F-1 & J-1 Student Travel

How to Get a Travel Signature

F-1 and J-1 visa students require a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019 to re-enter the US when traveling abroad. However, these requests are completed virtually and do not require an appointment. Please email your international advisor for a travel signature. Your I-20 with a travel signature will be sent to you via email.

ALWAYS consult your international advisor BEFORE you travel.

A travel signature is valid for multiple re-entries for 1 year (or 6 months while on OPT/STEM), or until you receive a new I-20.

If you are an initial student arriving to the US for the first time (using an initial I-20), you do not need a travel signature to enter the US.

*Note: Domestic travel does not require a travel signature. If you are uncertain about your travel plans and what they require, please reach out to your international advisor.

How to Get a New Visa

When you are entering the US for the first time, you will need to visit a US embassy or consulate to get a visa entry stamp in your passport.

If you are a continuing student and want to travel abroad, but your visa has expired, you will also need to renew your visa at a US embassy or consulate. However, if you don't plan to travel abroad, you can remain in the US with an expired visa and still maintain your F-1 visa status.

To learn more about how to get a new or renewed visa, visit How To Get a New Visa here.

Traveling to Mexico, Canada or the Carribean

If you plan to travel to Mexico, Canada, or the Carribean, you may qualify to travel on an expired visa and re-enter the US without visa renewal. This is called visa revalidation. Learn more about it here. 

Inviting Friends & Family to Visit TTU

We all want our loved ones to join us for special occasions and to make new and unique memories with them. If you plan to invite your friends and family to visit you here at TTU, please learn more about it under the "Inviting Family to Visit" tab here.