Missed Travel Endorsements

IMPORTANT: If you require a travel signature on your document to re-enter the US, please submit a Replace/Reprint I-20 request via iStart and select 'travel' as the reason. ISSS has been granted permission from SEVP to send F-1 documents electronically and will send a signed I-20 via e-mail during this time. DS-2019s must still be signed in ink and mailed, so we will work with J-1 students to send these documents by post.

Where is the travel endorsement located on my document?
Questions to help determine eligibility to receive a travel endorsement
How do I request a reprint of my document?
Can ISSS mail my new I-20/DS-2019 to me?
What if I don't have enough time to get a reprinted document?
Planning Ahead

Where can I find my travel endorsement?

I-20: Last section of page 2
DS-2019: Bottom, right-hand box on page 1

Questions for Travel endorsement

Each travel endorsement is valid for up to 12 months (6 months for F-1 OPT). You may use your current I-20 or DS-2019 if the endorsement is less than 12 months old when you re-enter and the information on page one remains the same.

Your passport must be valid on the date you enter the U.S. F-1 and J-1 students whose country is not on the passport agreement list must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry.

If not, you will need to apply for a renewal at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country.

Canadian citizens do not require a U.S. entry visa

If not, you will need to apply for a new I-20 or DS-2019. If the change in your program of study is effective in a future semester, then you may use your current I-20 or DS-2019 as long as it has a valid travel signature.

If your travel endorsement is outdated, you should request a reprinted document following the instructions below.

Requesting a Reprint

In order for ISSS to reprint your I-20 or DS-2019 for travel purposes, please fill out the appropriate application below. Please remember to include a return mailing address in your application or purchase a shipping label. If you need a travel signature, please choose "travel" as the reason for the reprint request. If you lost your I-20 or DS-2019, please choose "lost" as the reason.

Request an I-20 Reprint (iSTART e-form)
Request a DS-2019 Reprint (iSTART e-form)

Download the instructions for using a reprinted e-form.

Mailing Options

Please see note "IMPORTANT" above - some mailing services have been suspended at this time.

All F-1 I-20s reprinted for travel will be sent electronically. If you are a J-1 student and would like your document shipped to you, please review Mailing Options. You can indicate your mailing preference in the e-form.

What if I do not have enough time to receive a new document?

If your travel plans do not allow enough time for you to receive a new document from ISSS, then you must either change your anticipated return date, or travel without a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019. If you choose the latter option, it is most likely that the Customs and Border Protection officer at Port of Entry will issue you an I-515 form. This form will allow you temporary admittance to the U.S. for a period of 30 days. During this 30-day period you must contact ISSS, obtain an updated I-20/DS-2019 by requesting a reprint for travel through iSTART, then submit the I-515 form to the address provided on the I-515. You will then be allowed to remain in the U.S. as normal. Please note however that receiving an I-515 is at the discretion of the CBP officer and cannot be guaranteed by ISSS. On rare occasions you may be denied entry to the US, and you should be aware of this risk before travelling.