Do you have any upcoming international travel plans?
- Prior to traveling outside the U.S., ensure you have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.
International students and scholars who travel without a valid travel signature may be:
- Denied re-entry to the U.S. or
- Issued an 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.
- Exception: If you are on Optional Practical Training, a travel signature is only valid within 6 months of the signature date.
If you already have a valid travel signature, you do not need to request a new one every time you travel outside the U.S.
- 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.
- All I-20 and DS-2019 travel signatures are issued electronically; ISSS advisors will not sign your document in-person.
- Typicaly ISSS processing is 2-5 business days.
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ 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.
- ISSS will reprint and email you a new I-20 with a new travel signature.
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and Scholars 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.
- ISSS will reprint and email you a new DS-2019 with a new travel signature.
Your Return Travel
Plan ahead and be prepared! Review the following resources: