Savanna Hoffman
International students need to ensure they have the proper documentation to re-enter the US, including a valid travel signature, also known as a travel endorsement. This is a signature from a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) on the student's I-20 or DS-2019 form. It serves as confirmation that the student is maintaining their F-1 or J-1 status and is required for re-entry to the US after travelling abroad. Transfer students need to ensure that the DSO at the transfer-in school has all the information needed to update the SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20. So, to answer the question, yes, transfer international students do need the endorsement signature to re-enter the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who issues the endorsement signature? | Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) |
| Who needs the endorsement signature? | International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa |
| When is the endorsement signature needed? | When travelling outside the US and re-entering the country |
| When is the endorsement signature not needed? | When travelling within the US or when travelling with a new passport and student visa |
| Where is the endorsement signature placed? | F-1 visa: bottom of page 2 of the I-20 form; J-1 visa: bottom right of page 1 of the DS-2019 form |
| How often should the endorsement signature be renewed? | Every 12 months or 6 months for those on J-1 Academic Training or F-1 Post-Completion OPT/STEM Extension |
| What happens if a student forgets their I-20 form? | They may be refused entry to the US or may go through secondary inspection, which can take several hours |
| What happens if a student's I-20 form expires while they are outside the US? | They may be refused re-entry to the US |
| What happens if a student doesn't have a valid travel signature upon re-entry to the US? | They may be granted temporary admission for 30 days with Form I-515A |
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What You'll Learn
Travel signatures are required for re-entry to the US
International students need to obtain a travel endorsement, which is a signature from their Designated School Official (DSO) on their I-20 or DS-2019 form. This signature confirms that the student is maintaining their F-1 or J-1 status and is required for re-entry into the US. It is important to note that travel signatures are only valid for one year for currently enrolled students with an unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 and six months for students on OPT or STEM OPT. Therefore, students must ensure that their travel signature is up to date before planning international travel.
Additionally, students should be cautious when considering international travel, as US immigration policy can be unpredictable and subject to rapid change. It is recommended to check the expiration date on the F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in the passport before travelling internationally. While an expired visa stamp does not require immediate renewal if the student remains in the US, it must be renewed before re-entering the country.
For Canadian citizens, a valid visa is not necessary for entry into the US, but they must possess a valid I-20 or DS-2019 form with a valid travel signature. Furthermore, students should be aware that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to search electronic devices and request passwords upon entry or exit from the US. Non-citizens may be denied entry if they refuse to comply.
In the case of urgent travel before obtaining an updated travel signature, students can work with their respective offices to obtain the necessary documentation for re-entry into the US. Additionally, if a student does not have a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 before travelling, they may request Form I-515A at the immigration port of entry. A Customs and Border Protection officer may issue this form, allowing temporary admission into the US for 30 days. However, temporary admission is at the officer's discretion, and there is a risk of being denied entry.
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International students must have a valid F-1 visa
Once accepted into an academic program, international students must complete the DS-160 form, which is the actual visa application. This form, along with other necessary documents, will be required for the visa interview. The DS-160 form can be accessed and submitted online, after which a printed confirmation with a barcode will be provided. This confirmation is essential for the next steps. Additionally, students will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and retain the receipt, as it will be needed during the visa interview process.
The visa interview is a critical component of the F-1 visa application process. During the interview, the international student must demonstrate their intention to study in the United States and their plan to return to their home country upon completing their academic program. It is important to note that the interview typically needs to be attended in person, although there are rare exceptions, such as for applicants under 14 or over 80 years of age. To prepare for the interview, students can seek advice from their enrollment advisor or practice with a mock interview session.
To maintain their F-1 status while studying in the United States, international students must adhere to university regulations and codes of conduct, and comply with the requirements outlined in their visa. This includes attending all classes, maintaining academic progress, and complying with any other conditions specified in their F-1 visa requirements. Additionally, F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program. These practical training opportunities must directly relate to the student's major area of study.
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The visa is just an entry document
The visa is simply an entry document. It is not a requirement for remaining in a country. For example, if your visa stamp in your passport has expired or is expiring, but your I-20 or DS-2019 is still valid, you can stay in the US without needing to renew your visa. You only need to renew your visa if you plan to leave the US and then re-enter the country.
A travel endorsement, on the other hand, is a signature from a Designated School Official (DSO) on your I-20 or DS-2019. This signature confirms that you are maintaining F-1 or J-1 status. A valid travel endorsement is required for re-entry to the US, including trips to Canada. Newly arrived students will not have a travel endorsement signature on their documents, so it is important to request one before planning international travel. Each signature is valid for one year if you are an enrolled student, or for six months if you are on Post-Completion OPT/OPT STEM Extension.
The endorsement pages in a passport list any special conditions granted to the passport holder for entering a foreign country. They are filled in by immigration officials and may include information on how long a passport holder can stay in the country and the circumstances of their visit. This information is reviewed by immigration officers when processing entries and exits to ensure compliance with the endorsements.
In summary, while a visa is necessary for entering a country, it is not required for remaining in the country if your status is still valid. A travel endorsement, however, is crucial for re-entry into certain countries and must be obtained before international travel.
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Students must contact the new DSO within 15 days of the program start date
International students seeking to transfer schools must adhere to specific requirements to ensure a smooth transition. One crucial step in this process is establishing contact with the Designated School Official (DSO) at the new institution. This contact should occur within a defined timeframe, specifically within 15 days of the program start date. This step is essential for several reasons and carries certain implications for the transferring student.
Firstly, contacting the new DSO within the stipulated timeframe allows for the timely update of the student's SEVIS record. The DSO is responsible for maintaining and updating the records of non-immigrant students in F and M visa categories, as mandated by federal laws and regulations. By providing the new DSO with necessary information, the student ensures that their SEVIS record accurately reflects their current status and enrollment details.
Additionally, establishing contact within 15 days enables the new DSO to issue a Form I-20 specific to the transfer. The Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is a crucial document for international students. It includes essential information such as the student's program start and end dates. Obtaining an updated Form I-20 that reflects the transfer ensures the student's enrollment status remains active and compliant with visa requirements.
Furthermore, contacting the new DSO within the given timeframe facilitates a seamless transition in terms of academic progress. The DSO can advise the student on registering for classes at the new institution, ensuring that they remain on track with their academic pursuits. This step is particularly important for maintaining student visa status, as maintaining active enrollment is typically a requirement for remaining in the country.
It is worth noting that the 15-day timeframe is not an arbitrary deadline. It exists to provide a buffer for the transferring student to settle in and complete necessary administrative tasks before the program commences. During this period, students can also address any potential discrepancies or issues with their SEVIS record, ensuring that their information is up-to-date and accurate.
In conclusion, international students transferring to a new institution must prioritize contacting the new DSO within 15 days of the program start date. This step ensures compliance with federal regulations, maintains their visa status, facilitates academic continuity, and allows for an overall smoother transition to their new educational environment.
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The DSO at the transfer-in school will create a Form I-20
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa need to ensure that their Designated School Official (DSO) has all the information required to update their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. This includes any change of address. The DSO is responsible for updating and maintaining the SEVIS records of nonimmigrant students in the F and M visa categories.
When an international student is accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, their DSO will issue them a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." The DSO at the transfer-in school will create a Form I-20 issued for the reason of transfer. The DSO at the transfer-in school will enter information into the Draft Form I-20. Once the DSO at the transfer-out school releases the record to the transfer-in school, the DSO at the latter can create an Initial record from the Draft record. The DSO may print a Form I-20 at this time. The DSO must register the student and set the record into Active status within 30 days of the program start date.
The transfer release date is when access to the student's SEVIS record shifts from the DSO at the transfer-out school to the DSO at the transfer-in school. The transfer-in school can only create a draft but cannot issue a Form I-20 until the transfer release date. The transfer release date is decided by the student and the school, based on the student's academic needs, travel and work plans, and the projected program start date at the transfer-in school.
The Form I-20 is an important document that international students need to keep safe throughout their time in the United States. It is required for various procedures, including travel endorsements.
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Frequently asked questions
A travel endorsement is a signature from a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) on your I-20 or DS-2019. It confirms that you are maintaining your F-1 or J-1 status.
Yes, transfer international students need a travel endorsement signature to re-enter the U.S. after travelling abroad.
You can request a travel endorsement signature from your DSO or ARO after they have screened your immigration record and academic enrollment to verify your lawful status.
A travel endorsement signature is valid for 12 months or until the document’s expiration date, whichever is sooner. For those on J-1 Academic Training or F-1 Post-Completion OPT/STEM Extension, a new travel signature is required every 6 months.
