REMINDER: Obtaining Travel Signatures on Form I-20/Form DS-2019
NOTE: You can leave the U.S. without a travel validation signature, but you will need one to re-enter.
Travel validation signatures on the Form I-20 (F visa holders) or Form DS-2019 (J visa holders) are valid for travel for 12 months, or until the end of the program of study, whichever is earlier.
(Alumni on F-1 Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension, or J-1 Post-Completion Academic Training, the travel signatures are valid only for 6 months).
If you plan to travel, please request a replacement document as soon as possible. It will take approximately 10 business days for ISO to process your new document with the travel signature.
To request a new I-20/DS-2019 with new travel signature:
1. Login to iMIT, go to F-1 or J-1 Student Services
2. Click on and complete the eform “Request Replacement of Form I-20/Form DS-2019” (Reason: Travel Signature)
3. Where financial support documentation is requested, please upload recent (no older than 6 months) proof of funding from your MIT department and/or proof of personal, family, or sponsor funding.
4. The ISO will email you to confirm that your new Form I-20/Form DS-2019 with travel signature has been issued, with instructions on how to download a copy of iMIT.
5. Please print out this new Form and sign and date where indicated (your ‘wet signature’ on the Form is required to enter the U.S.)
Do not pack your Forms I-20/Forms DS-2019 in your checked luggage, it should be carried on your person with your passport and supporting documents.
Find more information on our ISO “Visas & Travel” webpage.
Know what documents to carry when returning to the U.S. on the ISO “Entering the U.S.” webpage.
Applying for a new entry visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate while abroad? Be sure to also review the ISO “Obtaining A Visa” webpage.
NOTE: If applying for a new entry visa, please be sure to carry and present with your visa application a full copy of your CV/resume. More details are available on the ISO “Entering the U.S.” webpage and ISO “Visas & Travel” webpage.
