Summer travel is expected to remain at record levels in 2024, continuing an upward trend since pandemic-era restrictions were lifted. International travelers should prepare for congestion at consulates and U.S. ports of entry. While many U.S. consulates have reduced visa wait times in recent months, foreign nationals may still encounter delays when applying for a visa. We encourage all travelers to plan ahead when traveling internationally and entering the United States.
Our travel checklist is designed to help expats make reservations and gather the necessary documents in advance.
Entering the United States: Status and Document Checklist
- Check passport validity for all travelers. All international travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, and their accompanying family members, must have a valid passport. Renew your passport in advance to ensure it will be valid for at least six months when you apply for a visa or enter the U.S. Many countries allow passport renewals by mail through their consulate or embassy in the U.S.
- Bring all necessary documents to enter the United States Upon arrival in the United States, some entrants may need to present additional evidence of work or residence status approval in addition to their passport and valid visa stamp. Documentation will vary by visa classification but may include an original I-797, approval notice, approved I-129S form, advance clearance letter, employment authorization document (EAD), DS-2019 form with travel authorization, and/or I-20 form with travel authorization. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for international travelers entering the United States.
- Check your US admission status/expiration date. Upon entering the United States, foreign nationals should expect a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer to create an electronic I-94 record of their entry.. At many ports of entry, CBP has stopped issuing passport stamps. If a stamp was issued, verify that the classification is correct and notify CBP immediately of any errors.
- Check your I-94 records. Each time a foreign national enters the United States, he or she should access and review their electronic I-94 record, available on the CBP website. This is more important than ever because CBP no longer stamps passports at the point of entry. The expiration date of the I-94, its underlying petition, or work authorization may differ from the expiration date of the visa or passport stamp (if issued) in your passport. Once you have your I-94, send a copy to your immigration advisor.
A checklist for foreign employees (and employers) who do not have a valid visa in their current passport
- Please consult an immigration advisor before traveling. An immigration consultant can help you prepare for the enhanced screening and consular interview before you apply for a visa. Whenever possible, schedule your consultation 60-90 days in advance. Be aware that appointment wait times at U.S. consulates can range from several days to several months.
- Please check the consulate's website before traveling. If you need a visa issued by a consulate abroad, check for specific instructions for scheduling a visa appointment and information about documents required for your visa interview. Consulate procedures vary and are subject to change without notice.
- Complete the DS-160 form.This form is required for all temporary visa applicants, including dependent spouses and children of the principal visa holder. Keep a copy of the final form when you submit it. Many consulates require you to complete your visa application before making your visa appointment.
- Please check your visa application/petition. Before traveling, review the petition prepared on your behalf by an immigration lawyer to ensure the information reported is accurate and consistent with your application.
- Check your online profile. This includes information from online employee profiles, company pages, and social media profiles. USCIS, U.S. consulates, and U.S. immigration officials review the online profiles of visitors and foreign workers who are applying for benefits or seeking admission to the United States.
- Update your company information. Employers should update company pages and sites, such as Dunn & Bradstreet, that immigration officials may refer to to verify employment or business information.
- Collect proof of employment. If you are applying for a temporary work visa, most consulates require a current employment certificate from your employer. Request these certificates before traveling so that HR has enough time to prepare them. Keep copies of recent pay stubs as proof of current employment. If applicable, make sure your employment certificate matches the immigration application on which your visa application is based.
- If you are arrested/detained, report it to your immigration lawyer. If you have been arrested or detained by law enforcement, even if you have not been charged/convicted, you should consult with an immigration attorney. Consult with an attorney before you leave the United States or apply for a visa or other immigration benefits. Subpoenas, arrests, and detentions may need to be disclosed on your application and may affect your immigration status and/or eligibility for immigration benefits.
- Please check the consulate's waiting times. Check the consulate's website for visa appointment and processing times, and let your immigration advisor know immediately if there are any delays in issuing your visa due to security or background check issues.
- Check the consulate's holiday hours. Consulates overseas observe U.S. and local holidays, and some offices may be understaffed due to holidays.
- Visa appointment tips: If the consulate has long wait times, make your appointment as early as possible and check their website regularly for newly announced more favorable appointment times.
Travel documents (if required) do not have Visa required from the consulate
- Visa Waiver Program travelers must have a valid ESTA approval. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory online pre-screening system for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers. ESTA is available only to travelers who are citizens of approved VWP countries seeking entry to the United States for B-1 business or B-2 tourism purposes. VWP travelers must apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel and obtain a valid ESTA authorization before traveling. ESTA authorizations are valid for up to two years. Please note that a new ESTA authorization is required if a VWP traveler obtains a new passport, changes their name or citizenship, or if the answers to questions related to VWP eligibility (such as arrest or visa denial) change.
- Adjustment of Status Applicants and Preauthorized Travel Documents. Except for some H and L visa holders, individuals with a pending I-485 adjustment of status application must have the original valid pre-authorized travel document issued before departing the United States. Leaving the United States without pre-authorization may result in denial of the I-485 application. The pre-authorized document must be valid at the time of departure from the United States. and It will be valid upon your return.
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