As summer approaches, many foreign nationals living, studying, or working in the United States are preparing for international travel. Whether you’re visiting family, attending a special event, or taking a well-deserved vacation, it’s essential to ensure your immigration documents are in order before you leave and re-enter the U.S.
At The Law Offices of Luke Bowman, we specialize in guiding individuals and families through the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Here’s what you need to know before making your summer travel plans in 2025.
1. Check Your Visa Validity
Before departing the U.S., verify that your visa will be valid for re-entry. If your visa has expired or will expire during your travels, you’ll need to renew it at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Some visa categories may face delays due to processing times or administrative reviews, so plan ahead.
Pro Tip: F-1 and J-1 students and exchange visitors should ensure their travel signature on Form I-20 or DS-2019 is valid (signed within the past 12 months).
2. Review Passport Expiration Date
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of return to the U.S. Some countries are exempt from this rule under the “six-month club,” but it’s always safest to renew early if your passport is nearing expiration.
3. Maintain Immigration Status While Abroad
If you’re on an employment-based visa (such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1), ensure your employment and immigration status are in good standing before traveling. Bring documentation showing ongoing employment, such as a recent pay stub or employer letter.
Need a travel letter? Our office can assist in preparing necessary documentation for your reentry.
4. Understand Automatic Revalidation (for Short Trips)
Traveling to Canada or Mexico for fewer than 30 days? You may qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation, allowing re-entry to the U.S. even with an expired visa, provided certain conditions are met.
Important: This rule does not apply to citizens of countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism.
5. Beware of Visa Appointment Backlogs
Post-pandemic processing backlogs still affect many U.S. consulates worldwide. Check visa appointment availability well in advance, especially during peak summer months.
Tip: Luke Bowman Law offers visa appointment tracking and support services to help streamline your return.
6. Carry Essential Documents
For a smooth re-entry, travel with the following:
- Valid passport and visa
- Form I-20 (for students) or DS-2019 (for J exchange visitors)
- Approval notices (Form I-797)
- Recent pay stubs and employer verification letters (for work visa holders)
- Travel letters (if needed)
Our team can provide a tailored travel checklist based on your visa type—contact us before you fly!
7. Traveling with Pending Applications (I-485, H-1B, etc.)
If you have a pending green card (Form I-485) or other immigration applications, international travel can complicate your case. Always consult an immigration attorney before leaving the country.
8. Re-entry Screening: What to Expect
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will review your travel documents and may ask about your purpose of travel, employment, or study. Be honest, clear, and prepared. Secondary inspections are not uncommon, especially for travellers with past immigration issues or extended absences.
Need Help Before You Travel?
At The Law Offices of Luke Bowman, we help individuals, families, and professionals ensure travel plans don’t jeopardize their immigration status. Whether you’re on an F-1, H-1B, J-1, or green card path, our legal team can help you:
✅ Review visa and passport status
✅ Prepare reentry documentation
✅ Assist with visa appointment scheduling
✅ Provide letters of employment or travel support
✅ Guide you through automatic revalidation eligibility
Update for F1/J1 Students:
While implementing improved social media screening practices, the State Department halted new visa interviews for foreign students and exchange guests. The ban, which went into effect on May 27, interferes with the plans of many overseas students and faculty members who are part of an exchange visitor program. It also impacts anyone applying for F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visas. Here are several implications for your school and immediate actions that administrators should think about.
Faculty members and international students who have already been scheduled for visa interviews need not panic just yet. They are still able to keep their appointments. The State Department reaffirmed their commitment to upholding current appointments.
It’s unclear how long instructors and students who haven’t scheduled their immigration interviews will have to wait. This could therefore have a significant impact on those who had intended to begin a program in the summer or fall of 2025.
Current visa holders should reconsider going overseas, especially if their visas have expired, even though they are unaffected. They can be stranded abroad for longer than anticipated because there is no way to make fresh visa appointments.
Book a Travel Consultation Today
Don’t leave your immigration status to chance. Contact us today at www.lukebowmanlaw.com or call us directly for personalized support.
About Luke Bowman Law
Based in the United States, The Law Offices of Luke Bowman offers legal services in immigration, visa processing, adjustment of status, and student/work visa guidance. With a focus on affordable and accessible immigration solutions, our team is committed to helping you live, work, and travel in the U.S. with peace of mind.