I am abroad and I forgot to request a new Form I-20 / DS-2019 to get a travel validation signature. What do I do?

If you forgot to get a travel signature before leaving the U.S., you can request a new Form I-20 / Form DS-2019 by logging in to iMIT, click on “F-1 Student Services” (or “J-1 Student Services”), then click on “Request a Replacement Form I-20” (or “Request a Replacement Form DS-2019”), complete the eform and upload the required documentation, including updated financial support documentation for the current academic year, and submit the request. 

Processing time for a new Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is 10 business days. If you will need the new Form to return to the U.S. earlier than 10 business days, please contact your ISO Advisor to notify them of the urgent situation so they may be able to expedite the processing if possible.

Once ISO processes your new Form I-20/DS-2019, your new Form will be sent to you electronically (by email) to your MIT email address (or the primary email address on file for you in SEVIS). When you receive the new Form I-20/DS-2019, you will need to download, print, and “wet” sign the new document for your use.

Do NOT throw away any previous Form I-20/DS-2019 issued to you; you should carry with you ALL of your Forms I-20 or DS-2019 when traveling in case you are requested by a consular official or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official to document the history of your stay in the U.S.

Additional guidance is available on the ISO “Visas and Travel” webpage.