uw iss travel signature

Get a travel signature

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.

Remember, the U.S. government determines your eligibility to enter the U.S. Be prepared and have the required travel documents with you.

• Step 1: Review your document More
• Step 2: Check your eligibility More
• Step 3: Bring your document to ISS More
• Express Travel Signature Events More
• Students Outside Madison More

Step 1: Review your document

Check to see if you have a valid travel signature or need to get one. You should request a new travel signature if you plan to renew your visa, even if your current signature is still valid.

F-1 students : page 2 of your I-20

• Current students: signature is valid for 1 year
• OPT and STEM OPT students: signature is valid for 6 months

J-1 students : the bottom right section of your DS-2019

• All J-1 students: signature is valid for 1 year

Step 2: Check your eligibility

Make sure you are eligible for a travel signature. If you meet the requirements below, go to Step 3. If not, contact ISS.

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

F-1 students

• You are enrolled full-time, or have an approved reduced course load from ISS
• You are eligible to enroll next semester, unless you are completing your academic program this semester
• You plan to enroll at UW-Madison next semester, or you plan to apply for post-completion OPT
• You are in valid F-1 status
• You are not in your 60 day grace period

F-1 students on OPT or STEM extension

• You have a valid EAD card
• OPT Reporting Requirements
• OPT STEM Extension Reporting Requirements
• You have used less than 90 days for unemployment or 150 for OPT STEM students

J-1 students

• If you have a different program sponsor on page 1, section 2 of your DS-2019, contact that sponsor for a travel signature.
• You are enrolled full-time, or have an approved reduced course load or post-completion Academic Training
• You will enroll at UW-Madison next semester, or you will apply/have been approved for post-completion Academic Training
• You are in valid J-1 status
• You are not in your 30 day grace period

Step 3: Getting your new travel signature

Option 1: Go to the ISS office in person and drop off your most recent I-20/DS-2019 for our office to process your travel signature within 1 business day.

Option 2: If you cannot come into the office in person, request a reprint of your document to receive a valid travel signature. Apply through Terra Dotta . Processing time are at a maximum of 15 business days.

F-1 Students Reprint Request Here

J-1 Students Reprint Request Here

Students outside Madison

Review Steps 1 & 2 above to check your eligibility. Then read through this section to proceed according to your planned travel dates.

Returning in less than 2 weeks

Step 1: review your document.

You need to have a valid travel signature on your most recent I-20 or DS-2019. If you do not, continue to step 2.

STEP 2: Request a Form I-515A at the US immigration crossing

If you must reenter the U.S. in less than 1 week, respectfully request that the officer at the US immigration crossing allow you to enter with Form I-515A . This would give you a 30 day admission as an F-1 or J-1 student, and requires you to report to ISS within that time frame to secure the required travel signature. The U.S. border official has the discretion to grant or deny the Form I-515A.

To qualify for the Form I-515A, you must have a valid passport, valid F-1 or J-1 visa, and your I-20 or DS-2019. The officer may allow you to enter without your I-20 or DS-2019 at their discretion.

Returning more than 3 weeks into the future

Step 2: submit a i-20/ds-2019 reprint request form.

Processing may take up to 15 business days.

STEP 3: Select your preferred mailing option

ISS will email you when your new document is ready. The email will include mailing options, or the option to authorize a friend to pick up your document. If you are outside the U.S., we recommend that you choose express shipping.

Remember, the U.S. government determines your eligibility to enter the US. Be prepared and have the required travel documents with you.

• Faculty & Staff

Get ready for spring break! Come to a Travel Signature Clinic!

If you’re planning on traveling outside of the U.S. during spring break, you need a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019!

Wait – what is a travel signature?

The travel signature is on page two of an I-20 and page one of a DS-2019. An advisor signs it after they’ve confirmed that you are maintaining status by following the rules of your visa. Signatures on DS-2019s are valid for one year. Signatures on I-20s are valid for one year for students still studying at the University of Washington. Students on OPT or STEM OPT need a signature that is less than 6 months old.

A travel signature is valid for multiple entries to the U.S. So, if you get your travel signature this winter quarter, you will be able to travel over spring break and summer without needing a new one.

When can I get a travel signature?

We have travel signature clinics for F-1 students tomorrow, February 14th and Monday, March 6th from 1 to 4 PM in Schmitz 490. You can also request a travel signature through MyISSS at any time.

Students on J-1 visas must have their DS-2019 signed in ink. As we already held a travel signature clinic for J-1 students on January 18th, J-1 students can come to weekly drop-ins on Thursdays from 2 to 4 PM to get a travel signature on the spot.