Traveling Outside the U.S.
International students in F-1 or J-1 status must get a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 if returning to complete their studies after traveling outside the U.S. If your signature has expired and you are planning to travel, you must get a new signature.
Please submit a Travel Signature Request a couple of weeks before you travel.
Required Documents for Travel
Before departing the country, make sure you have a valid travel signature (within 6 months) from an international advisor on your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students). Please submit a Travel Signature Request a couple of weeks before you travel. Be sure to carry the following documents with you onboard when you travel:
- Passport: valid for at least six months into the future at all times (especially important upon initial entry or re-entry to the U.S.)
- U.S. Entry Visa: valid on the date of your return to the U.S.
- I-20 (F-1 students): valid and currently active with travel signature from your immigration advisor (printed and signed by you in blue ink)
- DS-2019 (J-1 students): valid and currently active with travel signature from your immigration advisor
- Valid visa for your visit country: If you are not returning to your home country, you may need a visa to travel to or even through (transit visa) other countries. Check the foreign embassy/consulate website for every country on your itinerary.
- Financial documents (recommended): showing proof of funding for tuition and living expenses dated within the last 6 months
- Examples of acceptable documents include: official personal bank statement, letter on bank stationary signed and dated by a bank official, scholarship letter, or graduate assistantship contract
- Academic Transcript: (optional) If course registration is open for the upcoming semester, it is recommended that you enroll in courses and bring an unofficial transcript with you for proof of enrollment.
- Contact information in case of a travel emergency and for a border officer to contact an international advisor: 618-650-3785 during office hours, SIUE police 618-650-3324 outside of office hours
If you have been issued a Form I-515A contact your DSO immediately.
Travel Signature Endorsement and Validity
Continuing Students/Scholars
The signature on page 2 of 3 of the I-20 or on the bottom right corner of page 1 of the DS-2019 is valid for 12 months. If your re-entry date to the U.S. is within 12-months from the last signature, you will be eligible to re-enter on that I-20/DS-2019. However, if you re-enter after the 12-month period, then a new travel signature is required.
Information for F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT-see Traveling while on OPT
Traveling to Canada
If you are from a country whose citizens are required to have an entry visa to Canada, you should apply for the visa well ahead of your departure date. You CANNOT apply for the entry visa at the border. Find out if you need a visa: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Things to consider before traveling to your home country or within the U.S.
- Internet access vary in each country or other parts of the U.S. You may not have the access you need to support your classroom needs for online courses. This can impact your receiving credit for classes. Please have your family test online systems, to understand any challenges, such as firewalls, connectivity, etc.
- International students’ insurance WILL NOT cover you if you are in your home country. You must be sure that you have insurance/coverage in your home country if you are returning there.
Traveling within the U.S.
- Carry two forms of photo identification (including your passport with valid visa) and your form I-20/DS-2019 (for students and exchange visitors) or I-797 approval notice (for employees).
- You do not need an additional visa stamp or travel signature to travel within the U.S. That includes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
