Winter Break Travel & Immigration Reminders

Posted on December 10, 2025

As winter break approaches, the Office of International Services would like to share some reminders regarding travel and immigration with the UIC international community.

Remember that 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

  • 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.
  • 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 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. If needed, consider meeting with an OIS advisor prior to departure to discuss your case.
  • 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.).

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 the office closure on Dec. 24. Please keep in mind standard process 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 process or J-1 process) before the listed date, since extensions cannot be granted after the document expires.
  • If you will return to UIC for the spring semester, classes begin on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. International students are expected to return to campus by this date, and F-1/J-1 students must meet full-time enrollment requirements by the add/drop deadline. International employees and J-1 EV Scholars should contact their departments to discuss approved leave times.
  • If you are officially ending your time at UIC, take steps to properly close out or transfer your immigration record. Instructions are available on the OIS website for F-1 students, J-1 EV Students, and J-1 EV Scholars. All other statuses can connect with an OIS advisor for guidance.

Additional Resources

OIS would like to wish everyone in the UIC international community the best of luck in finishing the semester. For those finishing their first term at UIC – great work! Those graduating or completing programs – congratulations! We hope you have a restful and restorative winter break and look forward to working with you in the new year.

If you have any questions about this announcement, please contact us at +1 (312) 996-3121 or ois@uic.edu.

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

Modified on January 27, 2026