Non-immigrants to the U.S. are required to maintain legal status to remain in the U.S. and to return to the U.S. after traveling abroad.

Specific documents and signatures are needed in order to return to the U.S. even if you will only leave the U.S. for a brief period of time.

If you plan to travel out of the U.S. for an extended period of time (more than 5 months), you must come in to speak with an GEO advisor about requirements and options.

If you plan to travel out of the U.S. for a short visit and return to your UNM appointment, please make sure you are aware of all the documents you need for re-entry to the U.S. and whether or not you need a valid visa to return.

If you will need to apply for a new visa while outside of the U.S., you must plan enough time to obtain the visa while you are abroad. This section has information on:

1. General Information about traveling out of the U.S.

2. Applying for a new J-1 Visa for Continuing Students

3. Applying for a new J-1 Visa in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

4. U.S. Department of State Website