Any time an F-1 student in active status travels abroad, they must present documents confirming their continued F-1 status upon re-entering the U.S. One of the required documents, the I-20, must have a travel authorization signature on page 2 provided by an F-1 Advisor from the International Student Services Office, which confirms the student has been maintaining valid F-1 status before their international travel.
F-1 students are reminded that the travel endorsement signature on the Form I-20 is not required to depart the United States. This signature is only necessary when re-entering the U.S. after international travel. Students who have last-minute travel plans or who have not yet received their updated I-20 before their departure may leave the country without issue. However, they must ensure that their I-20 is properly endorsed for travel before returning to the United States.
To request a travel authorization signature, submit the ISS Request Form at this link: ISS Request Form at least 14 business days before their planned return to the U.S. to receive an updated I-20 via email.
Importance of travel authorization:
During your studies, the travel authorization signature is valid for multiple re-entries into the U.S. for one year from the date of the signature on page 2 of the I-20, or until the end of the study program (whichever comes first). Students actively studying will need to present the following documents at the time of re-entry into the U.S.:
- Printed out I-20 with 3 signatures – one from the student on page 1, and two DSO signatures from the ISS office. DSO signatures can be digital or original; however, students must sign and date the Student Attestation section on page 1 by hand in black or blue pen.
- Unexpired U.S. F-1 Visa
- Unexpired passport with at least 6 months validity remaining before expiration
During OPT, the signature is valid for multiple re-entries within 6 months of the signature date or until OPT ends (whichever comes first). Students re-entering the U.S. following OPT approval must be prepared to present items 1 to 3 above, AND the following documents:
- Their EAD work authorization card
- Proof of employment (contract with the employer, emails from employer confirming employment, etc.) If the student is not currently employed, they must not have exceeded 90 days of unemployment during active OPT.
Students who were previously issued an I-20 with a travel signature that has not yet expired do not need to request a new travel signature each time they travel, only when the previous one is nearing its expiration date.