Travel Signatures for Spring Break and Other Travel
With spring break approaching, please remember that students, scholars, and dependents in F and J status must have a valid travel signature on the I-20/DS-2019 in order to re-enter the United States after international travel. Federal regulations require the signature to be less than one year old at the time of re-entry into the United States. However, ISSS recommends that the signature be no more than six months old to avoid potential complications at the port of entry.
Students and scholars may obtain a travel signature at any time during ISSS walk-in hours (1–4 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays). Additionally, we will offer several travel signature days prior to spring break, during which advisors will be available during which advisors will be available at designated hours to sign documents for travel.
What to Bring
When requesting a travel signature, a student or scholar must provide the immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) as well as the passport (with visa stamp and I-94 card). International student and scholar advisors cannot provide a travel signature to any student or scholar without all required documentation at the time of the request.
Travel Signature Days
Outside of normal walk-in hours, ISSS will host spring break travel signature days for F students, J students or scholars, and their dependents:
- Wednesday, March 7, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Thursday, March 8, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m.
- Friday, March 9, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m.
H-1B Temporary Workers
H-1B temporary workers do not require a travel signature. If traveling internationally, H-1Bs should contact the ISSS office several weeks in advance to request required travel documents from the file. Please print the H-1B Checklist for Travel Outside the U.S. to ensure that you have all required travel documents prior to departure.
Have a wonderful and safe spring break!