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Alert

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule that establishes a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026. While Northwestern analyzes this complex rule, we are working to update our website and communicate guidance as quickly as possible. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned OISS advisor.

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F-1 and J-1 Travel

F-1 and J-1 students & J-1 scholars:

  • Get your I-20/DS-2019 signed if you are traveling outside the U.S. See below for travel signature validity information.
  • Check your passport expiration. To re-enter the U.S., a passport must be valid 6-months into the future from the next date of entry.
  • You must have a valid visa stamp.  Check your visa expiration date.  If your visa expired you must renew your visa prior to returning to the United States.   
  • Don't forget your I-20/DS-2019 and passport. When preparing to return to the U.S., be sure these documents are with your person on the plane -- you will need them before you have access to checked baggage to pass through passport control.

F-1 students on OPT and STEM OPT:

  • While on OPT or STEM OPT, the travel signature is valid for 6 months from when it was signed.
  • When traveling abroad while on OPT be sure to carry your EAD card, as you will need to present it for re-entry into the United States. All EAD cards say 'not valid for reentry' This means that the card alone does not guarantee reentry but that you must also carry the I-20 and passport with valid visa.
  • Students on OPT must carry the following when traveling abroad to re-enter the U.S.:
    • SEVIS Form I-20 with valid travel signature within the last six months;
    • Valid F-1 visa stamp inside passport;
    • Current passport, valid at least six months into the future;
    • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (Note: All EAD cards say 'not valid for reentry' This means that the card alone does not guarantee reentry but that you must also carry the I-20 and passport with valid visa.)
    • If you are, or will be employed, we recommend that you carry your offer letter.
    • F-2 dependents of F-1 students on OPT should carry photocopies of their spouses EAD card and employment offer letter, in addition to a SEVIS Form I-20, valid F-1 visa stamp, and current passport.

     

How does a student obtain a travel signature on the Form I-20 /DS 2019?

F-1 and J-1 Students

To submit an" I-20 Reprint (or DS-2019 Reprint) Request' for travel, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the OISS Portal.
  2. Go to portal section #3 "Requests & Documents" on the far right.
  3. Scroll down to find the appropriate request: "Reprint I-20" or "Reprint DS-2019"
  4. Complete and submit the request. 
  5. You will receive an email notifying you when your I-20 or DS-2019 reprint with travel signature is ready to access and print from the portal.

I'm an international scholar on a J-1 visa. How do I obtain a travel signature on my DS-2019?

  • Please contact your designated OISS Advisor to request a travel signature endorsement on your Form DS-2019.  Your advisor will send you a digital copy of your DS-2019 with the travel signature endorsement via email attachment.
  • Alternatively, you can also visit the OISS Office at 1902 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL during open office hours  with your current DS-2019 document in hand to receive a new travel signature.

Travel Abroad

International students & scholars in F-1 or J-1 status and their dependents need the following to leave and re-enter the U.S.

  • SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature (see above) endorsed by the OISS; Customs and Border Protection officials will need to see your printed paper I-20 for re-entry to the U.S.
  • Valid visa stamp (pasted inside your passport); and
  • Current passport, valid at least six months after the date of your re-entry (unless your passport was issued by a country belonging to the "Six Month Club" and is exempt from the 6-month rule). Please see March 2022 DHS list of Countries that Extend Passport Validity for an Additional Six Months After Expiration. 

Make sure your documents are valid (unexpired)

  • If your F-1 or J-1 visa is unexpired, you can use that visa to re-enter the U.S.
  • If you are planning to take a cruise, please check with your cruise provider to find out whether you will pass through Customs in any country you may enter, and whether you will be subject to U.S. Customs & Border Patrol inspection upon your return to the U.S.

 

Travel signature endorsement and validity

  • Continuing F-1/J-1 Students/Scholars : The signature on page 2 of the I-20 or on the bottom right corner of page 1 of the DS-2019 is valid for 12 months. If your re-entry date to the U.S. is within 12-months from the last signature, you will be eligible to re-enter on that I-20/DS-2019.  However, if the signature on your I-20 or DS—2019 will be more than one year old by the time you re-enter U.S., then a new travel signature is required.
  • Information for F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT: The signature on page 2 of the OPT I-20 is valid for 6 months from when it was signed. If your re-entry date is within 6 months from the last signature, you are eligible to re-enter on that I-20.  However, if you re-enter after the 6-month time frame, a new travel signature is required.
  • Information for J-1 Short-term Scholars and J-1 Students on Academic Training: Travel signatures are valid for 6 months or until the end of program, whichever is sooner.

 Travel Tips

  • Make copies/scans of ALL documents: passport, I-20/DS-2019, visa stamp, I-94 record.
  • If traveling abroad, it is always a good idea to bring your financial documentation showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living costs (i.e. bank statements, funding letters, etc.).
  • If you lose your passport, please contact your home consulate or embassy for replacement.  You will only be able to replace a visa if you are abroad.
  • Remember to print /scan, double check, and save your I-94 record each time you return to the U.S.  Visit www.cbp.gov/I94 to access your I-94 record.

  • Review our Policies & Procedures Impacting Re-Entry page to learn more about policies that may apply to you when re-entering the U.S.