Summer 2023 Travel Advisory
Key Factors to Consider When Planning International Travel:
- Do you have the necessary immigration documentation to return to the US?
- Do you need a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019? See details below.
- Do you have a valid US visa? If you need to apply for a new visa, can you obtain a new visa in time to return before the start of the next semester? Please visit the website of the US Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to see how and when your visa appointment will be scheduled.
- Are there other current or political events (military conflicts or sanctions) that could impact your ability to travel and/or obtain a visa? For example:
- Consular posts can close without advance notice due to natural disasters or political conflicts
- Some graduate students and researchers from China are still experiencing visa denials and visa revocations due to Presidental Proclamation 100043
- Even with a valid visa, some travelers are denied entry to the US port of entry due to US political sanctions on businesses and nationals of other countries
It is important that you asses your individual situation and evaluate possible risks when making travels plans in the middle of your academic activities. While family emergencies could necessitate travel in the middle of your program, you might choose to postpone some vacation or professional-related travel until after program completion.
If you have further questions about international travel or visa renewal please connect with an ISSO advisor-on-call or your ISSO Scholar Advisor. You can also refer to the ISSO Travel Tips for more information.
In addition, students should pay careful attention to Boston University’s Health and Safety Advisories for travel to high-risk countries.
Do you need to renew your visa on this trip?
The visa in your passport must be valid on the day you will reenter the U.S. in order for you to be eligible to return in a student immigration status. If your visa will expire before the date of your return, you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy while you are out of the U.S. If this will be your first time applying for a visa renewal, plan to request a new travel signature before you leave the U.S. and to speak with the ISSO advisor-on-call to make sure you are prepared for your visa appointment.
Please note: You may need to schedule an in-person visa interview at a U.S. consulate to apply for a new visa during your travel. If you need to apply for a new visa, you may experience administrative processing delays at the U.S. Embassy, which could delay your return to the United States to resume classes. If you are unsure of whether or not to travel, you should consult with your academic department about the consequences to your academic progress if you are unable to return to the U.S. right away. The ISSO Advisor-on-Call can provide basic information about the visa application process. If you have questions about your specific travel plans or if you need to request a new travel signature,
If your visa has expired and you are planning a short trip to Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, read up on automatic visa revalidation to see if this special provision might apply to you.
What is a travel signature?
- A travel signature is a signature from an ISSO advisor (sometimes referred to as Designated School Official or Alternate Responsible Officer ) on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- This signature is generally valid for one year, and can be used for multiple trips abroad. (The signature is valid for six months only for F-1 students on approved F-1 Optional Practical Training.)
- You need to have a valid travel signature on the date you reenter the U.S. after international travel.
- A more recent travel signature is recommended if you plan to renew your visa on this trip abroad.
- If you have a valid travel signature already, there is no need request a new one!
Do you need a travel signature?
Check to see if there is already a travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 (for F-1 students), or on the right-hand side of your DS-2019 (for J-1 students and scholars). If your travel signature is up-to-date (within one year for continuing F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, or within six months for F-1 students on OPT) then you do not need a new one! A travel signature is considered valid if it is dated no more than one year before the date you expect to return to the U.S. A more recent travel signature is recommended if you will renew your visa on this trip abroad or if you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
A valid I-20 travel signature appears on page 2:
A sample DS-2019 signature appears on the right-hand side of the form:
How can I request a travel signature?
F-1 or J-1 students:
1) Request an I-20 or DS-2019 travel signature in person: Stop by the ISSO front desk during normal ISSO business hours with the following documentation to request that ISSO review your records and sign your document while you wait:
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- your BUID
- your passport with your F-1 or J-1 visa
- your most recent I-20 or DS-2019
- printed copy of your most recent I-94 entry to the US from the USCPB I-94 website
OR
2) Request a new I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature via email. You will only need to present your documents when you return to the US so you do not need the signature to leave the US. Send an email to isso@bu.edu with the subject line of “request a travel signature”. You must attach a digital copy of your most recent I-94 entry to the US from the USCPB I-94 website and include the following information in your email request:
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- your name and BUID
- dates you will depart and return to the US
- your destination
- the date your current F-1 or J-1 visa will expire
- the next semester you will enroll at BU
ISSO staff will send you a new I-20 or DS-2019 via email within 10 business days. Please note that you will need to print and present the I-20 or DS-2019 in paper form to a consular officer, if you need a visa and, to a US customs officer when physically returning to the US.
J-1 scholars
1) Schedule a 15-minute appointment with ISSO Scholar Services. Bring following documentation to your scheduled appointment:
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- your passport with your J-1 visa
- your most recent Form DS-2019
- printed copy of your most recent I-94 entry to the US from the USCPB I-94 website
OR
2) Request a new DS-2019 with a travel signature via email. You will only need to present your documents when you return to the US so you do not need the signature to leave the US. Send an email to issosch@bu.edu with the subject line of “request a travel signature”. You must attach a digital copy of your most recent I-94 entry to the US from the USCPB I-94 website and include the following information in your email request:
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- your name and BUID
- dates you will depart and return to the US
- your destination
- the date your current J-1 visa will expire
A member of the Scholar Services Team will send you a new DS-2019 via email within 10 business days. Please note that you will need to print, sign and present the DS-2019 in paper form to a consular officer, if you need a visa and, to a US customs officer when physically returning to the US.
What is my SEVIS Fee Receipt?
All F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors with “initial” immigration documents are required to pay this SEVIS Fee when you first begin your program of study. When entering the US, you may be asked to provide proof that this fee was paid. If you have been continuously enrolled with the same SEVIS record, you do not need to pay the fee again, provided you have proof of payment. If you took a leave of absence, had a break in status or traveled to regain status with a new SEVIS number, you will need to pay a new SEVIS Fee for a new SEVIS record. Proof of SEVIS Fee payment can be printed from the I-901 SEVIS Fee website.
What should I do after I return to the U.S.?
When you arrive in the US by air or sea, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will electronically update your I-94 entry record to reflect the immigration status in which you were admitted and the length of lawful stay that you have been granted.
For F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and your F-2 and J-2 dependents, your electronic record should reflect your correct status for “D/S” (duration of status). If you are entering in a status other than F or J (i.e. H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.) your passport stamp and electronic record should reflect the end date on your corresponding immigration document.
Each time you reenter the US it is important to check both your electronic I-94 record to make certain these are correct. We recommend that you retrieve your electronic I-94 record after each entry to the United States and save a copy of your records. Errors to your admission status or length of stay can jeopardize your ability to study, work and remain lawfully in the U.S. If you discover an error to your electronic I-94 record, come to the ISSO immediately to discuss how this can be corrected. See sample I-94 record below:
