Spring Break Travel Reminders

Spring Break is around the corner, and travel plans are in full swing. Read further to understand how F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors can safely and smoothly re-enter the United States after traveling internationally.

Valid Travel Signature

A valid, unexpired travel signature on your immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) is required for re-entry into the U.S. after you’ve traveled to another country.

F-1 Students

You can find the travel signature on Page 2 of your F-1 I-20 document.
The travel signature on your I-20 is valid for 12 months or until your program end date, whichever is earlier.
F-1 students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT: Your travel signature is valid for six months or until your employment authorization document end date, whichever is earlier.

J-1 Exchange Visitors

You can find the travel signature at the bottom right of your DS-2019 document.
The travel signature on your DS-2019 is valid for 12 months or until your program end date, whichever is earlier.

How to Request a Travel Signature

If you have no travel signature, or if your travel signature has expired, simply request one in myIO. J-1 scholars (not enrolled students) also have the option of visiting the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office during walk-in hours on Wednesdays 1:30-4 p.m. to obtain travel signatures.

Immigration Documents Required for Re-Entry into the U.S.

Before you leave, be sure you have gathered all the documents you’ll need for your return. These include:

Unexpired Passport: Must be valid at least six months into the future.
Valid Visa
- If your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa at a local U.S. embassy in your country. Review the “Visa Renewal” section below. Canadian passport holders do not need a visa stamp but do need the other documents listed here.
- An expired visa can be used for travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean (except Cuba), if the travel time is 30 days or less. If you intend to use this benefit, be sure to read about it first on the Know Before You Travel webpage.
SEVIS Fee Receipt
Lost your SEVIS fee receipt? Don’t worry! Go to the SEVIS fee website and click on “Check I-901 Status” to obtain a copy of your receipt.
Valid I-20 or DS-2019 Form: Must have a valid travel signature.

Other recommended documents can be found on the Know Before You Travel webpage.

When to Carry Your Immigration Documents

If you plan to travel within the U.S., we recommend you carry all your immigration documents in case of an emergency.

If you’re traveling anywhere within 100 miles of the Mexico or Canada border, carry all your immigration documents with you and have valid travel signatures. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may stop you to check your immigration documents.

If you are traveling to a country other than your home country, make sure you obtain any required visas to enter that country, as well. ISSS cannot advise on entry requirements for countries besides the U.S., so be sure to check directly with that country’s consulate or embassy website.

Visa Renewal

To re-enter the country, all F-1 and J-1 exchange visitors (except Canadian passport holders) must have a valid U.S. visa stamp in their passport. If your F-1 or J-1 visa has expired, you will need to obtain a new one before returning to the U.S.

Review the Applying for a U.S. Visa webpage to learn about the process and required documents.

Tips for Renewing Your Visa

Schedule your appointment early. Wait times for appointments and processing times vary by location and can be lengthy.
Renew your visa in your home country, if possible. If you plan to renew in another country, please contact us for information about the risks of third-country visa renewal.
Collect all required documents including financial information and transcripts (students) or offer letters (scholars).
Remember: Visa issuance is up to the discretion of the consular officer and is therefore never guaranteed. If your visa application is refused or delayed, please contact us.