Travel

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.
  • Exception: Certain countries can re-enter the U.S. up to the expiration date.
• 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).
• 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.

• Your I-94 can be retrieved from the I-94 website.
• For additional information about accessing your I-94 or obtaining an I-94 correction, please see Printing Your Electronic I-94.