Information for F1/J1 Students Traveling Abroad

International students in F1 or J1 status, and their dependents (F2 or J2), need the following to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad:

SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature endorsed within the last twelve months by OIA (or endorsed within the last six months, if you are on OPT or STEM OPT)
- NOTE: you must print, sign and carry your I-20 or DS-2019 (you cannot show it to a customs officer on your phone)
Valid visa stamp (sticker inside your passport); and
Current passport, valid at least six months after the date of your re-entry.

OIA recommends you scan and email yourself copies of these documents. Lost or stolen documents are much easier to replace with copies. Copies should also be used if you are traveling when the University is closed (e.g. winter recess).

How to obtain a travel signature from OIA? For current students, a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 is valid for 12-months from the last dated signature, regardless of how many times you use it to travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. in that 12-month period.

If you are an F-1 student and your travel signature is expired, please complete the I-20/DS-2019 reprint request form on our website. Students will receive an updated I-20/DS-2019 via email to print and sign for travel. Please allow 5 business days for a reprint.
F-1/J-1 students and their dependents traveling within the U.S. are not required to have a valid travel signature. Note: if you are on OPT or STEM OPT, a travel signature should be renewed every 6-months.
If you realize your travel signature has expired, please use the latest dated I-20 or DS-2019 you have in your possession to travel. See FAQs below.