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Prepare for winter break travel– Students return to the U.S. before semester starts on Jan. 13, 2025

If you plan to travel internationally for winter break, make sure you plan ahead to avoid any complications with re-entry to the United States. One of the most important steps is ensuring that your I-20 (for students in F-1 status) or DS-2019 (for students in J-1 status) has a valid travel signature from our office.

  • You do NOT need a travel signature to leave the U.S., but you must have one to re-enter.

Consequences of Traveling Without a Valid Travel Signature

If you travel without a valid travel signature, you risk being:

  1. Denied re-entry to the U.S. or
  2. Issued an , granting temporary status in the U.S. for only 30 days.
    • If you are issued an I-515A, you must meet with an ISSS advisor immediately to extend your admission beyond the 30-day period.

Return Date for Students

The spring 2025 semester begins on January 13, 2025, and we’re excited to welcome you back! To set yourself up for success, arrive in the U.S. before the semester starts so you’re ready for the first day of in-person classes. ISSS is here to support you, answer your questions, and provide a current travel signature.

  • Permission for late arrival is granted by your faculty, and entry into the U.S. is decided by the port of entry officer.

Reminder: Travel Signatures are Valid for One Year!

  • Travel signatures are valid for up to one year from the most recent signature date or until the end of your I-20/DS-2019 program, whichever comes first.
  • Exception: If you are on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training a travel signature is valid only for 6 months from the date of the signature.

If you already have a valid travel signature, you do not need to request a new one every time you travel outside the U.S.

  • F-1 /F-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided at the bottom of page 2 of your I-20 under “Travel Endorsement.”
  • J-1/ J-2 Status: Travel signatures are provided in the lower right-hand corner of your DS-2019.

Travel Signature Request Timeline

Plan ahead! ISSS will be closed for winter break, and it is best practice to request a travel signature before leaving the U.S.

  • All I-20 and DS-2019 travel signatures are issued electronically.
  • ISSS processing time is 2-5 business days.
  • ISSS cannot expedite requests. We must process requests in the order they are received.

If you request a travel signature after Spring semester enrollment opens, ISSS will need to confirm you are eligible to enroll in the next term before issuing the travel signature. Be sure to resolve any holds on your account that may limit your future enrollment.

  • The Drop Advising Required ISSS hold will not prevent you from registering for coursework in a future term.

How Do I Request a Travel Signature from ISSS?

  • F-1 Visa Holders: Complete the I-20 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal.)
    • ISSS will email you an 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.
  • J-1 Visa Holders: Complete the DS-2019 Reprint Request e-form (available in MyISSS portal).
    • ISSS will email you a 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.

What Else Do I Need to Know Before I Travel?

Before you travel, review the Student Travel Handout or Scholar Travel Handout for a complete list of documents you’ll need. These handouts also provide additional travel considerations and instructions on downloading your I-94 upon return.

After re-entering the U.S., ISSS highly recommends checking your I-94 to ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admitted you in the correct status for the correct duration of time.

Additional Resources

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