When leaving the USA, always check to make sure that your important documents will be valid (not expired) on the date you plan to return to the USA. If you need a new passport, apply immediately at your country's Consulate here in New York City.

To request a travel signature:

• Fill-out an ISS Service Request Form: Submit online or download form
• Submit your current original I-20 or DS2019 for travel signature.
• Obtain a visa if your visa has expired or will expire before your return to the US or if you changed your status within the US (See Obtaining a New VISA). Also visit ISS. We can help you to understand exactly what you need to assemble the appropriate documentation.

It is best practice to have your I-20 or DS2019 documents signed before leaving the USA.

If you need a travel signature on your I–20 or DS–2019, you should allow three days processing time. Especially just before holidays and the end of semesters, it can take longer to process a travel signature. Please plan ahead!

You are advised to ask for a new travel signature for every semester that you travel. In practice, very few officers from the US Department of Homeland Security currently accept a signature that is more than six months old.

When traveling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands for fewer than 30 days, be certain to ask the Department of Homeland Security Officer NOT to remove the I–94 card from your passport when leaving the USA. Explain that you plan to return in fewer than 30 days.

Remember that depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa to enter Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, or any of the adjacent islands. Information concerning tourist visas to these countries (and which nationalities are required to have visas to enter these countries) can be obtained by calling the Consulate General of the country you wish to visit. If a tourist visa is required, you must go in person to the Consulate to apply. Before your travel date, give yourself sufficient time to get your visa to the country you wish to visit if this applies to you.