As the holidays approach, many employees in the United States plan to travel abroad to visit loved ones or enjoy vacations and time off from work. However, for international employees on a U.S. work visa, planning a trip outside the United States requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential vacation travel tips for US work visa holders.
Check passport expiration dates
Before you go on vacation, check the expiration date of your passport. It must be valid for at least six months beyond your authorized period of stay in the United States. If it does not meet this condition, it may be necessary to renew your passport before traveling to avoid any complications upon your return.
Check the validity of the visa stamp
Before traveling, ensure that your visa stamp accurately reflects your current nonimmigrant visa status. If you need a new visa stamp, be aware of potential problems and plan ahead to resolve them. Visa processing delays may occur, so start the renewal process well in advance.
Gather your documents to bring when traveling outside the United States
When traveling outside the United States, work visa holders should be sure to bring the following documents:
- A valid, unexpired passport (with a validity of at least 6 months beyond the authorized period of stay in the United States)
- A valid visa stamp that reflects their current nonimmigrant visa status, such as an H-1B visa stamp.
- A I-797 Approval Notice or an approved I-129S, depending on the individual’s visa status.
Understanding the re-entry conditions
When traveling internationally, it is important to be aware of the reentry requirements for U.S. work visa holders. Familiarize yourself with the specifics of your visa category, including any travel restrictions or requirements. This knowledge can help you navigate customs and border controls more efficiently, without any surprises.
Inform your employer
It may be helpful to inform your employer of your vacation travel plans, including how long you will be away. Some employers may have specific procedures or notifications required for international travel.
Need more travel tips? We have collected a guide on how to navigate US airports, including how to navigate immigration checkpoints, US customs, and more.