International Travel

The guidance below is designed to support international students, scholars, and faculty preparing to travel internationally. Please review the information below for travel recommendations. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to visit with an International Services Advisor during advising hours.

What Documentation Do I Need to Re-enter the U.S.?

In order to re-enter the U.S. successfully, you must demonstrate that you are maintaining your visa status and returning for the purposes for which your visa is issued. The documentation you’ll need to have with you in your carry-on luggage when traveling internationally is summarized in the chart below.

Status

Documents Required

Enrolled F-1 Student Visa Holder
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in order to re-enter)
  • Non-expired F-1 visa
  • Valid I-20 form with a travel signature no older than one year
  • Copy of your unofficial transcript
    • If between terms, we recommend you obtain proof of enrollment for the upcoming term. You can obtain an enrollment verification letter by emailing the Registrar's Office.  

F-1 Student Visa Holder on Optional Practical Training (OPT)

If you travel internationally without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or current OPT employment, your travel is considered high-risk and you may encounter travel disruptions or delays with returning to the U.S. If your OPT   application is pending, we recommend you postpone international travel until you are able to present your EAD and job offer letter.
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in order to re-enter)
  • Valid F-1 student visa
  • I-20 form with:
    • OPT request approved
    • Current employer information listed, and
    • DSO travel authorization no more than 6 months old
  • Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Job offer letter to match current employer listed on the I-20 Form

F-2 Dependents
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter)
  • Non-expired F2 visa
  • Valid F-2 I-20 form with a travel signature no older than one year

F-2 Dependent of student on OPT
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is   required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter)
  • Valid F-2 visa
  • Valid F-2 I-20 form with a travel signature no older than 6 months
  • A copy of the F-1 I-20 form with:
    • OPT request approved
    • Current employer information listed, and
  • A copy of the F-1’s valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

J-1 Student Visa Holder
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is   required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter)
  • Non-expired J-1 visa
  • Valid DS-2019 form with a travel signature no older than one year
  • Copy of your unofficial transcript
    • If between terms, we recommend you obtain proof of enrollment for the upcoming term.   You can obtain an enrollment verification letter from the Registrar’s office,   102 Sikes Hall.

J-1 Student Visa Holders on Academic Training
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter)
  • Non-expired J-1 visa
  • Valid DS-2019 form with:
    • a travel signature no older than 6 months
    • Academic Training authorization
  • Job offer letter

J-1 Research Scholar/Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Non-Degree, Specialist, and   Student Intern Categories
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter)
  • Non-expired J-1 visa
  • Valid DS-2019 form with a travel signature no older than one year
  • Clemson University Invitation Letter

J-2 Dependents
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in order to re-enter)
  • Non-expired J-2 visa
  • Valid DS-2019 form with:
    • a travel  signature no older than 6 months

J-2 Dependents of student participating in Academic Training
  • Valid passport (unless you hold citizenship with one of these countries, it is required that the passport have at least 6 months of validity remaining in   order to re-enter)
  • Non-expired   J-2 visa
  • Valid DS-2019 form with:
    • a travel signature no older than 6 months
  • a copy of the J-1’s valid DS-2019 form with Academic Training authorization

What is a Travel Signature?

A travel signature is a signature from International Services on your Certificate of Eligibility I-20 or DS-2019 form certifying you are maintaining your non-immigrant visa status for the purpose of re-entering the U.S.

Who Can Provide a Travel Signature?
An International Services Advisor serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) is the appropriate person to sign the Certificate of Eligibility I-20/DS-2019 for F and J visa holders.

How Do I Request a Travel Signature?

  1. Complete the Travel Information e-form within your iStart Student Portal
  2. Request a reprint of your I-20 or DS-2019 form for shipping purposes, or visit the office to obtain your travel signature during walk-in hours.

Why is a Travel Signature Required for International Travel?
When you arrive at the U.S. Port of Entry, or apply for a new F or J visa while abroad, U.S. government officials will review your documents for the DSO or ARO travel signature to verify that a school official has confirmed you are maintaining your non-immigrant status.

For How Long is A Travel Signature Valid?

Visa Type

Duration of Travel Signature Validity

F-1 Enrolled Student

1 year

F-1 Engaged in OPT

6 months

F-2

1 year

J-1

1 year

* Short-term scholar category: 6 months

J-2

1 year

* Short-term scholar category: 6 months

I Forgot to Request A Travel Signature Before I Departed the U.S.? Can I Return?
If you do not remember to request an updated travel signature before you leave, you will need to request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature. Please follow the instructions below to request a new Certificate of Eligibility I-20/DS-2019 Form and a DSO/ARO travel signature.

Can I Use An Electronic Copy of My Certificate of Eligibility I-20/DS-2019  I-20 to Enter the U.S. ?
No, you will need to present a physical copy of your Certificate of Eligibility I-20 or DS-2019 with signatures at the port of entry. Ensure you print and sign your I-20/DS-2019 prior to your arrival to the U.S.

Can I Attempt to Enter the U.S. Without a Valid Travel Signature?
If you do not present a valid DSO/ARO travel signature at the U.S. port of entry, you’ll need to expect travel delays or disruptions as a result of arriving without this required proof of maintenance of status.

What Is A Visa?

The visa is an entry document used to establish eligibility to enter the U.S. It works just like a key to get inside a home. Just as you need a key to unlock the door of a home, you need a visa entry document to enter the U.S. The electronic I-94 Arrival Departure Record received at the U.S. port of entry grants you the permission to remain in the U.S. for the Duration of Status (D/S).

Do I Need to Renew My Visa?
If your U.S. visa has expired or will expire while you are traveling, you will need to apply for a new U.S. visa in order to return to the U.S.  If you do not plan to travel internationally and your visa expires, you are eligible to remain in the U.S. because the visa is an entry document only.

How Long Will It Take to Renew My Visa?
Processing times for visas can vary, we recommend you visit the Department of State’s website to determine the estimate wait time to apply and receive your visa.

How Do I Renew My Visa?
New visas cannot be obtained while inside the United States. In order to receive a new entry visa, you will need to exit the U.S., visit your nearest U.S. consulate, and apply for the new entry visa. For more information about the visa application process, please visit the U.S. Department of State links below:

F Student Visa Holders Renewals
J Exchange Visitor Visa Holder Renewals

Do I Have To Return to My Home Country to Renew My Visa?
If you are not returning to your home country to apply for the new visa, it is recommended that you contact the U.S. Embassy prior to making travel arrangements to ensure they can process visas for third-country citizens from your country of origin.

What Documentation Should I Prepare for Visa Renewal Purposes?

  • Update your financial support information on the I-20 or DS-2019
  • Print a copy of your academic transcript
  • Request an enrollment verification letter from 102 Sikes Hall

What is Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)?
If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island for less than 30 days and have an expired U.S. visa, you may be eligible for automatic visa revalidation. Please review the following guidance from the Department of State and speak with an International Services Advisor if you are considering using this method to re-enter the U.S.

What challenges might occur with re-entering the U.S. ?

If you have issues with obtaining your new visa and are unable to return to the U.S., please contact is@clemson.edu as soon as possible. This will allow International Services to work closely with you, your academic department and university officials to determine the appropriate plan of action to support you.

If you have any issues upon re-entering at the U.S. port of entry outside of normal office hours and need immediate assistance, please contact Clemson University Campus Police, 864-656-2222. An on-call DSO/ARO will be available to speak with Customs and Border Patrol agents.

Domestic Travel: No I-20/DS-2019 signature endorsement is required for domestic travel. However, for domestic travel we always recommend you bring your passport, DS-2019 or I-20 form, and I-94 Departure Record with you to avoid any unnecessary confusion about your identity and/or reason for being in the U.S. (Also, don’t forget to keep copies of all of your immigration documents in a safe place in case the originals should ever be lost.)