Travel Signature (F-1)

A valid travel endorsement on your Form I-20 (page 2) is required for re-entry to the United States after international travel. The validity period of this signature varies by immigration status:

  • For F-1 students currently enrolled in a degree program, the signature is valid for 12 months (one year) from the date of the DSO (Designated School Official) signature.
  • For F-1 students returning from Canada or Mexico, or on approved post-completion OPT or the STEM OPT extension, the signature is valid for 6 months from the date signed.

Please check the date on your most recent I-20 to determine if you need a new signature before you travel. If you require a new travel signature or wish for our office to verify your current document, please submit this travel signature request form.

  • Please submit this form a maximum of one month (30 days) before travel.
  • A travel updates signature is needed for re-entry only; an updated travel signature is not needed in order to exit the USA. This means we can provide a travel signature while you are overseas. Please still allow 5 business days for us to process your request before your return. 

Processing Time: all immigration requests are expected to take about 1 week (5 business days) to process.

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Page last modified December 2, 2025