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Prepare for spring break travel– Â鶹ÒùÔº return to the U.S. before classes resume Monday, March 31, 2025

There will be no classes fromÌýMonday, March 24 through Friday, March 28. University offices, including ISSS, will be closed on Friday, March 28.Ìý

If you plan to travel internationally for spring 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
  1. 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 Â鶹ÒùÔº

To set yourself up for success, plan to return to the U.S. before classes resume on Monday, March 31 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.Ìý
  • Entry into the U.S. is decided by the port of entry officer. If you arrive after classes have resumed, you may face additional scrutiny at customs.

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.

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.â€
  • 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 on Friday, March 28, 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 does not process I-20 requests on weekends.
  • ISSS cannot expedite requests. We must process requests in the order they are received.
  • 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 o°ù 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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