Travel Information

It's important for international students to understanding the specific requirements for travel, both within and outside the United States, is crucial for maintaining your student status. This guide provides vital information regarding travel signatures, the validity of your I-20 for re-entry, and other important steps to take. By adhering to these guidelines and maintaining meticulous records, you can ensure a smooth and compliant academic journey.

About Travel

A travel signature is only required if you are traveling outside of the United States. Signatures on page 2 of a Continued Attendance I-20 are valid for multiple re-entries to the U.S. for up to one year from the date the travel signature was signed. You do not need a travel signature for travel within the 50 U.S. states. However, it is recommended for travel to U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico or Guam.

To avoid issues, be sure to mark your return date in the U.S. on your calendar, and within 24 hours of arrival, visit the I-94 Official Website to confirm that your admission into the U.S. is still under F-1 student status. If your I-94 shows that you were admitted under a different status, please contact us immediately so we can assist you in correcting it. We strongly urge you to review the Hunter Global Awareness Bulletin.

Do not discard any I-20s. Scan and save each one on a flash drive and back it up to your email or cloud. Repeat this every time you receive a new I-20 to keep your records safe and complete.

Travel Signature

To request a travel signature, complete the Travel Signature Request Form at least two weeks before your departure. You may leave the U.S. without a signed I-20; however, you must receive the signed I-20 via email before re-entering the U.S. Do not change your travel plans if your request is submitted late.

Comparison Chart for Required Travel Documents

Travel Documents Required	Continuing Students	OPT Pending Students	OPT Approved Students	Explanation
Current Passport	✓	✓	✓	Must be valid for at least 6 months or more after the date of your entry.
F-1 visa	✓	✓	✓	If expired or will expired three months in the future, you should apply for an F-1 visa renewal and receive it in time before your entry in the U.S.
I-20 signed by DSO for travel	✓	✓	✓	Located on page 2 of your FORM ISSUE REASON - CONTINUED ATTENDANCE I-20. Signatures are valid for multiple entries up to 12 months from the issued date on page 2 of the I-20. Based on that information, let us know if you need a new signature.
I-797 Receipt		✓		Carry your I-797 notice of action receipt for OPT.
EAD Card			✓	You need to carry your physical EAD card with you.
Employment Letter			✓	Employment letter. If you are already employed and recent paystubs.

Important OPT

If you are outside the U.S. and exceed 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period, you may not be eligible to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status to complete the remainder of your OPT.

Travel FAQ

For general questions about travel, including I-20 signatures, international travel procedures, and re-entry requirements, review the FAQ page.

Visit Our Travel FAQ