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Requesting a travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019

Do you have any upcoming international travel plans?

  • Prior to traveling outside the U.S., ensure you have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.

International students and scholars who travel without a valid travel signature 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 admission to the U.S. beyond 30 days.

Travel Signature Validity

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.

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.
  • J-1/ J-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided in the lower right-hand corner of your DS-2019

Requesting a Travel Signature

Plan ahead and request a travel signature before you leave the U.S.

  • 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.

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 and Scholars 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.

Your Return Travel

Plan ahead and be prepared! Review the following resources: