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If you are a scholar in J-status or J-2 dependent, you will need is a travel signature to re-enter the US in J-status after a visit abroad. Without such a travel signature, you may be denied entry into the US at the border, even if all your other documents are in order.

What is a Travel Signature? An endorsement that an F-1 student is eligible to re-enter the United States indicated by their International Student Advisor's signature on p. 2 of your most recently issued I-20 document.

A travel endorsement is a signature from your Designated School Official (ISS advisor) on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Enrolled F-1 student (I-20) Validity / Length. A travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 is valid for 12 months or until the program end date on the I-20, whichever comes first. A travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 is valid for 6 months or until the expiration date of the EAD, whichever comes first.

If you do not have a valid travel signature, you will likely be issued a Form I-515A by the U.S. Port-of-Entry officer. Since this is a temporary stay document that only allows 30 days stay in the U.S., it is very important that you contact OIS immediately upon arrival to fix your status to F-1 or J-1 D/S.

If you did not receive a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 before traveling, please request Form I-515A at the immigration port of entry.

What happens if I try to enter the United States without a valid travel signature? If you arrive at a US port of entry without all the required documents, the customs officer may deny you entry into US. As an alternative, the officer may issue you an I-515A. This document allows you temporary admission into the US.

A travel endorsement is a signature from your Designated School Official (ISS advisor) on your I-20 or DS-2019. The signature serves as confirmation that you are maintaining F-1 or J-1 status.