Published: Sept. 21, 2022

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:

  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.

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).
           
  • 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: