When traveling outside the United States, you need to have in your possession the proper documents to return and resume your studies. These documents are:
You may choose to additionally carry other documents with you to confirm your right to reenter the US, such as your Purdue transcript or enrollment certificate.
Your DS-2019 must be endorsed for travel if you plan to exit and reenter the US. The travel signature is required upon reentry into the US. It is not required for leaving the US.
If you have a travel endorsement in the "Travel Validation by Responsible Officer" in the lower right corner of your DS-2019, that endorsement is valid for a one year period from the date that it has been signed or until the expiration date of the DS-2019, whichever comes first. The expiration date is given in item #3 of the DS-2019.
Degree/program completion: On the date that you complete your degree or program, the endorsement is no longer valid. This may be the date you deposit your thesis, complete the semester, or graduate.
Students on Academic Training: A new travel endorsement must be obtained for J-1 students on Academic Training (AT) after application approval. If you travel abroad on AT, be sure to carry your proof of employment in the US in order to return.
Academically dropped, suspended, expelled, or terminated: If you are academically dropped, suspended, expelled, or terminated from the university the endorsement, your DS-2019 is no longer valid. Contact ISS immediately concerning your nonimmigrant status. Do not use the Purdue DS-2019 to reenter the US.
Foreign visa requirements: The country where you are travelling may require a new DS-2019 travel signature. Please check with the consulate of the country you plan to visit to confirm what is required.
Out of the US for over 5 months: Your DS-2019 will no longer be valid for reentry according to USCIS regulations. Notify ISS of prolonged absences so we may best advise your future reentry into the US. Exception: Students participating in Purdue Study Abroad programs.
To request a travel signature, please submit MyISS>F-1 and J-1 Student Services>Reissue/Travel Signature Request.
Please be aware that travel signature processing can take a maximum of 14 calendar days in very busy times, but typically takes much less time.
If you have an emergency and need to travel before you have time to receive a new travel signature or when ISS is closed (weekends, federal, and university holidays), please go ahead and travel.
Remember that the travel signature is required upon returning the US, not for leaving the US. Follow the instructions above to submit a travel signature request online while you are abroad.
If you do not allow enough time for you to receive a new travel signature before you travel, please be aware that most likely, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the US port of entry will issue you a Form I-515A Notice to Student and Exchange Visitor. Please note that the temporary admission with the Form I-515 is at the discretion of the CBP officer and ISS has no authority to persuade CBP to grant you temporary admission. On rare occasions, you may be denied entry to the US, and you should be aware of this risk before travelling to the US.
If you are issued an I-515A, you will be granted temporary admission into the US for 30 days. The I-515A form contains instructions for what you need to do to extend your stay beyond the 30 day admission. You should submit MyISS>General Services>Ask Student Counselor requesting assistance with your I-515A. ISS will provide instructions and the required documents to mail to the Department of Homeland Security within the 30-day submission deadline in order to maintain status.
Within four to six weeks, you will receive your new DS-2019 and I-94 arrival/departure card marked D/S, or duration of status. This notation extends your stay to its original length. You will not be able to travel outside the United States until you receive your documents marked D/S, so please plan accordingly.
If you do not send the I-515 and supporting documentation by the submission deadline, your visa status will be terminated and you will need to exit the United States immediately or file immediately for reinstatement with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Make sure to read through the Travel Abroad Information sheet on the ISS website on traveling, maintaining status, and important information about your student visa. Also check the ISS website for the latest updates on Immigration Changes before traveling.
You may legally remain in the United States with an expired J-1 visa as long as you continue to otherwise maintain your J-1 status. If your visa expires and you exit the United States, in most cases, you will need a valid, unexpired J-1 visa to reenter the United States.
You must be outside the US to apply for or renew a US visa. ISS can provide general tips on how to apply for a re-entry visa at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad: Renewing Your Student Visa However, you must do research yourself as to what specific requirements are for your citizenship. Please ensure that your passport, DS2019, and travel signatures are all valid before applying for a visa. If you need to request a new travel signature, plan to do so at least two weeks prior to departure date.
Certain nonimmigrants may be able to reenter the US with an expired visa if they meet requirements. The travel may be for business or pleasure and for a maximum stay of 30 days. Visit the US Department of State website to determine whether you qualify for this type of travel:
US Dept of State Automatic Revalidation of Visa
If you determine you would be eligible to reenter the U.S. under the automatic revalidation provision, ensure that you have a valid passport, DS-2019, and travel signature. Please read this bulletin carefully as it mentions additional restrictions from using this regulation that may apply to your situation.
Please note that you may need a visa to enter the country to which you are traveling. Be sure to check with that country's consulate concerning visa requirements.
Note regarding the I-94: It is also recommended to carry a print of your electronic I-94 when using the auto-revalidation option (and keep a copy for your records). Access your I-94 on USCBP's I-94 site. If you still have a paper I-94, it is recommended that you retain it for your reentry to the US.
Some students choose to renew their U.S. visa in Canada or Mexico, although ISS typically advises students to do this in their home country in case there are delays in visa processing. You must research whether applying for a visa in Canada or Mexico is a possibility for citizens of your country, and what the requirements are. Please see the following US Embassy & Consulates websites for more information.