TRAVEL SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT

Get a travel signature from ISSS prior to international travel!

• You must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 form to return to the U.S. after travel abroad.
• Each signature is valid for one year. (F1 students on OPT: the travel signature is valid for six months).
• A travel signature is issued by an advisor in ISSS to confirm that you are maintaining your F1 or J1 student status.
• If your current travel signature will expire before you return to the U.S., you must request an updated travel signature
• The travel signature is on page 2 of your I-20 form or the front page of your DS-2019 form.

RE-ENTRY TO THE U.S. AFTER TRAVEL ABROAD

When you travel outside the United States, the following documents will be needed to re-enter the U.S. and may be requested by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port of entry.

Documents to carry when you return to the U.S.:

1. Valid I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature endorsed by ISSS
2. Passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date your will return to the U.S.
3. Valid F-1 or J-1 visa Note: Canadian students do not need a visa
4. Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
5. Proof of financial support (this may include personal or family bank statements and/or copies of your scholarship letter
6. Proof of Enrollment (copy of next semester schedule, unofficial transcript)
7. EAD card and letter of employment (if on OPT)

Travel within the U.S.:

DHS regulations require that you have your valid passport with you at all times. It is also suggested that you travel with your original I-20/DS-2019 and I-94 record. Although this may not always be practical, we do encourage you to have these documents with you whenever you travel off-campus and especially for air travel.