Travelling to the United States FAQs

Faculty, staff and students should review the University’s travel safety requirements for all University-sanctioned travel on the Safety Abroad website and the Guidance for International Travel memo.It is important to note that these updates are reminders of what has always been the case with respect to international travel to any jurisdiction. 

Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories  

Anyone contemplating international travel should regularly consult the for updated information in advance of, and during their travel. 

Here are recent updates to the :

  • U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements. Individual border agents often have significant discretion in enforcing these requirements. 

    • The University recommends you be prepared to comply and be forthcoming with border authorities and have a contingency plan in case entry is denied. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation.

  • U.S. border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States. They do not need to provide a reason to request your password to access your device. If you refuse, they may seize your device. The border agent can also delay your travel or deny entry if you are not a U.S. citizen.

    • The University recommends you consider what devices you bring when you travel. Please see Travelling to the United States FAQs for information on protecting your data and digital devices.

  • Authorities may request proof of legal status in the U.S. at any time. Be prepared to show evidence of your legal presence in the U.S. 

    • The University recommends travellers always carry their immigration documents with them (including passport, visa, proof of activity in the United States).

  • Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days . The Travelling to the United States FAQs provides information on how you may confirm that you have met registration requirements.

  • Failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution. You should consult the website to determine if you need to register with USCIS and how to do so. 

The Government of Canada continually updates the travel advice and advisories. Sign up for email updates from the Government of Canada's website at .

All travellers are responsible for reviewing and ensuring compliance with entry and exit requirements to any destination. Information on resources outlining requirements is provided on registration with Safety Abroad. Every individual should review the risks associated with travel to any destination and decide if they are willing to accept those risks. The decision to allow entry at the border rests with that destination’s government. The University of ݮƵ cannot intervene in immigration matters.  

Please review the important information found in the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new United States requirements for F, M, and J visa applicants starting June 2025?

As of June 18, 2025, the State Department has implemented for all applicants in the F (academic student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) visa categories. These changes apply to all individuals applying for these nonimmigrant visa types, including university-affiliated travellers.

Important information from this update includes:

  • Comprehensive vetting, which now includes a review of each applicant’s online presence and social media activity.
  • Applicants will be required to set all social media profiles to “public” to facilitate this review.
  • The announcement emphasizes that “every visa adjudication is a national security decision, all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission”.

I have questions about the United States travel ban. Where can I get more information about the travel ban and how it may affect me?

As of June 9, 2025, the United States government issued a restricting the entry of foreign nationals from specific countries.

To learn more and stay up to date, here are some useful links listed on the Government of Canada website

  •  – U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
  •  – The White House

I am a Canadian citizen with dual citizenship from a country listed in the United States travel ban. Am I affected by the travel restrictions?

According to the , Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, travelling on a valid Canadian passport are not affected by this proclamation.

What if I am travelling with a non-Canadian passport and/or have a non-Canadian place of birth?

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport, an emergency travel document, a non-Canadian passport or for those with a non-Canadian place of birth. Check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination by clicking this link to search for

I have concerns that I may be asked to provide proof of legal status while in the United States. What do I need to provide proof of legal status?

Always carry your immigration documents with you. Every traveller will have different immigration documents but may include a passport, NEXUS card, visa, proof of employment, I-94, DS-2019.

How do I confirm if I have met the registration requirements for the United States?

Review the  to determine if you have already registered, who must register, and information on how to register. You can verify if you have been automatically registered on entry to the United States by looking up your I-94 admission form on the . ճ indicate that travellers issued an I-94 form upon arrival in the United States are excluded from additional registration requirements (this includes J-1 and TN travellers). Travellers should always verify the latest guidance on registration requirements from  or the  and your visa sponsor prior to travel.

I have concerns about gaining entry to the United States. What should I expect at the border when I enter the United States?

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders and the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States. Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations. United States authorities strictly enforce entry requirements. Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices. Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation.

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  • Customs officials may ask you to provide your address while in the United States (including Puerto Rico). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may also ask for:
    • evidence of residential, employment or educational ties to Canada
    • proof that the trip is for a legitimate purpose and is of a reasonable length
    • proof of sufficient funds to cover your
  • You must declare your intended duration of stay upon entry into the United States
  • You must provide proof of citizenship
  • You must  as a foreign national visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days
  • Review all 

What do I do if I have questions about my safety while travelling abroad on University-sanctioned travel?

Non-emergency safety and security questions should be sent via email to safetyabroad@uwaterloo.ca. The University regularly monitors the incoming emails during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm EST) and periodically checks this inbox outside of regular business hours. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

In an emergency, please call University of ݮƵ Special Constable Services at +1-519-888-4911. Access to Special Constable Service is available 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. If you require medical assistance, contact your medical insurance provider. Other emergency contact points are detailed on the Safety Abroad website /international/who-contact-emergency.

I have concerns about travelling to an international location related to my gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation. What should I do?

Foreign laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) can be very different from those in Canada. As a result, you could face certain barriers and risks when you travel outside Canada. Research and prepare for your trip in advance and review the Government of Canada's resource on .

I am a co-op student completing a work term in the United States. Do I need to register with the Alien Registration Requirement?

According to the , students issued an I-94 form upon arrival in the United States are excluded from additional registration requirements (this includes J-1 and TN travellers). Students should always verify the latest guidance from  or the  prior to travel. Please contact the United States Consulate and your visa sponsor to ensure compliance with all requirements as a visitor to the United States.

I am a co-op student with an upcoming work term in the United States. Are J-1 visas paused?

On May 27th, 2025, it was reported that United States embassies and consular sections were ordered to temporarily pause the scheduling of new interviews for F, M, and J student or exchange visitor visa applicants. This has the potential to impact international students pursuing a J-1 visa for an upcoming United States work term. Note: Canadian Citizens entering the United States from Canada do not normally require visa interviews.

As the pause is temporary, please monitor updates from the United States embassies and consulates. If you have concerns about obtaining your J-1 visa and/or beginning your United States work term as planned, please notify ceeusaies@uwaterloo.ca, and contact your visa sponsor and/or employer as soon as possible.

I want to pursue a co-op work term in the United States and am worried about the travel ban. What should I do?

If you hold citizenship from one of the 19 countries listed in the United States proclamation and plan to travel on a non-Canadian passport, your ability to participate in a United States work term may be impacted. You are encouraged to review the in full and, if necessary, consider seeking legal advice to understand your eligibility to work in the United States. offers free legal support to all ݮƵ students, or you may seek guidance from the U.S. Consulate, or external legal services. 

How can I protect my digital travel safety while travelling?

Border agents in some countries have been known to seize devices and duplicate the data on them. You may want to travel without any sensitive data. You may want to purchase or use a cheap burner phone specifically for the trip or use a company phone and/or computer that can be wiped clean upon your return.