Summer travel is expected to remain at record levels in 2024, continuing an upward trend since pandemic-era restrictions were lifted. International travelers should prepare for congestion at consulates and U.S. ports of entry. While many U.S. consulates have reduced visa wait times in recent months, foreign nationals may still encounter delays when applying for a visa. We encourage all travelers to plan ahead when traveling internationally and entering the United States.
Our travel checklist is designed to help expats make reservations and gather the necessary documents in advance.
Entering the United States: Status and Document Checklist
Check passport expiration dates for all travelers. All international travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, and accompanying family members must possess a valid passport. Renew your passport in advance to ensure at least 6 months of validity at the time of visa application or entry into the U.S. Many countries allow passport renewal by mail through their consulate or embassy in the U.S. Carry all necessary documents for entry into the U.S. Upon arrival in the U.S., some entrants may be required to present additional evidence of work or residence status approval in addition to their passport and valid visa stamp. Documents vary by visa classification, but may include an original I-797, approval notice, endorsed I-129S form, advance authorization document, employment authorization document (EAD), DS-2019 form with travel authorization, and/or travel-endorsed I-20 form. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for international travelers entering the U.S. Check U.S. entry classification/expiration date. Upon entering the U.S., foreign nationals should expect U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to create an electronic I-94 record of their entry. At many ports of entry, CBP has stopped issuing passport stamps. If a stamp was issued, verify that the classification is correct and notify CBP immediately of any errors. Review your I-94 record. After each entry into the United States, foreign nationals should access and review their electronic I-94 record, available on the CBP website. This is more important than ever, since CBP no longer stamps passports at the point of entry. The expiration date of your I-94, underlying petition, or work authorization may differ from the expiration date of the visa or passport stamp (if issued) in your passport. Once you have your I-94, send a copy to your immigration advisor.
A checklist for foreign employees (and employers) who do not have a valid visa in their current passport
Consult with an immigration advisor before traveling. An immigration advisor can help you prepare for the enhanced screening and consular interview before you apply for a visa. Whenever possible, schedule your consultation 60-90 days in advance. Be aware that appointment wait times at U.S. consulates can range from a few days to several months. Check the consulate's website before traveling. If you need a visa issued at a consulate abroad, check with them for specific instructions on booking a visa appointment and information on documents required for the visa interview. Consular procedures vary widely and are subject to change without notice. Complete the DS-160 form. This form is required for all temporary visa applicants, including dependent spouses and children of the primary visa holder. Keep a copy of the final form upon submission. Many consulates require that you complete your visa application before scheduling your visa appointment. Review your visa application/petition. Review the petition prepared by your immigration advisor on your behalf before traveling to ensure the accuracy of the information reported and consistency with your application. Review your online profile. This includes information in your online employee profile or company page, as well as in your social media profiles. Government officials from USCIS, U.S. consulates, and U.S. immigration authorities review online profiles of visitors and foreign workers who are applying for benefits or seeking entry to the U.S. Update your company information: Employers should update company pages and sites, such as Dunn & Bradstreet, that immigration officials may refer to to verify your employment and business information. Collect employment verifications: If you are applying for a temporary work visa, most consulates require a current employment verification from your employer. Request these verifications before traveling to allow sufficient time for HR to prepare. Keep copies of recent pay stubs as evidence of current employment. If applicable, ensure that your employment verifications match the immigration petition on which your visa application is based. Disclose any arrests/detentions to your immigration attorney: If you have been arrested or detained by law enforcement, even if you have not been charged/convicted, consult with an immigration attorney. Consult with an attorney before leaving the U.S. or applying for a visa or other immigration benefits. Subpoenas, arrests, and detentions may need to be disclosed on your application and may affect your immigration status and/or eligibility for immigration benefits. Check consulate wait times: Check the consulate's website for visa appointment and processing times, and let your immigration attorney know immediately if your visa is delayed due to security or background check issues. Check consulate holiday hours: Consulates abroad observe both U.S. and local holidays, and some offices may be short-staffed due to holidays. Visa Appointment Tips: If you experience long consulate wait times, make an appointment as early in the day as possible and check the website regularly to see if new, more desirable appointment times have been announced.
Travel documents if you do not need a visa from the consulate
Visa Waiver Program travelers must have a valid ESTA authorization. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online preclearance system required for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers. ESTA is available only to travelers who are citizens of approved VWP countries seeking to enter the United States for B-1 business or B-2 tourism purposes. VWP travelers must apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel and obtain a valid ESTA authorization before traveling. ESTA authorizations are valid for up to two years. Please note that a new ESTA authorization is required if a VWP traveler obtains a new passport, changes their name or citizenship, or if the answers to questions related to VWP eligibility (such as arrest or visa denial) change. Adjustment of Status Applicants and Advance Parole Travel Documents. With the exception of some H and L visa holders, individuals with a pending I-485 Adjustment of Status application must possess an original valid Advance Parole travel document issued before departing the United States. Leaving the United States without Advance Parole may result in denial of your I-485 application. Advance Parole documents must be valid when you leave the United States and when you return.
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