence is elsewhere. The availability of interview appointments varies widely depending
on location; however, an estimate of the global visa wait times can be found on the Department of State
website.
Consular officers now apply heightened scrutiny to all visa applications, including mandatory reviews of
social media, which can take anywhere from four days to two weeks or longer. Professors with visible
professional profiles—particularly in sensitive fields often face probing questions or extended review.
Faculty in advanced scientific and technical fields are also disproportionately affected. Online posts or
work in politically charged areas may prompt further questioning. While faculty should not conceal their
activities, they should anticipate these issues arising during visa interviews and be prepared to address
them directly.
Customs and Border Protection
When entering the United States, you should be prepared for close scrutiny by Customs and Border
Protection (CBP). The officer will review your documentation and may ask about the purpose of your
travel, your role at the university, and your anticipated length of stay. It is important to provide clear,
truthful, and concise answers that align with your documentation. Lengthy or speculative responses can
raise unnecessary concerns. If you are referred to secondary inspection, remain calm and cooperative, and
continue to emphasize your role as a professor working pursuant to your visa status.
You should also be aware that CBP officers may inspect your electronic devices. Although this remains
relatively uncommon, officers do have authority to examine files, emails, and other stored data. For this
reason, many professionals now travel with “clean” devices containing only the information needed for
their trip. At a minimum, ensure that your devices use full-disk encryption, that your accounts are
protected by multi-factor authentication, and that you have backed up important data before departure.
Avoid carrying devices that contain sensitive research materials, confidential student records, or large
volumes of personal data that could be exposed during an inspection. Additional information related to
CBP admissions procedures can be found on the OISSS website.
Upon Entry
You should retrieve your I-94 record as soon as you enter the U.S. and carry a printed copy with you at all
times along with your I-797 approval notice (for H-1Bs) and DS-2019 (for J-1s). Please remember that
you are also required to notify USCIS of an updated address within ten days. Instructions and additional
information can be found on the dedicated USCIS webpage. J-1 scholars should notify [email protected],
a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) will satisfy the reporting requirement
by updating SEVIS within 21 days.
Support and Emergency Resources
If you determine that international travel is unavoidable, preparation is essential. Please notify Carmen
Smith ([email protected]), Director of Visa and Immigration Services, in advance of travel. We
recommend faculty and staff register travel dates and flight information by submitting this form. You
should assemble a comprehensive folder of documents to demonstrate your legal status, your continuing
employment, and the academic purpose of your role.
If you encounter difficulties abroad, you should contact Bard Security at 845-758-7777 immediately.
When returning to the U.S., we suggest that you notify a point of contact upon landing or before reaching
a land border crossing. Should you be referred to secondary inspection or experience prolonged delays –
beyond two hours, your point of contact should notify Bard Security immediately. Prompt
communication can help ensure that the situation is monitored as efficiently as possible.
We recognize that this is a difficult and stressful reality for many faculty members with professional and
personal ties abroad. Please know that we remain committed to supporting you and will continue to
monitor developments closely.
Travel Guidance for International Students - November 2025
If your visa has expired, you may remain in the U.S. provided your I-20 or DS-2019 program is still active and you are following the requirements to maintain your F-1 status. A new visa is only necessary if you wish to depart the U.S. and re-enter.
If you intend to renew your visa, please note the updated guidance from the Department of State issued on October 10, 2025. Nonimmigrant visa applicants are now required to apply in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere. This update restricts the visa processing of third country nationals.
All visa applicants must now undergo enhanced social media screening after successfully passing the visa interview. The official Department of State announcement can be found here. The screening can take up to two weeks or longer depending on the location.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has broad authority to determine who may enter the U.S. Be sure you have all your relevant immigration documents with you at the port of entry. To review the list of required documents for re-entry as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, please visit the OISSS website. CBP may also search electronic devices. It is important to power off all electronic devices and/or disable facial recognition before inspection. For more information about what to expect at the port of entry, please review our U.S. Customs and Border Protection Factsheet.
When returning to the U.S., we suggest that you notify a point of contact upon landing or before reaching a land border crossing. Should you be referred to secondary inspection or experience prolonged delays – beyond two hours, your point of contact should notify Bard Security immediately. Prompt communication can help ensure that the situation is monitored as efficiently as possible.
Remember that you should always notify OISSS of a change of address via the OISSS Portal or by email within 10 days of relocating, and/or submit a change of address to USCIS. The Alien Registration Requirement stipulates that aliens must carry and keep in their personal possession proof of registration at all times. Evidence could be a printed copy of an electronic I-94, an I-797 approval notice with I-94 attached or EAD card."
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Admissions Procedures
Nearly 70,000 foreign travelers arrive in the U.S. 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 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.