Requesting a Travel Signature

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 Form (DocuSign)
    • A new DS-2019 with a travel signature will be emailed to you.

ISSS will not provide physical ink signatures on documents.

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
  • 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). Students in J-1 status, complete the DS-2019 Document Reprint Request Form (via DocuSign).

    • 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.
      • An electronic or digital travel signature is valid for the same duration as an ink signature.
    • Exchange Visitors with J-1 or J-2 Status:
      • ISSS will reprint and mail you a new DS-2019 with a new travel signature. Sign the DS-2019 it on p.1. and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.
      • You will be responsible for setting up an eShipGlobal account as instructed on the mailing authorization form and paying for the cost of the mailing.

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).