If you plan to travel internationally for winter break, a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 is required to seek re-entry to the U.S.
F-1 and J-1 visa holders who travel without a valid travel signature may be:
- Denied re-entry to the U.S. or
- Issued an聽聽and only granted temporary status in the U.S. for 30 days.
- If you are issued an I-515A, you must meet with an ISSS advisor immediately, as additional actions must be taken to extend your admission to the U.S. beyond 30 days.
Reminder: Travel Signatures are Valid for One Year!
A travel signature is valid for up to one year from the most recent signature date or until the end of your program, whichever occurs first.
- Exception: If you are on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training, a travel signature is only valid within 6 months of the signature date.
If you already have a valid travel signature, you do not need to request a new one every time you travel outside the U.S.
- F-1 /F-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided at the bottom of page 2 of your I-20 under 鈥淭ravel Endorsement.鈥�
- J-1/ J-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided in the lower right-hand corner of your DS-2019.
How Do I Request a Travel Signature from ISSS?
Plan ahead and request a travel signature before you leave the U.S. as ISSS will be closed for winter break.
- All I-20 and DS-2019 travel signatures are issued electronically; ISSS advisors will not sign your document in-person.
- Typicaly ISSS processing is 2-5 business days.
If a student requests a travel signature after enrollment opens for the Spring semester, ISSS advisors need to confirm you are eligible to enroll in the next term prior to issuing the travel signature. Be sure all holds limiting future enrollment are resolved at the time you request your travel signature.
- F-1 Visa Holders: Complete the I-20 Reprint Request e-form (available in聽MyISSS portal).
- ISSS will reprint and email you a new I-20 with a new travel signature.
- Print the I-20, sign it in ink in the "Student Attestation" section at the bottom of p.1 and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.
- ISSS will reprint and email you a new I-20 with a new travel signature.
- J-1 Visa Holders: Complete the聽DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form聽(available in聽MyISSS portal).
- ISSS will reprint and email you a new DS-2019 with a new travel signature.
- Print the DS-2019, sign it in ink in the "Exchange Visitor Certification" section at the bottom of p.1 and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.
- ISSS will reprint and email you a new DS-2019 with a new travel signature.
What Else Do I Need to Know Before I Travel?
For a complete list of documentation needed for international travel, review the Student Travel Handout or Scholar Travel Handout.
- The handout also provides additional travel considerations and instructions on downloading your I-94 upon return.
Once you鈥檝e re-entered the U.S., ISSS recommends checking your I-94 to ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admitted you in the correct status for the correct duration of time.
Additional Resources
- Visa Renewal Information for Students and Scholars
- International Student Travel FAQ for Students on OPT
This information is referenced on the ISSS Student Travel webpage and Scholar International Travel & Temporary Absence/ Out of Country webpage.