You do not need to be in East Lansing to request a travel signature. You can request a travel signature from anywhere in the world. Students must complete the Request a Travel Signature e-form. 

What is a Travel Signature?

A travel signature is a signature from your Designated School Official (OISS advisor) on your I-20. The signature serves as a confirmation that you are maintaining your F-1 status. A valid travel signature is required for re-entry to the United States., including trips to Canada, Mexico and the various island around North America. 

How can I check to see if I have a valid travel signature?

F-1 students can find the travel signature on the bottom of page 2 on their I-20. Travel signatures are located under the Travel Endorsement section on page. Each travel signature is valid for ONE year if you are an enrolled students. So if your most recent I-20 lists a travel signature of November 15, 2023, then you are eligible to continue using this travel signature until November 14, 2023. 

Students on OPT or STEM OPT have SIX months validity.

How do I request a new travel signature?

To request a travel signature, you must

• Check your most recent I-20 to confirm if you already have a valid travel signature.

If you do not have a valid travel signature

• Complete the Request a Travel Signature e-form. An electronic I-20 will be emailed to students within 8-10 business days.

How do I download my updated I-20 with travel signature?

Once you submit a travel signature request, the request will be reviewed by your OISS advisor within 8-10 business days. An electronic I-20 will be issued and emailed to your MSU email address. You need to carefully follow the instructions to download the I-20. You must PRINT and sign page 1 of your I-20 by hand. You must present your valid I-20 with travel signature and passport when entering the United States. 

What happens if I try to enter the United States without a valid travel signature?

If you arrive at a U.S. port of entry without a travel signature or required travel documents, the customs officer may deny you entry into the United States. 

Alternatively, the customs officer may issue a Form I-515A. 

During your studies at MSU, you may wish to travel outside of the United States from time to time.  In order to return to the United States after a temporary absence, F-1 students must present specific documents to the immigration inspector at the port of entry:

• A valid passport (valid six months into the future)
• A valid F-1 visa stamp (not required for Canadians)
• A valid I-20 Form with a travel signature on page 2 within the last year (for continuing students)
• Students on OPT: An EAD and an employment letter from the current employer
• Students on OPT: Travel signature on your I-20 that is less than six months at the time of entry

Other documents that are recommended:

• Proof of financial support. (Bring copies of documents mentioned on your I-20 funding letter or bank statements for personal funds.)
• Proof of course enrollment at MSU

• At the port of entry, the U.S. Customers and Border Officer will inspect your I-20 Form and give it back to you.
• The Border Officer will also inspect your passport and F-1 visa (if applicable), issue an admission stamp, write "F-1/DS", and return your passport to you.
• The Border Officer may or may not request to see the other documents listed above.

OISS recommends that you contact your home country's U.S. Consulate for details regarding visa issuance and renewal requirements.

U.S. Consulate Application and Appointment

• Go to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy website where you will apply for a list of required documents, forms, and instructions on how to apply for an F-1 visa. Please be aware that each consulate or embassy may require different information and have specific application procedures.
• If allowed, schedule a visa appointment in advance with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
• Find a U.S. Consulate or Embassy website on the U.S. Department of State website.

Required Documents

• Passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you reenter the U.S.
• Valid I-20 with a travel signature from OISS that has been signed within past 12 months (6 months for students on OPT and STEM OPT). Make sure that your I-20 is accurate and up-to-date, especially funding information.
• Updated funding documentation matching the information displayed on your I-20.
• For students on post-completion OPT and STEM OPT:
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Letter from your employer that verifies your employment

Other Documents Consulates May Request

• MSU Transcripts. If you have been dual enrolled with another institution such as Lansing Community College, you must also have transcripts from the other institution.
• Proof of past, present and future enrollment at MSU. This can include transcripts, StuInfo print outs, or an Enrollment Verification Letter.
• Current financial documents such as a copy of a bank statement, assistantship offer letter, or other documentation.
• All previous I-20s.
• Proof of your social and economic ties to your home country.

For more information, please consult with an OISS advisor.

Before you apply for your student visa it is important to prepare yourself. Not only is it important to have your documents organized, it is also important to prepare for the visa interview. Here are two websites that offer valuable tips to help you get ready. 

U.S. Department of State - Education USA

U.S. Department of State - Education USA Tips to Apply For Your U.S. Student Visa

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

NAFSA 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

It is very important to work with OISS to address the Form I-515A within the 30 days given to you. It is serious and can become a problem if you do not address the matter. Not taking action could mean that you will not be able to remain in the United States.

If you receive a Form I-515A, you must do the following, immediately:

1. Meet with an OISS advisor the next business day after arriving in the U.S.
2. Respond to the I-515A Notice with the help of an OISS advisor.
3. Submit required documents to CBP within 30 days of your entry date.

If you fail to complete any required actions or send all of the required documents to SEVP within 30 days of entering the U.S., your SEVIS record and I-20 may be Terminated. If your SEVIS record and I-20 are Terminated, you will be required to leave the United States immediately or file for Reinstatement to F-1 status with USCIS, if you are eligible. 

Individuals with expired visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation. Learn more on our Automatic Visa Revalidation webpage.

In order to enter Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands you may need a visa issued by the government of the country you are planning to visit. It is your responsibility to know what documents you need to enter other countries and to find out how to get a visa for the countries you are planning to visit. OISS does not advise students on how to get non-U.S. visas. Here are links to the Government of Canada and Government of Mexico websites: 

Government of Canada Visit Canada

Government of Mexico Visas 

When traveling in the U.S. take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired Passport
• Valid I-20 
• Electronic I-94 form or paper I-94 card. You can get and print your electronic I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• Another form of photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or MSU ID

You do not need a valid visa or travel signature on your I-20 to travel within the U.S. This includes travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Valid DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS signed within the past 12 months
• Valid J-1 or J-2 visa stamp in your passport
  • Check the expiration date. If your visa stamp is expired, you must renew your visa at a U.S. Consulate during your travel outside the U.S. Canadians do not need J visas to enter the U.S. Individuals with expired J visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada and Mexico. Click on the Travel to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands tab for more information.  
• Valid Passport
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry into the U.S. If your passport is valid for less than 6 months, then you should renew your passport prior to re-entry or you risk being denied entry into the U.S.

• At the port of entry, the U.S. Customers and Border Officer will inspect the DS-2019, passport, and J-1 or J-2 visa.
• If the officer is satisfied with the documentation, you will be granted admission to the U.S. The officer will document the admission with a stamp in your passport that says “J-1 D/S” or "J-2 D/S".
• If the officer has further questions about your documentation or your status, you may be sent to secondary inspection. This may delay your travel plans.
• If your documentation is found to be lacking, you may either be denied entry to the U.S. or be issued an I-515A, which only allows you to stay in the U.S. for 30 days. In order to extend your stay beyond the 30 days, you must see an OISS advisor immediately for assistance.

OISS recommends that you contact your home country's U.S. Consulate for details regarding visa issuance and renewal requirements.

U.S. Consulate Application and Appointment

• Visit the U.S. Consulate web site for a list of required documents, forms, and further instructions on how to renew your visa. Please be aware that each consulate may require different information and have specific application procedures.
• If allowed, schedule a visa appointment in advance with the U.S. Consulate.
• Find a U.S. consulate nearest to where you will be.

Required Documents

• Passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you reenter the U.S.
• Valid DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS that has been signed within past 12 months. Make sure that your DS-2019 is accurate and up-to-date, especially funding information.
• Updated funding documentation matching the information displayed on your DS-2019.
• For students on post-completion Academic Training, obtain an updated confirmation letter from your employer.

Other Documents Consulates May Request

• MSU Transcripts. If you have been dual enrolled with another institution such as Lansing Community College, you must also have transcripts from the other institution.
• Proof of past, present and future enrollment at MSU. This can include transcripts, StuInfo print outs, or an Enrollment Verification Letter.
• Current financial documents such as a copy of a bank statement, assistantship offer letter, or other documentation.
• All previous DS-2019s.
• Proof of your social and economic ties to your home country.

For more information, please consult with an OISS advisor.

Before you apply for your student visa it is important to prepare yourself. Not only is it important to have your documents organized, it is also important to prepare for the visa interview. Here are two websites that offer valuable tips to help you get ready. 

U.S. Department of State - Education USA

U.S. Department of State - Education USA Tips to Apply For Your U.S. Student Visa

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

NAFSA 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

Individuals with expired visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation. Learn more on our Automatic Visa Revalidation webpage.

In order to enter Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands you may need a visa issued by the government of the country you are planning to visit. It is your responsibility to know what documents you need to enter other countries and to find out how to get a visa for the countries you are planning to visit. OISS does not advise students on how to get non-U.S. visas. Here are links to the Government of Canada and Government of Mexico websites: 

Government of Canada Visit Canada

Government of Mexico Visas 

When traveling in the U.S. take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired Passport
• Valid DS-2019
• Electronic I-94 form or paper I-94 card. You can get and print your electronic I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• Another form of photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or MSU ID

You do not need a valid visa or travel signature on your DS-2019 to travel within the U.S. This includes travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Valid DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS signed within the past 12 months
• Valid J-1 or J-2 visa stamp in your passport
  • Check the expiration date. If your visa stamp is expired, you must renew your visa at a U.S. Consulate during your travel outside the U.S. Canadians do not need J visas to enter the U.S. Individuals with expired J visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada and Mexico. Click on the Travel to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands tab for more information.  
• Valid Passport
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry into the U.S. If your passport is valid for less than 6 months, then you should renew your passport prior to re-entry or you risk being denied entry into the U.S.

• At the port of entry, the U.S. Customers and Border Officer will inspect the DS-2019, passport, and J-1 or J-2 visa.
• If the officer is satisfied with the documentation, you will be granted admission to the U.S. The officer will document the admission with a stamp in your passport that says “J-1 D/S” or "J-2 D/S".
• If the officer has further questions about your documentation or your status, you may be sent to secondary inspection. This may delay your travel plans.
• If your documentation is found to be lacking, you may either be denied entry to the U.S. or be issued an I-515A, which only allows you to stay in the U.S. for 30 days. In order to extend your stay beyond the 30 days, you must see an OISS advisor immediately for assistance.

OISS recommends that you contact your home country's U.S. Consulate for details regarding visa issuance and renewal requirements.

U.S. Consulate Application and Appointment

• Visit the U.S. Consulate web site for a list of required documents, forms, and further instructions on how to renew your visa. Please be aware that each consulate may require different information and have specific application procedures.
• If allowed, schedule a visa appointment in advance with the U.S. Consulate.
• Find a U.S. consulate nearest to where you will be.

Required Documents

• Passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you reenter the U.S.
• Valid DS-2019 with a travel signature from OISS that has been signed within past 12 months. Make sure that your DS-2019 is accurate and up-to-date, especially funding information.
• Updated J-1 scholar invitation letter from your MSU host department.
• Updated funding documentation matching the information displayed on your DS-2019.

Other Documents Consulates May Request

• All previous DS-2019s.
• Proof of your social and economic ties to your home country.

For more information, please consult with an OISS advisor.

Individuals with expired visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, and Adjacent Islands. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation. Learn more on our Automatic Visa Revalidation webpage.

In order to enter Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands you may need a visa issued by the government of the country you are planning to visit. It is your responsibility to know what documents you need to enter other countries and to find out how to get a visa for the countries you are planning to visit. OISS does not advise scholars on how to get non-U.S. visas. Here are links to the Government of Canada and Government of Mexico websites: 

Government of Canada Visit Canada

Government of Mexico Visas

When traveling in the U.S. take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired Passport
• Valid DS-2019
• Electronic I-94 form or paper I-94 card. You can get and print your electronic I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• Another form of photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or MSU ID

You do not need a valid visa or travel signature on your DS-2019 to travel within the U.S. This includes travel to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

J-1 Research Scholars or Professors who plan to depart the U.S. for more than 30 days and will continue to engage in their J-1 program from abroad must have prior permission from OISS in order to maintain J-1 visa status during the absence. OISS must process an out-of-country permission in SEVIS in order to keep the J-1 record active. 

If you plan to be absent from the U.S. for more than 30 days while pursuing your program goals abroad, you must complete the J-1 Scholar Out-Of-Country E-form located in “J-1 Scholar Services” in http://myoiss.msu.edu. The e-form describes the requirements for this process, including an endorsement letter from your host department. You may contact OISS with any questions at: jvisas(at)msu.edu.

Please note that if you plan to be absent from the U.S. for more than 30 days and will NOT pursue your program activities, your J-1 status will end on your date of departure. Please file the Notice of Planned Departure e-form located in “J-1 Scholar Services" in http://myoiss.msu.edu.

H-1B Employees

• Passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of reentry
• Valid H-1B visa (Canadians do not need a visa)
• Original H-1B approval notice

H-4 Dependents:

• Passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the date of reentry
• Valid H-4 visa (Canadians do not need a visa)
• Copy of the H-1B Approval Notice
• Copy of birth or marriage document establishing relationship to H-1B

Non-immigrants need to have valid passports when entering the U.S. and at all times while in the U.S. Every time you travel, your passport expiration date will be checked. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into the U.S. If your passport is not valid for the entire length of your intended stay in the U.S., the DHS officer has ability to limit your stay to the expiration date on your passport. Check your I-94 form and entry stamp in your passport after every trip abroad for accuracy. 

At the time of entry, the H-1B or H-4 visa in your passport must be valid. If your visa is not valid, you must apply for new visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad (usually in your home country) before returning to the U.S.

Visa stamp expiration dates and number of entries can vary. Always check to make sure your H-1B or H-4 visa is valid on the date that you will enter U.S.

H-1B Visa Required Documents

• Valid Passport
  
  
• Original and valid H-1B approval notice, copy of form I-129, and copy of Labor Condition Application. Email oiss(at)msu.edu to request these documents.

• Updated employment verification letter from your department stating that you are currently employed, dates of employment, salary, job title and brief description of job duties or several recent paystubs confirming H-1B employment.
  
  
• Previously in J status in the U.S.
  If you were subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement and you received a waiver of the requirement, when you apply for a H-1B visa you will need the original I-797 approval notice for the waiver Form I-612 from the Department of Homeland Security.

H-4 Visa Required Documents

• Valid Passport
• Copy of the I-797 H-1B approval notice
• Copy of birth or marriage document establishing relationship to H-1B

Visa Application Procedures

Every U.S. Consulate has different requirements. Consult the website of the U.S. Consulate you plan to visit to schedule an appointment and to learn the specific document requirements. Find the website of the U.S. Consulate you plan to visit on the U.S. Department of State website. If you can, make your visa interview appointment before leaving the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admit you to the U.S. with an electronic I-94 at the Port of Entry or a paper I-94 when entering at a land border or sea border and other limited circumstances. Travelers will also receive a CBP admission stamp in their passports.

• The new admission stamp will have the date of admission to the U.S., the class of admission (H-1B or H-4) and the date when the H-1B or H-4 status will end.
  
  
• After entering the U.S., you will need to print out your I-94 on the I-94 website. Your I-94 printout will show your admission number. You will need your I-94 printout to apply for immigration and public benefits such as a Driver's License or Social Security Number.
  
  
• After you print out your I-94, verify that all information is correct. For example, make sure the end date matches your current I-797 approval notice. If the I-94 information is incorrect, please contact OISS. OISS can advise you on how to request a correction. Also check dependent I-94 records.
  
  
• When you leave the U.S., if you have a paper I-94 card, you will still give it to your airline at check-in or to CBP. If you have an electronic I-94, CBP will record your departure using Manifest information obtained from the commercial carrier.

What causes a SAO?

An SAO may be required for many reasons, including:

• name check
• being a national of certain countries
• conducting research in an academic field on the Technology Alert List (TAL). Boston University published the 2002 Department of State TAL on the International Student and Scholar Office website. While this list may no longer be accurate, it will give you an idea of the types of academic fields that the Department of State may consider sensitive for security purposes. For example, most visa applicants with a degree in physics should expect a security clearance. 

How long does an SAO take?

Most security clearance checks are done in 30 days or less, but some can take longer. Many in the academic community have reported wait times of 2 to 4 months or longer. 

Can OISS or MSU do anything to speed up the SAO?

There is nothing that OISS or MSU can do to speed up the SAO. We can send a support email to the Consulate if an email address is available, report the delay to professional organizations that advocate for improved immigration policies and practices in the U.S., or notify our Congressional representative. However, none of these actions have been particularly successful for individual cases. For the most part, these notifications only serve to help advocate for overall immigration reform in the U.S. 

Can I provide any documents to the Consulate in order to avoid an SAO?

There is no specific list of documents that guarantee that you will not be subject to an SAO. However, it may be helpful to provide the Consulate a letter from your Principal Investigator or Supervisor at MSU. The letter should briefly state, in simple terms, and in 5 bullet points or less:

• applications of the research you will conduct
• the type of research (basic or applied)
• other information to help the Consular Officer determine whether an SAO is needed or not

DO NOT travel outside of the U.S. while your change of a status is pending.

USCIS considers you have abandoned the change of a status portion of the petition, if you travel outside of the U.S. while your change of a status is pending.

If you left the US while an application for change to H-1B status was pending and then reenter the US in another non-immigrant category, you are not considered to be in H-1B status. In that case, the individual would have to leave the US with the approval notice, obtain an H-1B visa stamp and re-enter in H-1B status.

Those currently in H-1B status who have a pending H extension/amendment may travel as long as their current I-797 H-1B approval notice is valid and the visa stamp is valid.

Note: if the I-797 H-1B approval notice has expired, the applicant cannot enter into the U.S in H-1B status. Individuals in this situation should consult OISS before traveling.

Individuals with expired visas may be eligible to reenter the U.S. after a short trip of less than 30 days to Canada and Mexico. This is called Automatic Visa Revalidation. Learn more on our Automatic Visa Revalidation webpage.

In order to enter Canada or Mexico you may need a visa issued by the Government of Canada or Mexico. It is your responsibility to know what documents you need to get a visa and enter Canada or Mexico. OISS does not advise on how to get non-U.S. visas. Here are links to the Government of Canada and Government of Mexico websites: 

Government of Canada Visit Canada

Government of Mexico Visas 

When traveling in the U.S. or to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands take the following documents with you:

• Unexpired Passport
• Electronic I-94 form or paper I-94 card. You can get and print your electronic I-94 form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website
• Another form of photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or MSU ID