Published: Nov. 18, 2021

Are you traveling outside the U.S. over winter break?

Plan ahead and request your travel signature now as ISSS will be closed for winter break.

  • 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.

Travel Signatures

A valid travel signature is required to enter the U.S. in F-1/F-2 and J-1/J-2 status.

  • A travel signature is generally valid for re-entry to the U.S. within one year from the date it is received or until the end date on the I-20 or DS-2019, whichever comes first. 
    • Exception: A travel signature for students authorized for OPT is only valid for six months. 

Please check your I-20 (p.2) or DS-2019 (p.1) to see when you last received a travel signature.

  • If, on the date you will re-enter the U.S., your travel signature will be more than one year old or six months old if you are on OPT, then you must obtain a new travel signature from an ISSS advisor and travel with the newly signed document when you seek to re-enter the United States.
  • Individuals who seek to re-enter the U.S. without a valid travel signature may be denied re-entry.

Obtaining a New Travel Signature

  • Students in F-1 status, complete the I-20 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
    • Students with F-1 Status and Dependents with F-2 Status:
      • 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.
  • Students in J-1 status, complete the DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
    • Students with J-1 Status and Dependents with J-2 Status:
      • 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.

Your Return Travel

Plan ahead and travel smart! Please review the following resources:

It is highly recommended that students travel with their proof of full-time enrollment.