What documents should I always carry (J-1)?

FAQ.

Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

What documents should I always carry (J-1)?

As a J-1 student you should be able to prove your lawful status at any time. Carry a copy of your passport ID page, your I-94 arrival record, and your Form DS-2019. For daily life, copies are usually enough; carry originals when you travel.

What to have

• Passport identity page

• I-94 arrival record

• Form DS-2019

Practical tips

• Day-to-day in your city/state, carrying copies is usually fine — keep originals stored safely at home.

• Save digital images on your phone or secure cloud storage for quick access.

• When traveling outside your local area, and especially outside the U.S., carry the originals.

• Be sure your DS-2019 form has a travel signature from your ARO no older than one year.