Requesting a Travel Signature

All I-20 and DS-2019 travel signatures are issued electronically; ISSS advisors will not sign your document in-person. ISSS will not provide physical ink signatures on documents.

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.

Students in J-1 Status

  • To request a travel signature, complete the DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
    • A new DS-2019 with a travel signature will be emailed to you.

Travel Signature

Prior to traveling outside the U.S., please check to ensure that you have a valid travel signature as you may be 1) denied re-entry to the U.S. or 2) issued an I-515A 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 status beyond 30 days.

  • F-1 /F-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided at the bottom of page 2 of your I-20
  • J-1/ J-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided in the lower right-hand corner of your DS-2019

A travel signature is valid for re-entry to the U.S. for up to one year from the date that it is provided or until the end of your program, whichever occurs first. Exception: If you are on Optional Practical Training, a travel signature is only valid for re-entry to the U.S. within 6 months of the signature date.

Documents for Re-Entry to the U.S. After a Temporary Absence

  • Current I-20 or DS-2019 with Valid Travel Signature
  • Valid Passport: Must be valid 6 months beyond the date of re-entry to the U.S.
  • Valid Visa
    • Exception: Citizens of Canada do not require a visa
    • Exception: If eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation after travel to Canada, Mexico, or Adjacent Islands.
      • If using the Automatic Visa Revalidation provision, travel with your I-94 (printed copy of your Electronic I-94 or paper I-94).
      • You must check the entry requirements of your country of destination. ISSS can only advise on U.S. entry and immigration rules.
  • Current Financial Support Documentation
    • e.g., bank letter, financial guarantee, scholarship letter, affidavit of support
    • Must show funding for expenses noted on I-20 or DS-2019.
  • I-901 SEVIS Fee Receipt
    • ​If you do not have your original receipt, you can print a copy from the I-901 fee website.
  • Unofficial Transcript and/or Verification of Enrollment Indicating Full-Time Status Every Semester printed from the Buff Portal

If you travel outside the U.S without your I-20/ DS-2019 or valid travel signature:

  • Students in F-1 status, complete the I-20 Reprint Request e-form (available in 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.

  • Students in J-1 status, complete the DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form (available in 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.

Printing Your Electronic I-94

After re-entering the U.S., ISSS recommends printing your electronic I-94 to ensure your information was recorded properly and to document your maintenance of status.

Submitting A New Passport, Visa, or I-94 to ISSS

If you renew your passport or visa, the updated copy of the document can be submitted to ISSS using the Passport/Visa Submission e-form (available in MyISSS portal).

A new I-94 arrival record can be submitted to ISSS using the Document Submission e-form (available in MyISSS portal).