Summer Travel & Immigration Reminders

Posted on May 08, 2026

As the summer travel season approaches, the Office of International Services would like to once again share reminders and resources for those members of the UIC international community planning to travel, both internationally and domestically within the U.S.

While the decision to travel (internationally or domestically) is ultimately yours, we encourage you to meet with an OIS advisor to discuss your situation and weigh options so that you can make the best decision for you.

International & Domestic Travel Reminders

  • Remember that travel restrictions remain in place for individuals from 39 countries and holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents. If you are from one of the affected countries, please consult with an OIS advisor prior to embarking on any travel.
  • Review the travel guidance page thoroughly to ensure you have all necessary documents for a smooth re-entry to the U.S. Remember that your social media accounts can be examined during the visa application process or re-entry to the U.S.
  • Review the UIC International Travel Safety Policy to ensure that your travel is properly reported, vetted, and insured (if needed)—especially if you are traveling outside the U.S. on official university business/program, or carrying UIC property such as laptops. Visit International Travel Safety on the Office of Global Engagement website for more information.
  • If you have pending or newly approved F-1 OPT, review the travel information provided on the F-1 Optional Practical Training page to help you decide if and when to travel outside the U.S. Connect with an OIS advisor if you have questions.
  • If you have a pending UIC-sponsored H-1B or O-1 request, please let your OIS advisor know about any new travel plans. Travel during a pending OIS and/or  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) request must be carefully coordinated, particularly for new or extension requests.
  • If you are renewing or applying for a visa outside the U.S., visit the U.S. Department of State’s Global Visa Wait Times to ensure you have enough time built into your trip for visa processing. Connect with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence to review their instructions and local operational updates closely. Note that the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee may be collected by the embassy or consulate when you apply for a visa. Consider meeting with an OIS advisor prior to departure to discuss your case, and be sure to communicate if you anticipate experiencing an extended delay abroad due to visa processes.
  • If you are traveling to or through a third country, ensure you have the necessary visa to visit or transit through that country. Review the country’s embassy or consulate webpage to confirm your requirements based on your citizenship.
  • Prepare for re-entering the U.S. by reviewing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. Note that the $30 Form I-94 Arrival/Departure application fee only applies to individuals entering the U.S. at land border ports of entry or selected ferries. Most individuals will enter the U.S. through an airport that has an automated Form I-94 process, which DOES NOT require an application or fee. After passing through CBP inspection and successfully re-entering the U.S., review your recent I-94 record for accuracy and contact OIS if you notice anything incorrect.
  • If you are traveling around the Chicagoland area, carry printed and digital copies of your immigration documents, including your most recent I-94 record. The I-94 record serves as your proof of immigration status (“registration”) required by law for all foreign nationals over the age of 18 residing in the U.S.
  • If you are traveling beyond the Chicagoland area but within the U.S., carry your physical passport and hard copies of your supporting immigration documents (e.g., I-20, DS-2019, I-94, etc.).
  • International students should plan to be back on campus when the fall 2026 semester begins on Monday, Aug. 24. International employees and J-1 EV Scholars should coordinate with their departments regarding approved leave times.

General Immigration Reminders

  • Review all immigration and international travel documents early to identify and address any necessary extensions, corrections, or updates well in advance of travel or document expiration. Please keep in mind standard processing times, and if needed, make an appointment with an advisor to discuss your case.
  • F-1 and J-1 international students should be especially mindful of their I-20 or DS-2019 program end dates. If you need to study beyond the end date currently listed on your document, you must request an extension (F-1 processor J-1 process) before the listed date, since extensions cannot be granted after the document expires.
  • F-1 and J-1 international students participating in off-campus educational work or training experiences must obtain authorization from OIS. Please see the F-1 employment or J-1 employment sections of our website for more details.

More Information & Resources

  • International Travel Safety Policy / Portal – Information and required reporting for students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad for University-related purposes.
  • OIS Hours of Operation – OIS will maintain normal hours and operations over summer break. However, please note that the office will close for Memorial Day on May 25, Juneteenth on June 19, and Independence Day on July 3.
  • OIS After-Hours Emergency Contact Information – Know how to contact OIS in the event of an immigration-related emergency when the office is closed.
  • UIC Police – Dial (312) 355-5555 in the event of an on-campus emergency. Dial 911 for emergencies off-campus.

Over the summer, OIS will continue to monitor for changes to U.S. immigration policies and practices that impact our community. Updates are shared via email announcements and posted to the Immigration Updates page of the OIS website.

We wish the entire UIC international community a fantastic summer, whatever your plans may be. For those graduating or completing your programs, congratulations! For those returning for the summer or fall semester, we look forward to seeing you around campus!

Modified on May 28, 2026