With the fall 2025 semester coming to a close and many students planning to travel home during the semester break, the International Students and Scholars Center wants to share some important travel information with you.  

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during the semester break, please make sure to submit your travel signature request to the ISSC early to avoid any delays. Please note that you do not need a travel signature to depart the U.S., only to reenter.

We wish you safe travels and look forward to seeing you return to campus for the spring 2026 semester, which begins on Jan. 12, 2026.

If you plan to travel out of the country, please remember to check page two of your most recently issued I‐20 or page one of your recently issued DS‐2019 for a valid travel signature. Travel signatures are required for current students to reenter the U.S., and remain valid for one year from the date last signed.

When traveling within or outside the U.S., you will need certain documents to reenter the country and should carry identifying documents with you.

Review the required documents

You can submit a travel signature request for your I-20 or DS-2019 document using the MyISSC eForm Portal. Please note that a travel signature is only needed to reenter the U.S., not to depart. Plan ahead, as the ISSC cannot expedite last-minute requests.

Please note: The ISSC processing time is up to 7 business days, excluding weekends and ASU holidays. We recommend planning accordingly and consider processing times when submitting your requests.

Every time you reenter the U.S., your I-94 record should reflect your most recent entry. We advise that you check your I-94 record a week or so after you enter the U.S. to ensure it is up to date.