You must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 to return to the U.S. after travel abroad. Each signature is valid for
one year
.
How long is the travel signature on your DS-2019 valid?
A travel signature on page one on your DS-2019 is valid for
12 months or until the end date on your DS-2019, whichever is earlier
. Follow the instructions below to request a DS-2019 reprint in Compass.
How often do I need to get my I-20 signed?
The signature on page 2 or 3 of the OPT I-20 is valid for
6 months from when it was signed
. If your re-entry date is within 6 months from the last signature, you will be eligible to re-enter on that I-20. However, if you re-enter after the 6-month time frame, a new travel signature is required.
How do you get a travel signature?
- STEP 1: Check if Your Travel Signature Has Expired. …
- STEP 2: Confirm Your Eligibility to Renew Your Travel Signature. …
- STEP 3: Submit Your Request for a New Travel Signature I-20/DS-2019. …
- STEP 4: Receive Your New I-20/DS-2019.
What happens if you dont have a travel signature?
What happens if I try to enter the United States without a valid travel signature? If you arrive at a US port of entry without all the required documents,
the customs officer may deny you entry into US
. As an alternative, the officer may issue you an I-515A. This document allows you temporary admission into the US.
Can I print out my I-20?
You may print the Form I-20 after you have electronically submitted the Form I-20 and after you have made updates to the Form I-20
. Note: Printing a copy of the Form I-20 requires that Adobe Reader Version 5.0 or later be installed on your computer.
How long is I-20 travel signature valid for?
You must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 to return to the U.S. after travel abroad. Each signature is valid for
one year
.
What is an I-20 travel endorsement?
What is a Travel Signature? An endorsement that an F-1 student is eligible to re-enter the United States indicated by their International Student Advisor's signature on p. 2 of your most recently issued I-20 document.
How long can I stay outside US with F1 visa?
It is important to know that with an F1 visa, you can be out of the US for
up to 5 months
. During those 5 months, your SEVIS record will reflect your absence.
Does the I-20 need to be signed?
The Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student,” you receive from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school you wish to attend has a designated signature block where you must signin order to validate the Form I-20,
you must sign the form
.
What do you do if your I-20 program end date is coming up but you need more time to study?
If you need extra time to complete your program of study, you must
request an extension of your I-20 or DS-2019 at least 1 month before the document expires
. We recommend that you start this process as early as six months before your program end date on your I-20/DS-2019.
Can I enter US after I-20 start date?
Entry to the U.S. after the program start date is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the Port of Entry Officer at the airport, as well as the USC academic department
. In general, a student cannot arrive more than one week after classes start and must be enrolled full-time for that semester.
When should you obtain a travel signature on your I-20 on your DS-2019 from ISS?
You must get a travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019
before you reenter the United States as an F-1/J-1 student
. You should reenter with your most recent, original document signed by you and ISS. Travel signatures are valid for multiple entries.
What is a travel endorsement?
What is a travel endorsement? A travel endorsement is
a signature from your Designated School Official (ISS advisor) on your I-20 or DS-2019
. The signature serves as confirmation that you are maintaining F-1 or J-1 status. A valid travel endorsement is required for re-entry to the U.S., including trips to Canada.
What government form requires a travel signature from a DSO If you wish to leave and reenter the US?
The documentation you may need for a new visa includes, but is not limited to the following: A
Form I-20
, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO (see your DSO before you travel)
What happens if you forget your I-20?
Form I-20 — If you lose your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,”
contact your designated school official (DSO) for a replacement
. Form I-94 —The Form I-94, “Arrival Departure Record,” is now available electronically.
Can I-20 be signed electronically?
2. Electronic transmission of the Form I-20.
School officials may scan and email an electronic version of a Form I-20 that has been signed using either a physical or electronic signature
, as outlined in Section 1, to nonimmigrant students and their dependents.
How do I get an old I-20?
- Navigate to the Student Information page.
- Click Print Draft I-20. An Open or Save option displays at the bottom of the Student Information page.
- Click Open. The DRAFT Form I-20 opens in PDF format.
- Click Print icon.
- Click Close on PDF copy.
Can I-20 be sent electronically?
Yes, due to COVID-19, DSOs may electronically send Forms I-20 to student email addresses listed in SEVIS
. In the case of a minor students, the email address may belong to their parent or legal guardian.
