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; however, the ISO strongly advises that you secure any new documents prior to departure from the U.S.
When requesting a Travel Signature for Form I-20(s) or Form DS-2019(s), it is NOT possible to request a travel signature in-person, at the ISO (i.e. drop off/pick up). Students will need to request their new document(s) via iMIT.
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 from the submission of a correct/complete request submitted in iMIT for ISO to process your new document with the travel signature.
To request a new Form 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 (within past 1-2 is preferred) 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.
Current Students Financial Support Documentation
Current/continuing F-1 students and J-1students will need to upload updated financial support documentation as part of the e-Form request for the current/upcoming academic year. All financial support documentation must have been issued within the past 6 months and show up to 12 months of financial support – OR – until the program end date, whichever is earlier, as covered by the Form I-20/Form DS-2019.
Graduated/Alumni Students Financial Support Documentation
Graduated/alumni students (i.e., F-1 students on Post-Completion F-1 OPT/F-1 STEM OPT Extension and J-1 students on Post-Completion Academic Training) will need to upload updated financial support documentation as part of the e-Form request. Up to 12 months of financial support (minimum US$48,000) is required – OR – until the end date listed on their “Certificate of Eligibility” document (i.e., Form I-20/Form DS-2019).
