Greetings from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)! We hope you’re enjoying the summer, wherever you may be spending it.
For those outside the United States, we’re sharing this gentle reminder that when you head back to campus to resume your studies, you will need a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.
Do I need a travel signature to re-enter the U.S.?
Yes, you will need a travel signature to re-enter the United States after traveling to other countries.
All F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors need a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 to return to the U.S. from abroad. The travel signature lets U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) know that you have maintained your F-1/J-1 status and are eligible for re-entry into the U.S.
A travel signature on an I-20 or DS-2019 is valid for one year. Be sure to check the most recent copy of your I-20/DS-2019. If your travel signature will still be valid on the day you plan to re-enter the U.S., you don’t need to request a new one.
NOTE: Be sure to print out the I-20 or DS-2019 and sign it in ink. CBP will only accept physical documents.
For F-1 Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Your travel signature is valid for only six months, so we highly recommend submitting a request for a new travel signature within a time frame that aligns with your date of re-entry into the U.S.
Can travel signatures be issued digitally if I am abroad?
Yes. Travel signatures can be issued digitally for F-1 and J-1 students. However, you must print out your electronically sent I-20 or DS-2019, sign it in ink and present it at the port of entry.
How can I obtain a digital travel signature on my I-20/DS-2019?
It’s easy! Log in to myIO to submit a request for a travel signature.
Follow these steps after logging in:
- F-1 Students: myIO –> F-1 Student Services –> I-20 Travel Signature Request
- J-1 Students: myIO –> J-1 Student Services –> DS-2019 Travel Signature Request
- J-1 Scholars: myIO –> J-1 Scholar Services –> DS-2019 Travel Signature Request
When and how will I receive my travel signature?
Once you’ve submitted your request, all you need to do is wait for the request to be approved by an international advisor. The advisor will then email your signed digital I-20 or DS-2019 to you.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your travel signature request to be approved. Make sure that you submit your request with sufficient time for approval before your return to Austin.
Returning to the U.S.
With your travel-signed I-20 or DS-2019 in hand, you’ve already done the hard part of preparing for your return to the U.S. (and we hope we’ve made it easier).
Be sure to review our Know Before You Travel page for a comprehensive list of the documentation you need to re-enter the U.S. successfully.
Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of your summer break. We look forward to welcoming you back to The University of Texas at Austin campus this fall!
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