Travel Signature - Online Request

Make sure you have a valid travel signature from ISSS prior to returning to the U.S. after international travel!

• The travel signature (pg 2 of your I-20) is required for returning to the U.S. It is not required for leaving the U.S.
• Each signature is valid for one year. (F-1 students on OPT: the travel signature is valid for six months).
• A travel signature is issued by ISSS to confirm you are maintaining your F-1 or J-1 student status.
• If your current travel signature will expire before you will return to the U.S., you must request an updated travel signature.

At the end of April, the Department of State made a statement that certain travelers, including students with F-1 visas from China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, India, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or Ireland, may be eligible for a National Interest Exemption (NIE) waiver. 

Excerpt from the May 13 DOS Update: 

Students with valid F-1 and M-1 visas intending to begin or continue an academic program, including optional practical training (OPT), starting August 1, 2021 or later do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to travel.  They may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start of their academic program.  Students seeking to apply for new F-1 or M-1 visas should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for an NIE to travel.

It is our understanding that current students with a valid visa and an Active SEVIS record (which you will have if you maintained full-time registration since spring semester 2020) will be allowed to enter the US up to 30 days prior to the start of the semester on August 30.  

If you took a leave of absence and do not have an Active SEVIS record, please contact ISSS@drew.edu to request a new I-20.