Traveling Outside the U.S.
The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
International students in F-1 or J-1 status must get a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 if returning to complete their studies after traveling outside the U.S. If your signature has expired and you are planning to travel, you must get a new signature. Please see Travel Information for students on OPT. If you have been issued a Form I-515A contact your DSO immediately.
Please submit a Travel Signature Request a couple of weeks before you travel.
- F-1 students: An ISSS advisor will email you an electronically signed I-20 for travel. As a result of COVID-19, SEVP and CBP have agreed to allow the use of the electronically signed I-20 to use for re-entry to the United States. It is required to print the I-20 and sign in blue ink. CBP officers will not accept forms I-20 shown on a phone or other electronic device.
- J-1 students: The Department of State has not announced that electronic forms DS-2019 are acceptable for travel. An ISSS advisor will let you know when your signed DS-2019 is ready, and you will be instructed how request a shipment using EShipGlobal.
- For life-safety emergencies or if a Customs and Border Protection officer needs to reach us, please contact the SIUE police 618-650-3324.
Travel Signature Endorsement and Validity
Continuing Students/Scholars
The signature on page 2 of 3 of the I-20 or on the bottom right corner of page 1 of the DS-2019 is valid for 12 months. If your re-entry date to the U.S. is within 12-months from the last signature, you will be eligible to re-enter on that I-20/DS-2019. However, if you re-enter after the 12-month period, then a new travel signature is required.
Information for F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT
The signature on page 2 of 3 of the OPT I-20 is valid for 6 months from when it was signed. If your re-entry date is within 6 months from the last signature, you will be eligible to re-enter on that I-20. However, if you re-enter after the 6-month time frame, a new travel signature is required.
Things to consider before traveling to your home country or within the U.S.
- Please visit the U.S. Department of State website to find out if your local embassy/consulate is currently operating.
- Internet access vary in each country or other parts of the U.S. You may not have the access you need to support your classroom needs for online courses. This can impact your receiving credit for classes. Please have your family test online systems, to understand any challenges, such as firewalls, connectivity, etc.
- You could be quarantined for a couple weeks which can impact your ability to complete your studies.
- International students’ insurance WILL NOT cover you if you are in your home country. You must be sure that you have insurance/coverage in your home country if you are returning there.
- Make sure you take all the precautions to remain healthy and check the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory page for your destination.
Required Documents for Travel
Before departing the country, make sure you have a valid travel signature (within 6 months) from an international advisor on your I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students). Please submit a Travel Signature Request a couple of weeks before you travel. Be sure to carry the following documents with you onboard when you travel:
- Passport: valid for at least six months into the future at all times (especially important upon initial entry or re-entry to the U.S.)
- U.S. Entry Visa: valid on the date of your return to the U.S.
- I-20 (F-1 students): valid and currently active with travel signature from your immigration advisor (printed and signed by you in blue ink)
- DS-2019 (J-1 students): valid and currently active with travel signature from your immigration advisor
- Valid visa for your visit country: If you are not returning to your home country, you may need a visa to travel to or even through (transit visa) other countries. Check the foreign embassy/consulate website for every country on your itinerary.
- Financial documents (recommended): showing proof of funding for tuition and living expenses dated within the last 6 months
- Examples of acceptable documents include: official personal bank statement, letter on bank stationary signed and dated by a bank official, scholarship letter, or graduate assistantship contract
- Contact information in case of a travel emergency and for a border officer to contact an international advisor: 618-650-3785 during office hours, SIUE police 618-650-3324 outside of office hours
Traveling to Canada
All travelers must be fully vaccinated to be eligible to enter Canada. If you are from a country whose citizens are required to have an entry visa to Canada, you should apply for the visa well ahead of your departure date. You CANNOT apply for the entry visa at the border. Find out if you need a visa: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Info on Travel Advisories to other countries:
Resources for up-to-date information about the COVID-19 pandemic
SIUE Health Service is available to answer questions about health concerns, COVID self-quarantine or exposure guidelines, and students who are feeling sick can call 618-650-2842 or email cougarcare@siue.edu for appointments.
