Immigration Compliance – Travel Information

Last updated on June 6, 2023. Originally published June 6, 2023.

COVID-19 and Travel Restrictions

For information about immigration related to COVID-19 and other travel restrictions, see the updates provided by Fragomen.

New Visa Stamp Requirements

  • Employees currently abroad entering the US for the first time in non-immigrant status.
  • Employees with amendment or extension approvals, planning to travel abroad, and whose non-immigrant visas in their passports have expired or will expire before the planned return date to the US, or have never traveled abroad since the initial non-immigrant approval.
  • Applying for a non-immigrant visa at the US Embassy/Consulate abroad is not required unless you wish to travel and re-enter the US.
  • Non-immigrant visa stamps cannot be obtained inside the US.

Process to Apply for Non-Immigrant Visa

Each US Consulate/Embassy has its own requirements for processing a non-immigrant visa application. Please visit the respective U.S. Consulate/Embassy’s website for information and follow the instructions. All non-immigrant visa applicants need to complete the online application Form DS-160 at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.

Documents Required for Reentering the US

  • Valid passport (at least six months beyond the duration of non-immigrant status).
  • Valid non-immigrant visa stamp (except for Canadian citizens who are visa exempt).
  • Valid original I-797 approval notice.
  • Copy of the non-immigrant petition filed with USCIS (obtainable in the Fragomen portal).
  • Employment letter (optional, provided by your department).
  • Six most recent paystubs as proof of maintaining non-immigrant status.

Form I-94 Arrival Record

  • Visit http://www.cbp.gov/I94 to print a paper version of the I-94 record by entering your name, date of birth, and other required information as it appears on your passport.
  • Check the class of admission on your I-94 to ensure the correct non-immigrant status.
  • The expiration date on your I-94 determines how long you are allowed to stay in the United States.
  • Review the I-94 upon each international entry, ensuring the correct information and matching expiration date with your I-797 approval notice.

Returning to the US

Upon returning to the US, send the department contact the printed electronic I-94 form, passport page entry stamp, and passport page with