Planning Ahead for Holiday Travel
September 18, 2014
As we transition to fall with back to school activities, football season, cooler temperatures and making plans for holiday travel, we wish to remind you of the following international travel tips for all family members:
- Check your passport expiration date. When re-entering the U.S., passports must be valid for at least 6 months or the inspecting officer has discretion to deny admission. At border posts, officers now limit the period of authorized stay to the period of passport validity, regardless of how much time remains on your visa stamp or previously authorized work status.
- Confirm your visa stamp is valid and reflects your current status in the U.S. If you do not possess a currently valid visa stamp in your passport, you most likely require an appointment with a U.S. Consulate overseas to obtain a valid visa stamp. Appointments are typically in high demand during the holiday season so we urge you to make an appointment as soon as possible.
- Carry current approval notices with you, as well as evidence of employment if you hold an employment based visa. Please contact your employer or WSM as far in advance as possible if you have questions about the documents we recommend you carry.
- Be sure to provide WSM with evidence of your new entry date after you return to the U.S. Nonimmigrant visitors can download a record of admission by accessing the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
