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-2019with 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).
    • You must check the entry requirements of your country of destination. ISSS can only advise on U.S. entry and immigration rules.
• 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 (and future enrollment if possible) printed from the Buff Portal
• Travel During OPT Authorization
  • Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD/OPT Card) AND
  • Job Offer Letter for Employment in Major Field of Study

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).
  • ISSS will reprint and email you a new I-20 with a new travel signature.
    • Print the I-20, sign it in ink in the Student Attestation section at the bottom of 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.
• Students in J-1 status, complete the DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
  • ISSS will reprint and email you a new DS-2019 with a new travel signature.
    • Print the DS-2019, sign it in ink in the Exchange Visitor Certification section at the bottom of 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.

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.

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).