Travel Signatures and I-20/DS-2019 Reprints (F and J Students)
On This Page:
Reasons for Needing a Reprint
Use this page if you need to request an I-20/DS-2019 for the following reasons:
Do NOT use this page to request a reprint if you are returning from a leave of absence (LOA). Refer to our LOA page for instructions on Returning from a Leave.
Obtain a New Travel Signature
All I-20/DS-2019 reprints will have updated travel signatures. If you have F-2/J-2 dependents, we will automatically include reprints of their I-20/DS-2019 forms with updated travel signatures.
What is a Travel Signature?
A travel signature is relevant only to F-1 students or J-1 students (and their dependents) who are planning to travel abroad and return to the U.S. in F or J status. This includes alumni who remain in F or J status for post-graduation F-1 OPT or J-1 AT. You must have an unexpired travel signature on the date you re-enter the U.S.
Check to See if You Need a Travel Signature Now
You don’t need a travel signature if you are not travelling internationally.
If you are travelling internationally, you don’t need a travel signature to leave the U.S., but you will need an unexpired one when you return. You should use your most-recently issued I-20/DS-2019 for travel, including if it was issued for F-1 OPT or J-1 AT.
See below for how long your travel signature is valid:
Follow the instructions below for a new travel signature by logging in to Compass to request an I-20/DS-2019 reprint.
See ISSO’s Documents Needed for Travel page for the complete list of documents you need when traveling. If you’re engaging in Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT, review our Travel During F-1 OPT for your documents.
Replace a Lost or Missing I-20/DS-2019
You forgot to bring your I-20/DS-2019 with you or lost it while traveling. Don’t panic! We can replace it.
Follow the instructions below to request an I-20/DS-2019 reprint in Compass.
Show Updated OPT Employment Information on Your I-20
An updated I-20 with your employment information is not required for all F-1 students on OPT, however some employers or immigration attorneys may request an updated I-20 for HR or other purposes. After you have your EAD card and you have reported your employment, you can request an updated I-20 that shows your approval and employer information. Be sure to report your updated employment first before requesting the I-20 reprint.
First, update your employment if needed and then follow the instructions below to request an I-20 reprint in Compass.
Show Change of Citizenship or Change of Legal Name
If you have recently updated your citizenship or legal name with ISSO you will need an updated I-20 to reflect that change.
Follow the instructions below to request an I-20/DS-2019 reprint in Compass.
Request an I-20/DS-2019 Reprint
Not enough time to receive the I-20/DS-2019 before your return to the U.S.?
Our maximum processing time is 10 business days, however, our office makes every effort to process requests as quickly as possible.
Go here for information about returning to the U.S. without all required documents and requesting an I-515A at the Port of Entry.
Log in to Compass to request your new I-20/DS-2019.
If you have F-2/J-2 dependents, we will automatically process reprints of their I-20/DS-2019 forms with updated travel signatures as well.
- F-1 Students: We will email your digital I-20(s) for you to print and sign
- J-1 Students: We will email your digital DS-2019(s) for you to print and sign
Not sure of your campus? Check our campus school list.
Compass will require you to upload your most recent I-94
Access your most recent I-94 Arrival Record (NOT your I-94 travel history)
If you have a problem retrieving your I-94 arrival record, call the immigration office at either JFK or Newark airport (regardless of where you arrived) to speak with Deferred Inspection. Be sure to have all of your documents ready when you make the call. Deferred Inspection can usually locate your record and make a correction (if needed) while you're on the phone, so that you can access and print the corrected record.
We will email you when the I-20/DS-2019 reprint is ready
Use your new I-20 or DS-2019 to travel. Remember, you should keep copies of all your I-20s/DS-2019s but always travel with the most recent one. Don't forget to check our Documents Needed to Travel page to be sure you have everything you need to re-enter the United States.
