Summer Travel Reminders

Posted on May 02, 2025

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 who are planning to travel, both internationally and domestically within the U.S.

While the decision of whether or not to travel outside the U.S. is ultimately yours, if you are still unsure, the international travel FAQs may be a helpful place to start. In addition, you can always meet with an OIS advisor to discuss your situation and weigh options so that you can make the best decision for you.

International Travel

  • Before departure, review your immigration documents to ensure you have all recommended international travel documents for your status.
  • F-1 and J-1 international students must have a travel signature on their unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 that is no more than one year old on the date of re-entry to the U.S. If you need to request an I-20/DS-2019 program extension or an updated travel signature, you can do so through myOIS. Please note that I-20/DS-2019 program extensions can only be granted prior to the current program end date listed on the document.
  • If you need to apply for or renew your U.S. visa, connect with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (ideally in your home country) that you would like to utilize and review the local visa application procedures. Global visa wait times are now published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.
  • If you are traveling to a third country, ensure you have the necessary visa to visit or transit through. Review the country’s embassy or consulate webpage to confirm your requirements based on your citizenship.
  • Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for detailed information on passing through immigration and customs inspection at a U.S. port of entry. After passing through CBP inspection and successfully re-entering the U.S., review your I-94 record for accuracy and contact OIS if you notice anything incorrect.
  • Be mindful that social media posts may be reviewed when applying for a U.S. visa and/or passing through CBP inspection upon re-entry to the U.S. While this practice is not necessarily new — social media reviews previously looked for evidence of U.S. federal crimes such as marijuana use or distribution — recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has expanded the focus of these searches to include what the administration views as “antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals.”
  • If you are traveling on official University business or carrying UIC property, review the International Travel Safety Policy to ensure that your activities are properly reported, vetted, and insured (if needed).
  • International students should plan to be back on-campus when the fall 2025 semester begins on Monday, Aug. 25. International employees and J-1 EV Scholars should communicate with their departments regarding approved leave times.

Domestic Travel

  • If you are traveling around the Chicagoland area, carry 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.).

Stay Informed & Get Help

  • The Office of International Services will maintain normal hours of operation over summer break. However, please note that the office will close for Memorial Day on May 26, Juneteenth on June 19, and Independence Day on July 4.
  • 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.
  • If you experience an immigration-related emergency during a time when the office is closed, call the OIS Emergency After Hours Contact.

As always, OIS advisors are available to answer your questions and discuss your personal immigration situation. Visit Connect with OIS to find various ways to contact our advising teams. We look forward to working with you and hope everyone has a great summer.

Please note that information shared in this message is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.