Travel Outside the US
To re-enter the US you will need the following:
- Valid F1 or J1 visa
- Valid passport
- Valid I-20 or DS-2019, with a valid travel signature
- Students on OPT also need their EAD card and evidence of employment
IMPORTANT: Request your I-20 travel signature at least 7 business days before your return flight to the U.S. I-20s with travel signatures are sent via email for you to print and sign in ink.
If you are a J-1 exchange visitor, request your DS-2019 travel signature at least 7 business days before your return flight to the U.S. DS-2019s are sent via email for you to print and sign in ink.
Every time you return to the U.S. you should check your electronic I-94 record. It should say F1 (or J1 if you are a J1 student). It should also say D/S, which means Duration of Status. If it does not say those things, or you cannot find your I-94 record then please contact International Student Services.
EXTRA TIPS ON TRAVEL: As you book your travel, make sure to consider the countries where you have flight connections. Depending on the length of your connection, you may need a transit visa. Check with the Embassy for that country if a transit visa is necessary.
Information on travel conditions, recommendations and requirements can change rapidly and without warning. Always check the travel health and visa requirements for your final destination before you travel, as well as any requirements for countries you are transiting through.
Travel Signatures
Travel signatures on I-20 and DS-2019 documents are valid for a year (6 months, if you are on OPT).
A Boise State official’s signature on your I-20/DS-2019 confirms that you are returning to Boise to continue your education. It also confirms that you are maintaining your visa status. Attempting to enter the US without a current signature on the I-20/DS-2019 will delay your clearance through customs/immigration and may require extra paperwork.
IMPORTANT: If you are on an F-1 student visa then you can request a travel signature through our I-20 request form. If eligible, an I-20 with a travel signature will then be emailed to you to print and sign in ink for re-entry to the U.S. If you are a J-1 exchange visitor you must drop off your original DS-2019 to the ISS office for a travel signature. The U.S. State Department does not allow universities to email DS-2019 documents to students.
Please make sure you make your request at least 7 business days before your departure date. You must be properly registered for classes (including next semester, if applicable).