Travel Outside the U.S.
You should have a discussion/obtain approval from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) PRIOR to travel in order to avoid complications.
You will need to visit the ISSO Office during Advising Hours to receive a travel signature and speak with an advisor regarding your travel plans. Updated Advising Hours can be found on our Advising hours page.
Do you need a travel signature?
Travel signatures are found on page 2 of your Form I-20, or page 1 of your Form DS-2019. Travel signatures are valid for 1 year unless otherwise noted on your visa document*, and can be used for multiple trips outside of the US within that 1 year period. You do not need a travel signature unless it has been over a year since your last travel signature AND you plan to travel outside of the U.S.
*Travel signatures for F-1 students on Post-Completion OPT and STEM Extension of OPT are valid for 6 months
Students are recommended to access their I-94 card after each entry into the United States.
This is to make sure your I-94 reflects the correct "Class of Admission" (F-1 or J-1), and that the "Admit Until Date" reflects D/S (Duration of Status). If you have issues accessing your I-94 card, or you find a mistake on your I-94 card, please contact the ISSO at isso@uml.edu. This may prevent the processing of future Applications like Applying for a Social Security Card, CPT, OPT, etc. Instructions on how to access your I-94 card are available via the ISSO website.