UMD: A Globally Connected University

Travel Abroad

Travel Abroad

PLEASE NOTE

Please carefully read the list of ongoing concerns below and consider your trip carefully before you finalize your plans to travel:

  • COVID VACCINATION: Beginning November 8, 2021, foreign nationals traveling to the United States must demonstrate proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.  The CDC provides up to date information for non immigrants to assess their eligibility to travel to and enter the U.S. They also provide a helpful travel assessment quiz.
  • ​There are still ongoing restrictions for entry to the US from several destinations. There are still many travel bans and entry restrictions to the U.S. that you must consider before making travel plans. Please review the following website for a summary of the current US travel bans and entry restrictions to the United States. This is not a final list and more restrictions may be enacted between now and your anticipated return to the United States.

We would encourage you to make an appointment with ISSS if you have any questions about the uncertainty of your travel plans or your return to the United States.

 

H-1B employees who want to travel outside the U.S. should make an appointment with an ISSS advisor to review and pick up the necessary travel documents.  An H-1B employee should always travel with the following documents:

  • A passport (valid six months into the future at all times).
  • Valid H-1B visa.  An H-1B employee who changed immigration status in the U.S. will need to apply for an H-1B visa before re-entering the U.S.
  • Travel Packet prepared by ISSS.  The travel packet contains a complete copy of the petition that ISSS filed with USCIS to obtain the H-1B status for the employee.
  • Valid original bottom portion of the I-797 Approval Notice and copy of the entire I-797 Approval Notice
  • Two recent paycheck stubs to demonstrate that the H-1B worker is currently employed.
  • A letter from the UMD department on UMD letterhead confirming the job title and the job description of the H-1B worker, the purpose for the trip and the expected dates of travel.

Please note that individuals in H-1B status are viewed as having a dual intent when entering the U.S. 

Dual Intent means that the H-1B holder may intend either to return home at the end of the H-1B program or to apply for immigrant status.

Important: A person in initial H-1B status can enter the U.S. up to 10 days before the H-1B start date.