Students Studying in The United States International travel

All F-1/J-1 Northeastern students must carry the following when re-entering the U.S. after a trip abroad:

• A passport (valid for at least six months from the date you return to the U.S.)
• A valid F-1 or J-1 visa
• Your most recent form I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature

Students on Post-OPT and the STEM Extension must also carry the following documents:

• A valid EAD
• Proof of Employment (an offer letter may be used)

Please see our POST-OPT page to learn more about traveling while on POST-OPT and our STEM Extension OPT page to learn more about traveling while on STEM Extension OPT.

Students are also advised to carry the following documents:

• Any previously issued I-20s or DS-2019s
• Proof of funding (as reflected on your I-20 or DS-2019)
• Proof of enrollment (enrolled students only)
  • You may request an Enrollment Verification from the Registrar’s Office or print a copy of your current course registration

A travel signature is an endorsement on your I-20 or DS 2019, given by a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO), after screening your immigration record and academic enrollment to verify lawful status.

• If you are on an F-1 visa, this is the signature at the bottom of page 2 of your current I-20.
• If you are on a J-1 visa, this is on the bottom right of your DS-2019.

How long is my travel signature valid?

For current F/J Students and Scholars, an I-20 travel signature and DS-2019 travel endorsement are valid for 12-months (or until the document’s expiration date, whichever is sooner).

For those on J-1 Academic Training or F-1 Post-Completion OPT/STEM Extension require a new travel signature every 6-months.

To request a travel signature, please follow these steps:

1. Submit the travel signature e-form request.
2. The processing time can take up to 15 business days, once you are approved, you will receive an email to your Northeastern email address containing a password-protected PDF of your I-20/DS-2019. (Be sure to print out and sign your I-20/DS-2019 prior to returning to the U.S.)

Prior to major vacation periods, OGS often offers travel signature sessions that require pre-registration.  After successful screening, you will receive your travel signature on the spot. If you wish attend a session, please bring your I-20/DS-2019 form and your nine-digit Northeastern identification number. Visit the events page for travel signature session dates.

• If you have completed OPT, Academic Training (AT), or your academic program, and are in a grace period, you will not be allowed back into the U.S. on your F-1 or J-1 visa.
• Any family members traveling with you who have F-2 or J-2 visas will also need to carry the same documents. Please review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) tips for travel.
• If you plan to travel when your visa has expired, please see the Renewing Your Visa page.

If you need emergency assistance while traveling, please call one of the following numbers: 

• If you are at a U.S. Port of Entry (i.e. airport): +1-617-373-2121  
• If you are departing for your Northeastern campus within 24 hours or are already in transit: +1-857-214-5332

Upon your return, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue an I-94 (your arrival/departure record) to you.

• If you arrive by land, you may receive a paper I-94 that you should keep with your passport.
• If you arrive by plane, you will be issued an I-94 electronically; print the most recent I-94 after each entry into the U.S.
• Your I-94 should be marked with your visa type (F-1 or J-1) and an “admit until date” (Duration of Status).
• If there is an error on your I-94, please see how to correct your I-94.