Published: May 30, 2023
Are you traveling outside the U.S. over summer break?
  • Plan ahead and request your travel signature now!

Travel Signatures

A valid travel signature is required to enter the U.S. in F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 status.

  • A travel signature is generally valid for re-entry to the U.S. within one year from the date it is received or until the end date on the I-20 or DS-2019, whichever comes first. 
    • Exception: A travel signature for students authorized for OPT is only valid for six months. 

Please check your I-20 (p.2) or DS-2019 (p.1) to see when you last received a travel signature.

  • If, on the date you will re-enter the U.S., your travel signature will be more than one year old or six months old if you are on OPT, then you must obtain a new travel signature from an ISSS advisor and travel with the newly signed document when you seek to re-enter the United States.
  • Individuals who seek to re-enter the U.S. without a valid travel signature may be denied re-entry.

Obtaining a New Travel Signature

  • Students in F-1 Status
    • To request a travel signature, complete the I-20 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
      • A new I-20 with a travel signature will be emailed to you. Print the I-20, sign it on p.1. and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.
  • Students and Scholars in J-1 Status
    • To request a travel signature, complete the (DocuSign)
      • A new DS-2019 with a travel signature will be emailed to you. Print the DS-2019, sign it on p.1. and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.

ISSS will not provide physical ink signatures on documents. An electronic or digital travel signature is valid for the same duration as an ink signature.

Your Return Travel

Plan ahead and travel smart! Please review the following resources:

It is highly recommended that students travel with their proof of full-time enrollment.