As you wrap up your spring courses, please make sure you have the most current travel information and feel confident in what you need for departing and re-entering the U.S. If you are already outside of the U.S. or decide to travel home this summer, please read the information below for guidance on what to expect and what documents you need. As always, you can email our office with any questions or concerns. Wishing you the best of luck as you prepare for your final exams! 

It's important to be mindful of the travel requirements of countries you enter or pass through on the way to your destination. Travel requirements can change, so make sure to do your research before you travel. 

Do you have a valid travel signature on your most recent I-20/DS-2019? Before you request a new travel signature, be sure to log into your MyISSS account and view your most recent I-20/DS-2019. Please note that travel signatures are valid for one year from issuance (six months for students on OPT). If you already have an I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature in your MyISSS account, you can download, print, and sign this document. Students are issued new I-20s for many request types including CPT, OPT, and reduced course load (RCL). Please review all of the requests in your profile to find your most recent I-20/DS-2019. Reference the MyISSS Student Handbook for additional information related to navigating the student portal. 

Get a Travel Signature by Submitting a Request for an I-20/DS-2019 Reprint: If you do not have a valid travel signature on your most recent I-20/DS-2019, you can request one from our office by submitting a request via MyISSS. Look for the paper icon titled "I-20 for Travel/Update" or "Reprint DS-2019" under the Requests & Documents section of your account. Please note that our office processing time is 10 business days, and once we complete this request, we will upload a new I-20/DS-2019 document with a valid travel signature under the Documents section in your account. From there, you can download, print, and sign your document and carry it with you when you travel. Please keep the processing timeline in mind as you plan for your upcoming travel. Please note that students need a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S., but you do not need it to leave the U.S. 

Required Documents for Travel: All international students leaving the U.S. need to be in possession of the following upon re-entry:

For more information on additional items to carry, customs and immigration procedures, and renewing your U.S. student visa, please visit our website »

New Episode of ISSS Podcast Out Now! ✨

Explore the complexities of work authorization and employment pathways with Global Connections in USF’s latest episode. In Episode #4, ISSS advisor, Tina Ricafrente, navigates work authorization options for F-1 and J-1 students and on-campus resources, while attorney, David Gluckman, sheds light on employer sponsorships. Student and alumni guests, Giselle Sutjiadi and Angelica Gloria, respectively, share first-hand experiences, from F-1 work authorization options to job search strategies. Don't miss this insightful discussion, available on Spotify! Check it out here »

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (log into your MyISSS account, go to Requests & Documents, and select the appropriate icon on the right side of the page). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.