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Travel Information

You may travel within the United States or outside the country, provided you are currently maintaining your immigration status and present the appropriate documents at the Port of Entry. You should carry your original immigration documents (I-20 or DS-2019, passport, U.S. visa, and I-94 Arrival/Departure card) with you whenever traveling outside the United States or when visiting a state or federal government building. In most cases, you do not need to report to an advisor before you leave the United States.

Travel within the United States

You may travel freely within the United States including Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories while you are in valid immigration status. You should have photocopies of the following documents with you when traveling:

  • Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by DU
  • Unexpired passport valid for the next six months
  • U.S. visa
  • I-94 arrival/departure card

Travel outside the United States

You may leave the United States and return at any time during your program, provided you are still in valid immigration status when you return and you have been absent from the country for less than five months. With the exception of travel to Canada or Mexico, you must present an unexpired U.S. visa to request entry back into the country. When re-entering the United States after traveling abroad, you must present the following at the Port of Entry:

  • Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by DU with valid travel signature
  • Unexpired passport valid for the next six months
  • Unexpired U.S. visa *
  • I-94 arrival/departure card

* If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or certain contiguous territories for less than 30 days, and you are not a foreign national of certain countries designated by the Department of State, you may be permitted to re-enter the United States with an expired visa. For more information, review the Automatic Revalidation of Visa Validity section of our page about travel to Canada and Mexico..

Travel Signature

Your I-20 or DS-2019 must have an unexpired travel signature in order for you to request re-entry into the United States. The travel signature is valid for one year from the signature date, unless you are on F-1 Optional Practical Training, in which case it is valid for six months. We recommend requesting a new travel signature every nine months, even if you do not plan on traveling.

To help determine if you need a travel signature, you can use this chart as a guide. Please visit our office if you still have any questions.

You may request a travel signature by bringing your I-20 or DS-2019 to the International House during walk-in hours, or you may leave it to be signed and picked up later.

Entry Visas for Travel Abroad

Before you visit a country outside the United States, including Canada or Mexico, visit that government's consular website to determine if you must apply for an entry visa. Your U.S. visa is not a valid document to request entry into other countries. Some visa applications may take several weeks to process, so apply as early as possible.

Study Abroad and Overseas Courses/Internships

If you intend to participate in a study abroad program, pursue overseas courses, or engage in an internship abroad, please meet with an international student advisor at least one month before you leave the United States. You should bring your current immigration documents with you so an advisor can verify whether you have the documentation necessary for you to re-enter the United States in F-1 or J-1 status.