Travel Signatures
Students on F-1 and J-1 visas and their dependents who plan to travel abroad and return to the U.S. during their program must have an unexpired travel signature when re-entering the U.S. You can find your travel signature on Form I-20 or DS-2019.
How Long is Your Travel Signature Valid?
Travel signatures are valid for 12 months on your Form I-20 (F-1 visa) or 6 months on Form DS-2019 (J-1 visa).
You will need to have the following documents with you to re-enter the U.S.:
- Unexpired passport and visa.
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 with current information signed by an international student advisor within the past 12 months (Form I-20) or 6 months (Form DS-2019).
- Transcripts showing your enrollment for the previous and upcoming sessions.
- Bank statement or letter showing funds to study in the U.S.
You will need to carry these documents with you. Do not pack them in your checked baggage.
Learn More About Required Travel Documents
Remember, you are responsible for maintaining your status and must report any change in your:
- Academic Program, Major, or Education Level
- Funding or Financial Sponsor
- Address (All address changes must be reported within 10 days of moving.)
- Legal Name
- Visa Status
You also must report withdrawal from UNO, transfer to another school, and internships, OPT, or STEM OPT.
You can report these changes to International Student Advising online via MavLINK.
Requesting a New Travel Signature
At least two weeks before you plan to travel outside the U.S., including trips to Canada or Mexico:
- Review your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to be sure the information (address, name, program of study) remains current
- Submit the Travel Signature Request in iGlobal with travel signature request.
- Please allow 3-5 days to process your Form I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature.
- Your new Form I-20 or DS-2019 will be emailed to you.
- Print the form, sign it, and carry it with you for re-entry to the U.S.
Re-entering the U.S. After More Than Five Months
If you plan to re-enter the U.S. after more than five months abroad, note that you will need:
- A new SEVIS record
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- A new SEVIS fee payment
- A new visa
Transfer Students
Students transferring to UNO who are traveling outside the U.S. and re-entering between schools should have their UNO Form I-20 or DS-2019 for re-entry; students may have difficulty at the port of entry if entering on their previous school’s Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Traveling Abroad During Optional Practical Training (OPT)
If you have applied for OPT, you should not travel until you have your OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and a job offer. If your OPT is approved while you are out of the country, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection may request to see your OPT EAD card and job offer at the port of entry.
Form I-20 and DS-2019 Updates/Reprints
You may need a reprint of Form I-20 or DS-2019 for other reasons besides travel. See the list below for when to request an update or reprint.
When to Request a Reprint
- Replace a lost, damaged, or stolen form.
- Updated travel signature.
When to Request an Update
- Newly admitted or transferred to UNO.
- Admitted to a new program at UNO (change of educational level).
- An error on the document that does not match your visa or program.
- Returning after a leave of absence.
- Adding dependents.
- More time is needed to complete your program.
- Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT during or after your program, or applying for J-1 Academic Training (AT).
- To note updated employment information through OPT, AT or other employment.
How to Request an Update or Reprint
- Log in to iGlobal.
- Submit a request for a new Form I-20 or DS-2019.
- Your request will be reviewed within a few days.
Questions? Contact Us!
International Advising
241 Arts & Sciences Hall
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68182
Phone: 402.554.2293
Email: unointladvising@unomaha.edu