Greetings from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)!
With fall and winter breaks around the corner, we want to make sure you are prepared for any international travel plans ahead. Don’t forget your travel signature!
What is a Travel Signature?
All F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors need a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 to return to the United States after traveling 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.
The travel signature is located on page 2 of the I-20 and at the bottom right of the 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.
How Long is My Travel Signature Valid?
For Enrolled Students
A travel signature on an I-20 or DS-2019 is valid for one year.
For F-1 Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Your travel signature is valid for six months.
Come Get a Travel Signature!
Visit the Texas Global office during one of our Travel Signature Drives with a printout of your most recently issued I-20 or DS-2019 to get a same-day travel signature. Please note that we cannot print documents.
Travel Signature Drive dates and times:
Can’t Attend a Travel Signature Drive? No problem!
You can also request a travel signature through myIO. 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
After submitting your request, please allow up to 10 business days for your signed, digital I-20/DS-2019 to be emailed to you. Make sure you submit your request with sufficient time for approval before your return to Austin.
Returning to the U.S.
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.
And remember to print your I-20 or DS-2019 and sign it in ink. CBP will only accept physical, printed-out documents.
This blog post was contributed by Mimi Ghosh, Assistant Director of the Student Advising Services team at ISSS.
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