Holiday Office Closings

Please note that the HIO is closed on the following days:

• Veteran's Day on Wednesday, November 11th
• Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26th and on Friday, November 27th.
• Winter Recess from 12:00 noon, Thursday, December 24th to Friday, January 1st, 2010

Please be mindful of the office closing when planning to visit the HIO.

Off Site HIO Office Hours

As a reminder, advisors from the HIO have regularly scheduled office hours at HBS, HSPH, BIDMC, and HMS. See the HIO web site for the details of their schedules.

Travel Advisory

Before making plans to travel outside the United States we ask that you take a few minutes to review the Travel Advisory on the HIO web site.

Travel Signature

If you are traveling over the holidays and/or winter break, please make sure you have the proper documents for your return to the United States. Please check your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to be sure that the travel signature from the HIO will not be more than 12 months old at the time of your reentry to the United States. If you need a new signature please come to the HIO between 9:00am and 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with your Form I-20 or DS-2019. No appointment is needed for a signature. For more information on proper documentation for travel, please go to our web site.

Renewing a Visa

When traveling outside the United States please check to be sure that you will have a valid U.S. visa in order to return to the United States. It is not possible to renew a visa inside the United States. You must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States to apply for a visa. The renewal of a visa is similar in process as the initial visa application. For more information please refer to the HIO web site.

Visa Delays

There may be delays due to security clearances and other administrative processing when applying for a visa. Please be mindful of this when making your travel plans. For more information on visa delays please refer to the HIO web site.