F-1/J-1 students and their dependents are required to have valid travel signatures on their I-20 or DS-2019 form when returning to the U.S. to continue their study or employment.
J-1 students whose DS-2019 form is not issued by ASU must contact their J-1 Exchange Visitor sponsor in regards to their travel signature.
| Status | Document | Length of Travel Signature Validity |
|---|---|---|
| F-1 currently enrolled student and their F-2 dependent(s) | Page 2 of I-20 | Valid for 12 months from date signed or until the I-20 expiration date, whichever comes first |
| F-1 student on Post-completion OPT or STEM OPT and their F-2 dependent(s) | Page 2 of I-20 | Valid for 6 months from date signed or the EAD card expiration date, whichever comes first |
| J-1 student, and their J-2 dependent(s) | Page 1 of DS-2019 | Valid for 12 months from date signed or until the DS-2019 expiration date, whichever comes first |
Travel signature requests can only be submitted 120 days or less before your return travel date to the U.S. Please do not submit a travel signature request more than 120 days in advance of your return to the U.S. If your return date to the U.S. is more than 120 days from today's date, your travel signature request will be denied. Please remember that you do not need to have a valid travel signature to depart the U.S. As I-20s are being sent electronically, you can submit this eForm while you are abroad.
Note: If you are unable to obtain a travel signature in time for your return to the U.S., you may still be granted permission to re-enter. Port of entry officials have the ability to issue a Form I-515A, granting you temporary permission to enter the U.S. without the proper documentation. If you are issued Form I-515A, it is important you contact the ISSC immediately upon your arrival. Please remember, entry to the U.S. is always at the discretion of the port of entry officials. The ISSC cannot guarantee entry to the U.S. or the issuance of an I-515A.
| Visa Type | Travel Signature Request Method |
|---|---|
| F-1 student (I-20) | Submit the Replacement and Travel I-20 eForm through the ISSC eForm Portal via the F-1 Student Services tab. |
| J-1 degree-seeking student or exchange student through the ASU Student Abroad Office (ASU issued your DS-2019) | Submit the Travel Signature Request eForm through the ISSC eForm Portal via the J-1 Student Services tab. |
| J-1 student (ASU did not issue your DS-2019) | Contact your J-1 Program Sponsor to request a travel signature. |
Please make sure to follow-up with your professors and classmates to make sure that the travel dates will not affect your academic success.