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 MyCUInfo
If you travel outside the U.S without your I-20/ DS-2019 or valid travel signature:
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Email ISSS immediately to request that an I-20/ DS-2019 be re-printed, signed for travel, and mailed to you.
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Attach the Mailing or Third-Party Pick-up Authorization Form to your email.
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.