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.:

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

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