If you are an international student studying in the United States, you are required to have a valid Form I-20 and a travel signature in order to re-enter the country after traveling abroad. However, what happens if you forget to get your travel signature before leaving the country? In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to handle the situation.
What is a Travel Signature?
A travel signature is a stamp or endorsement on your Form I-20 that indicates that you are authorized to travel outside of the United States and re-enter the country. It is required for all international students who plan to travel outside of the United States and return to continue their studies. The travel signature is typically valid for one year or until the end of your program, whichever comes first.
What Happens if You Forget to Get a Travel Signature?
If you forget to get a travel signature before leaving the country, you will not be able to re-enter the United States until you obtain a new one. This means that you may be stuck outside of the United States for an extended period of time, which can be very stressful and costly.
What Should You Do if You Forget to Get a Travel Signature?
If you forget to get a travel signature, the first thing you should do is contact your Designated School Official (DSO) as soon as possible. Your DSO is the person at your school who is authorized to sign your Form I-20 and provide you with a travel signature. They will be able to advise you on the next steps you need to take and help you obtain a new travel signature.
How Can You Obtain a New Travel Signature?
In order to obtain a new travel signature, you will need to follow these steps:
- Get in touch with your DSO as soon as possible.
- Provide your DSO with a valid reason for your travel and the expected date of your return.
- Submit your Form I-20 to your DSO for signature.
- Wait for your Form I-20 to be signed and returned to you.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining a new travel signature can take several days or even weeks, depending on your school’s policies and procedures. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and make sure that you have a valid travel signature before leaving the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long is a travel signature valid? | A: A travel signature is typically valid for one year or until the end of your program, whichever comes first. |
Q: What should I do if I forget to get a travel signature? | A: Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) as soon as possible to obtain a new travel signature. |
Q: How long does it take to obtain a new travel signature? | A: The process of obtaining a new travel signature can take several days or even weeks, depending on your school’s policies and procedures. |
Now that you know what to do if you forget to get a travel signature, you can take the necessary steps to ensure that you are able to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad. Remember to plan ahead and contact your DSO as soon as possible if you need a new travel signature.