International Student: Travel and Re-Entry

To enter the U.S. from abroad, you must have a current travel signature from your DSO or RO on the second page of your I-20 (for F-1 students) or the first page of your DS-2019 (for J-1 students).

Travel signatures are valid for 12 months for currently enrolled students or 6 months for students on Post-Completion OPT/STEM OPT. Unexpired travel signatures can be used for multiple re-entries.

To Request Travel Signature:

1. First, see if you already have an unexpired travel signature on your I-20 (under “Travel Attestation” on page 2) or DS-2019 (under “Travel Validation” on page 1).
2. If you don’t have a travel signature or your current travel signature has expired or is about to expire, email the ISSS Office to request new one. You can also bring your I-20 or DS-2019 to the ISSS for someone to sign. While the ISSS Office is allowed to sign digitally, you will still need to physically sign and date your I-20 with a pen.

Be prepared to present the following documents at the port of entry. Remember to keep them in your carry-on or personal item rather than in your checked luggage.

Required

• Your unexpired passport (valid for at least six months into the future)
• Your unexpired F-1 or J-1 visa (unless exempt from visa requirements, like Canadian and Bermudan citizens)
• Your unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 with an unexpired travel signature
• If on OPT/STEM OPT:
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
  • Proof of employment (e.g. pay stubs, job offer letter, other letter from your employer confirming your employment, etc.)

Strongly Recommended

• Unofficial Pomona transcript
• Evidence of financial resources (Pomona financial aid reward letter, bank statements, etc.)
• Pomona ISSS Office’s phone number and email, in case of emergencies

If you are traveling to a country that is not your home country, you may need a visa from that country to enter. Note that some countries require a transit visa even if you’re only there for a quick layover. Be sure to do your research before booking your ticket.

If your visa will expire while abroad, inform the ISSS office before you travel and make an appointment to renew the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. The U.S. government currently expects applicants to apply for visas in their country of residence. You cannot enter the U.S. with an expired visa.

Automatic Visa Revalidation: if you travel to Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island for less than 30 days, you may be able to return to the U.S. with an expired visa. Automatic visa revalidation is only available if you meet all these conditions:

• You have an unexpired passport and other unexpired immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature, I-94, etc.)
• You have only travelled to Canada, Mexico, or an adjacent island.
• You have not been outside the U.S. for more than 30 days.
• You have not attempted to apply for a new visa while abroad.
• You are not a citizen of a state sponsor of terrorism

Each time you re-enter the U.S., be sure to save a PDF copy of your I-94. The I-94 is proof of your legal entry into the U.S.

Review your I-94 carefully each time you download it. If you notice any errors, let the ISSS Office know as soon as possible.