The following are general recommendations for foreign national faculty, staff, students and postdocs:
- International Employment (IE) continues to recommend that individuals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen avoid international travel.
- NC State-sponsored foreign national students and exchange visitors are encouraged to consult with the Office of International Services (OIS) before making any international travel plans. Please be sure to either schedule an appointment or visit the office during the scheduled walk-in hours.
- Make several copies of all important immigration documents (passport ID page, visa stamp, I-94 print-out/card, I-20s or DS-2019s or H-1B approval notices, employment cards, etc.) – take one set of copies with you, and leave another set behind with a family member or trusted friend. Carry and keep your original immigration documents in a safe place with you during your trip.
- Make sure that your passport (and any necessary visa stamps) are still valid and will continue to be valid at the time you are attempting to re-enter the U.S. If your U.S. entry visa has expired (or will expire before your return), make arrangements to apply for a new visa stamp while you are abroad. Contact OIS or IE as appropriate for guidance if needed.
- Consider whether you need to carry electronic devices with you, and if you do, protect yourself by reviewing the NC State FAQ regarding traveling with electronic devices at https://oit.ncsu.edu/it-security/mobile/technology-for-travel/faq-cbp-searches/ – please note you will need your Unity ID to log into the website.
- Exercise caution while traveling, and avoid protests or other situations which feel or look unsafe.
- Be prepared for delays in visa processing (if you will be applying for a new U.S. visa stamp during your trip), and expect extra screening at the airport when you are returning to the U.S. Please note that if you apply for a new visa and are chosen for an extra security review (also called “administrative processing”), your visa process could be delayed by several weeks to several months.
- Communicate your travel plans to a family member or trusted friend, and arrange to check-in with that person during your trip.
- After you return to the U.S., be sure to print your online I-94 information at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home, and review it for accuracy. If any information is incorrect, please contact IE for assistance (or OIS if you are an F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor).