Travel Signatures and I-20/DS 2019 reprints
Your I-20 or DS-2019 SEVIS Record proves that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States with a certified educational institution. You should keep all copies of your SEVIS Record along with your other immigration documents and should always have your most recent copy readily available.
You need this document as proof of your student status and use it (along with other documentation) in a wide variety of situations:
- To enter and reenter the United States, with a valid travel signature
- To apply for a Social Security Number
- To apply for a Driver’s License
- To apply for work authorization, for CPT and OPT
Travel Signatures: I-20 and DS-2019
Your I-20 or DS-2019 must be signed by the appropriate official from International Student Affairs or the Office of International Admission.
The travel signature is valid for one calendar year for F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students (excluding Canadian and Bermudan students). For students on OPT or the STEM-Extension, as well as students from Canada and Bermuda, travel signatures are valid for six months.
Requesting a Travel Signature
For F-1 Students And J-1 Students
- Log in to the
- Navigate to the Requests and Documents section
- Click on the “Reprint/Updated I-20” or "Reprint DS-2019" to fill out and submit the request for a travel signature
Before you request a SEVIS Record, you should check to see if the travel signature that you already have on it is valid. Any time ISA generates a new SEVIS Record for you, a new travel signature is added to the form.