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International Travel and Visas

Applying for a Visa — Be Prepared for Delays

Please expect delays in visa appointments and potential selection for administrative processing when traveling abroad for visa appointments, as the Department of State adjusts staffing levels and visa issuance priorities at US embassies and consulates, and due to changing timeframes for "dropbox" visa appointment waiver eligibility. It may be prudent to restrict international travel only to emergency situations, since it can be difficult to pinpoint a precise date of return. Please contact ISSS and your academic advisor before leaving the US to ensure that you are prepared and that arrangements are in place for you to remain current on coursework and other commitments in the event you experience visa delays. International travel for personal reasons is always discretionary, as is international travel to attend professional conferences or research exchange opportunities, even when supported/ approved by the university.

Two US federal government agencies are involved in the international travel process. The Department of State issues visas at US embassies and consulates abroad, while Customs and Border Protection (CBP, part of the Department of Homeland Security) grants entry ("admission") into the US at ports of entry such as border crossings and airports.

Before Travel

Arriving in the US – What to Expect at the Airport

  • Have your travel documents ready, not in your checked luggage or otherwise inaccessible.
  • Be prepared for a CBP officer to ask to review your phone and social media. CBP provides information about potential searches of electronic devices here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices
  • Be honest and clear when answering questions from CBP.
  • You may inform the CBP officer about your plan to return home after finishing your academic program.

International Travel Without a Visa Application Appointment Abroad

Bring the following documents with you on the plane (NOT in your checked luggage):

  • Form I-20 or DS-2019 signed by an ISSS advisor for travel within the last year (previous 6 months for F-1 students on OPT or STEM OPT).
  • A printout of your current transcript from BlazerNET.
  • Valid passport with F-1 or J-1 visa stamp.
  • If a PhD student, a letter from your department describing your research and stating that it is unclassified.

If you are an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT, also bring:

  • Your EAD card
  • A letter from your current employer verifying that you are working pursuant to OPT or STEM OPT
  • Your most recent pay statement

International Travel With a Visa Application Appointment Abroad

At least one month before leaving the US:

  • Notify your department administrator and ISSS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • Review the list of documents needed for international travel, above.
  • Review the visa appointment wait times at various consulates.
  • Make a visa appointment. Use the DOS website for appointment scheduling and visa processing information for the US embassy or consulate where you plan to apply for your visa.
  • Visit the Department of State website to learn about visa fees. You will be required to pay this fee along with the reciprocity fee for your country.
  • Complete and submit Form DS-160 onlineat least 48 business hours (i.e., six working days) prior to your appointment date.
  • Review the consulate’s website thoroughly and bring any necessary original documents (like degrees), photographs, and/or money orders for visa fees.

Everyone who applies for a visa undergoes screening before the visa is issued, regardless of nationality. A consular officer will conduct an initial review of the application and interview the applicant about the planned activity in the US. Please provide clear and concise information about the field of study, teaching, research, or other activity at UAB.

If you need to apply for a new visa while abroad, we STRONGLY advise that you travel to your country of citizenship. If you intend to apply for a visa in a country other than your country of citizenship (known as "third country processing"), please be aware that there is no guarantee that a visa will be issued, nor is there a guarantee of processing time. If your application is refused, your application fee will not be refunded. Some US embassies and consulates do not process third-country requests. Check before you go!

Issues that may complicate the visa application process:

  • Inconsistent spelling of a name on documents (passport, visa application, supporting documentation).
  • Failing to read and follow the tips and guidance on the consulate website.
  • Inability to describe clearly your purpose for being at UAB such that the consular officer cannot adequately assess the risk/benefit of issuing your visa.
  • Being a citizen or permanent resident of a country considered to pose a risk to the US/state sponsor of terrorism.
  • Working in a sensitive research field listed on the Technology Alert List (“TAL”).
  • Having the same or similar name as a bad actor on an international criminal database or other security list. The consulate must rule out any incidents and resolve any “hits” the Consular Lookout (CLASS) system reveals on the name(s).

Check the Status of Your Visa Application →

 

What To Expect at a US Port of Entry, Airport, or Border Crossing

International travel is dehumanizing for everyone, but it can be especially frustrating and intimidating for non-US citizens. Please be honest, patient, and courteous with all US government officials, even if they are not so with you. You may experience:

  • Delays in domestic and international flights due to heightened security measures.
  • Fingerprinting and/or digital photography taken upon entering the US.
  • Inquiries and increased review of documents.
  • Multiple inspections by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and/or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.
  • Photocopying of documents by immigration officials and possible videotaping of interviews with CBP and/or ICE officers.
  • Inspection of personal belongings, luggage, pockets, or other items. CBP provides information on device searches here: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices. Your phone, laptop, tablet, etc. may be seized and examined upon re-entry to the US.

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