Don’t Forget – Travel Signatures!

Are you planning to travel outside the US this winter? If so, please be aware that you will need a valid travel signature on your Form I-20 in order to re-enter the US. Please be sure to confirm whether you have a valid travel signature while planning your travel. Travel signatures are issued on page 2 of your I-20 (F-1 students), or page 1 of your DS-2019 (J-1 scholars and students). Please be aware that:

• Signatures are generally valid for up to one year or until the I-20 or DS-2019 expiration date, whichever comes first
• Travel signatures for F-1 students on post-completion Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT are valid for six months
• Travel signatures are not required to depart the US; signatures are needed only upon re-entry to the US to continue studies and related academic activities

If you need a travel signature, you can request one electronically on the International Center Portal. Once your request is received, an International Center advisor will review the request. It will ordinarily take 3 - 5 business days to process a travel signature request, at which time we will provide you with an I-20 containing an updated travel signature by email. Upon receiving the updated travel signature, print out a copy of the updated I-20 to carry and present with you when you re-enter the US.

J-1 students and scholars, please note: You will need a physical signature on your DS-2019, so we cannot issue your travel signature electronically. If you need a travel signature, you are welcome to stop by the International Center during posted walk-in hours at your campus.

For more information about travel requirements, go to our Travel Resources page.