Travel Advisory - Travel within United States

Many students and international visitors think that their passport and visa documents are only needed when traveling abroad. WRONG! If you are planning a trip within the United States by car, bus, train or plane, to U.S. cities near or far, it is essential that you have your passport and visa documents with you. Since September 11, 2001 , there has been heightened security not only at all border crossings, but also at bus terminals, train stations, and airports throughout the United States . Police are usually very visible in these areas and anyone at any time may be stopped and questioned randomly. Therefore, we recommend that you carry your passport, immigration documents (I-94 card and Form I-20 or DS-2019), and Stony Brook ID card with you for ALL distance travel, even travel within New York State. In addition, be sure that your current SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 has an authorizing signature for travel no older than one year for continuing students and six months for those on OPT.

If you are applying for a change of non-immigrant status, have an immigration petition or EAD card application pending, be sure to carry your U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) receipt notice (green Form I-797). This notice proves that you have an application pending with USCIS. A person without valid travel documents can be arrested and/or taken into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody for further questioning.