Travel for H-1B, E-3 and O-1 Employees: FAQs
- Domestic travel
- Documents to carry in the United States
- International travel
- Expired visa
- Visa application timeline
- Secondary Inspection
- Search of electronic devices
- Additional information
1. Can I travel domestically within the United States?
Yes, you may travel inside the United States. You must carry evidence of status at all times (see below).
2. What immigration documents do I need to have with me at all times?
We recommend carrying paper photocopies of your original immigration documents and keeping the originals in a safe place. You may wish to save a digital copy in a safe place such as your email or a cloud-based service as well.
- Carry a copy of your current I-797 approval notice (H-1B and O-1), a copy of your passport biographic page, your most recent I-94 proof of entry, and physical identification (GU GOCard, U.S. driver’s license, or state/DC identification card)
- If you will be outside of the DMV area, you should also carry your physical passport and original I-797 approval notice (H-1B and O-1).
3. Can I travel internationally?
Yes, employees in valid status are eligible to depart and reenter. Each U.S. entry is granted at the discretion of U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP).
As of March 13, 2025, there are no new travel restrictions applicable to H-1B, O-1 or E-3 temporary workers. Please see our U.S. Immigration Policy & Regulatory Updates page for updates.
If you choose to travel internationally, please carry the items in the Travel Document Checklist in your carry-on/hand luggage (not your checked luggage!) through U.S. customs to facilitate entry.
4. My visa is expired. Can I remain in the United States?
Yes, you may remain in the United States as long as you continue to maintain status. However, if you choose to travel abroad, you must obtain a new visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate outside of the United States before attempting to reenter the United States. Very limited exceptions may be made for brief travel to Canada or Mexico; this is referred to as automatic visa revalidation.
5. I need to get a new visa. How long will it take to get one?
Following a January 20, 2025, executive order, visa applicants should expect to see more intensive screening and potential delays.
Visa applicants may also be subject to additional security and background checks, called administrative processing, due to one’s country of citizenship or other ties; field of study, especially high technology or other sciences; or other factors. You should provide any requested information to the embassy/consulate promptly. It is not possible to expedite administrative processing.
Please be sure to carefully read the visa application and interview instructions on the website of the U.S. embassy/consulate where you will apply. In complex circumstances, you may also wish to consult with your IS Advisor and/or an experienced immigration attorney before departing the country and applying for a new visa.
6. What is Secondary Inspection?
At Secondary Inspection, the CBP officer will more closely review your immigration record and documents and may have additional questions.
OGS is always available to assist if you encounter serious difficulty at the U.S. border. Have the phone numbers for the OGS and GUPD available in case the CBP officer needs to contact OGS to confirm your information. Be sure to carry the numbers below in your phone as well as a printed copy of our numbers in another location in your carry-on/hand luggage.
- Call the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) at (202) 687-4343. GUPD will contact OGS to assist.
7. Can electronic devices be searched by U.S. officials at the airport?
Yes. We strongly recommend setting your device to open via passcode only, not via fingerprint or Face ID, to ensure your explicit knowledge and permission are required in order to access your device. You may also wish to back up and encrypt private information on your device before traveling. Please review our Know Your Rights at the Airport (PDF) for more information.
8. How can I find additional information?
In addition to information provided by OGS, refer to reliable sources such as U.S. government websites with .gov URLs, such as the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Travel FAQs, and reputable immigration law firm websites. Be aware that social media sources may provide incomplete or misleading information.