March 3 Executive Orders Update and Reminders for Travel for Spring Break

Greetings,

Given that Spring Break is just a few weeks away, we would like to provide you with some updates on where things stand with President Trump’s immigration executive order, and also remind you of travel requirements in order to return to the U.S.

The immigration executive order issued on January 27 is still suspended by a federal court, but there are indications that a new executive order on immigration will be issued soon.

We recommend the following related to travel outside the U.S. for individuals subject to the executive order or who hold DACA status:

• If you are from one of the seven countries listed (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen), or are a DACA individual, we recommend that you do NOT travel outside the U.S. or purchase nonrefundable airfare until we know the details of the new executive order.

        If you are not from one of the seven countries and you do not hold DACA status, please review the following information related to travel outside the U.S.: 

• We do not anticipate other countries will be added to the list of banned countries. However, given the uncertainty that exists at the moment, we still urge you to consider whether travel outside the U.S. is necessary at this time.
•  If you are planning on leaving the country for spring break, please take the time to review the immigration responsibilities particular to your visa, and do not do anything that would jeopardize your immigration status in the U.S. 
• You can expect longer customs and security checks at your point of entry. Note that anything on your person and your electronic devices are subject to search at the port of entry.
•  If you will be applying for a visa renewal, you can also expect longer visa processing times.
•  Check your I-20 or DS-2019 now to see whether or not you need a travel signature. If you do, please come to the OISS to request your travel signature as soon as possible. We recommend you come at least 1 – 2 weeks before you travel, as no same-day requests will be processed.

J-1/F-1 Visa Holders: Documents needed to re-enter the U.S.:

• I-20 or DS-2019 with valid travel signature (less than a year old on the day you plan to enter      the U.S.)
• Valid passport (expiration 6 months past the date you plan to enter the U.S.)
• Valid F or J visa
•  I‐901 SEVIS fee payment receipt (to print, visit www.fmjfee.com and click “Check Status”)
•  We also recommend you get a letter from OISS or your department indicating your status at      Tulane.

H-1B/TN Visa Holders: Documents needed to re-enter the U.S.:

• Valid I-797 Approval Notice or Proof of TN status
• Valid passport (expiration 6 months past the date you plan to enter the U.S.
• Valid H-1B visa
• We also recommend you get a letter from your department indicating your employment status at Tulane

OPT Status: Documents needed to re-enter the U.S.:

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card)
• Proof of employment, such as an employment contract or letter from your employer
• I-20 with valid travel signature (less than 6 months old on the day you plan to enter the U.S.)
• Valid passport (expiration 6 months past the date you plan to enter the U.S.
•   I‐901 SEVIS fee payment receipt (to print, visit www.fmjfee.com and click “Check Status”)

If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact the OISS. 

Do not forget to check our blog for further updates as well.

Office of International Students and Scholars

Tulane University

6901 Willow Street

New Orleans, LA 70118

(504) 865-5208

Web: http://cge.tulane.edu/oiss/

FB: facebook.com/oiss.tulane