Do you have any upcoming international travel plans?
- Prior to traveling outside the U.S., please ensure you have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.
International students who travel without a valid travel signature may be:
- Denied re-entry to the U.S. or
- 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.
- Exception: If you are on Optional Practical Training, a travel signature is only valid within 6 months of the signature date.
Please note: If you already have a valid travel signature, you do not need to request a new one every time you travel outside the US.
- 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.
- Students in F-1 status, complete the I-20 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
- Students with F-1 Status and Dependents with F-2 Status:
- ISSS will reprint and email you a new I-20 with a new travel signature.* Print the I-20, sign it on p.1. and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.
- On Nov.1, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published SEVP Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20.
- This guidance formalizes flexibility granted during the COVID-19 pandemic and permits designated school officials (DSOs) permission to continue to electronically sign and transmit the Form I-20 to initial and continuing students and their dependents indefinitely. This includes the DSO signature in the School Attestation section of the I-20 (p. 1) as well as the Travel Endorsement section of your I-20 (p. 2).
- This guidance formalizes flexibility granted during the COVID-19 pandemic and permits designated school officials (DSOs) permission to continue to electronically sign and transmit the Form I-20 to initial and continuing students and their dependents indefinitely. This includes the DSO signature in the School Attestation section of the I-20 (p. 1) as well as the Travel Endorsement section of your I-20 (p. 2).
- Students with F-1 Status and Dependents with F-2 Status:
- Students in J-1 status, complete the DS-2019 Document Reprint Request Form (via DocuSign).
- ISSS will process travel signature requests in 2-5 business days.
Your Return Travel
Plan ahead and be prepared! Please review the following resources: