I-20/DS-2019 TRAVEL SIGNATURE

Check if Your Travel Signature is Expired

• You do not need a new I-20/DS-2019 travel signature every time you travel internationally, if your current signature is still valid. See below to confirm whether it is still valid or already expired.

Enrolled F-1 Students:

• Check page 2 of your current I-20, and if the travel signature will be more than one year old at the time you plan to return to the U.S., then you need to renew it before returning to the U.S.

F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Extension Students:

• Check page 2 of your current I-20, and if the travel signature will be more than 6 months old at the time you plan to return to the U.S., then you need to renew it before returning to the U.S.

J-1 Students:

• Check page 1 of your current DS-2019, and if the travel signature will be more than one year old at the time you plan to return to the U.S., then you need to renew it before returning to the U.S.

You are eligible to renew your travel signature:

• If you are enrolled in at least 12 academic units at UC San Diego during the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters, or
• If you are enrolled below 12 academic units, but have an approved Reduced Course Load authorization, or
• If you have applied for or have an approved post-completion F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT) employment authorization.

You are not eligible to renew your travel signature: 

• If your SEVIS record at UC San Diego has been terminated due to visa status violations, or
• If your SEVIS record at UC San Diego has completed due to your program completion, or
• If your SEVIS record at UC San Diego has been released/transferred out to another school.

• Log in to  iportal.ucsd.edu .
• Go to "Services" tab.
• Select "Travel Signature I-20/DS-2019 Request".
• Complete your request.
• "Submit" your request.

• A new I-20/DS-2019 with a new travel signature will be ready in 3 business days.
  • Please note that your new I-20 will be uploaded to your request. Electronic delivery of I-20 forms is now allowed by SEVP (as part of the measures addressing the COVID-19 emergency) for the purposes of entering the U.S., and it is a faster, safer and more health-conscious delivery method than mailing a hard copy.
  • However, you will still need to print, sign, and carry the hard copy when returning to the U.S.
• You can check the status of your request anytime by logging in to iPortal and clicking on "My Requests" tab.
• A notification email will be sent to you when your document is ready.
• Sign your new I-20/DS-2019 when you receive it, and keep your previous I-20/DS-2019 for your records, do NOT throw it away.