F-1: Travel Abroad

Your I-20 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.

Travel signatures are valid for a one year period from the date it was signed or until the I-20 expiration date, whichever comes first.

• Degree/program completion: The endorsement is no longer valid.  This may be the date you deposit your thesis, complete the semester, or graduate.

• Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT):  Travel signatures are valid for only 6 months during OPT period. Proof of US employment is required.

• Academically dropped, suspended, expelled or terminated:  Contact ISS immediately concerning your nonimmigrant status.  Do not use the Purdue I-20 to reenter the US.

• Foreign visa requirements: The country where you are travelling may require a new I-20 travel signature. Check with that country's consulate for their advice.

• Out of the US for more than 5 months: I-20 will no longer be valid for reentry.  Notify ISS of prolonged absences so we may best advise for 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.

Plan Ahead!

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, granting temporary admissions. 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 I-20/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 F-1 visa as long as you continue to otherwise maintain your F-1 status.  If your visa expires and you exit the United States, in most cases, you will need a valid, unexpired F-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 below on how to apply for a re-entry visa at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad. However, you must do research yourself as to what specific requirements are for your citizenship. Please ensure that your passport, I-20, 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.

Step One: Make visa appointment early

Follow the US Embassy/Consulate (.gov) instructions to schedule your visa interview appointment. Apply as far in advance as possible.

Step Two: Pay visa application fee

Follow the instructions found on the US Embassy/Consulate website (.gov).

Step Three: Complete Visa form

Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (state.gov). Make sure the US Embassy/Consulate you will attend has transitioned to this online form. If not, follow the instructions on the US Embassy or Consulate’s website.

Step Four: Gather documents for visa interview

• I-20 with travel signature from ISS along with all previously issued I-20 forms
  
• Valid passport
  
• Visa application fee receipt
  
• Confirmation page from your DS-160 visa application
  
• Original bank statements or Purdue funding letter showing sufficient funds to cover your
  expenses as listed on I-20
  
• Demonstration of residence abroad to which you plan to return after finishing your studies
  
• Official university transcripts (order online from your MyPurdue account)
  
• Some consulates/embassies may require passport size photographs
  
• If currently enrolled at Purdue: Certificate of Enrollment (order online from your myPurdue account)
• If dependents are accompanying you, make sure you have a certified copy of your marriage
  certificate as well as birth certificates for your children
  
• If on OPT, make sure you have your employer’s letter and EAD card
  
• If on AT, make sure you have your employer’s letter and the ISS letter authorizing employment

Step Five: Prepare for visa interview

Interview generally lasts only 2-3 minutes. Under US law, all nonimmigrant visa applicants are viewed as intending immigrants unless they convince the Consular Officer otherwise. You must show your reasons for returning to your home country following your studies. 

Be prepared to use English and speak for yourself. Answer all of the Officer’s questions concisely and honestly. Be able to explain how studying in the US relates to your future career plans. Know that lengthy supplemental documents cannot be quickly read or evaluated. People from certain countries and those studying certain technology majors may experience processing delays due to security background checks. Remember that the purpose of a student visa is to study and return home, not to work in the US. Be prepared to address how your dependents, if any, will support themselves in your absence. Keep a positive attitude. If denied, understand the reason why (and make sure you receive a written statement of that reason) and what to do the next time.

Step Six: Attend visa interview

Arrive early; remain calm!

Helpful Tips

Students are able to check on the visa wait times on Global Visa Wait Times (state.gov)

The Department of State requires that students apply for a visa in their country of nationality or residence.

For additional information, refer to Visas - United States Department of State (state.gov)

Relevant Govt Updates

On December 16, 2025, a presidential proclamation, Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States, was issued. It expanded the scope and application of a June 2025 proclamation (“Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats”). The December 2025 proclamation became effective January 1, 2026 at 12:01 AM Eastern Standard Time and applies to foreign nationals of the impacted countries who, on or after January 1, 2026, are outside of the United States and do not have a valid visa.  

The full travel restriction will suspend entry into the US by nationals of 19 countries and the Palestinian Authority unless they qualify for a limited exception. The updated list of countries subject to the full entry restriction are:  

Afghanistan, Burkina Faso,* Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos,* Libya, Mali,* Niger,* Palestinian Authority-issued documents,* Sierra Leone,* Somalia, South Sudan,* Sudan, Syria,* Yemen. 

The partial travel restriction has expanded from seven to 19 countries and suspends entry into the U.S. by nonimmigrants holding B-1, B2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas. The 19 countries subject to the partial entry restriction are: 

Angola,* Antigua and Barbuda,* Benin,* Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire,* Cuba, Dominica,* Gabon,* The Gambia,* Malawi,* Mauritania,* Nigeria,* Senegal,* Tanzania,* Togo, Tonga,* Venezuela, Zambia,* Zimbabwe.* 

*Denotes countries added on December 16, 2025. 
  
Additionally, the partial restriction on entry issued in June 2025 for citizens of Turkmenistan holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas was lifted; however, entry is suspended for nationals of Turkmenistan as immigrants. 
 
There are limited exceptions to the updated proclamation’s entry restrictions: 1) any lawful permanent resident of the U.S.; 2) dual nationals of a country subject to the restrictions when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country without such restrictions; 3) the following visa classifications: A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6; 4) athletes, coaches, and support staff traveling for specific sporting events, as determined by the Secretary of State; 5) Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. Government employees; and 6) immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran. The proclamation will be updated every 180 days. 
  
General guidance: If you are

• physically present in the US at 12:01 EST on Thursday, January 1, 2026 or 
• are in possession of a valid entry visa on or after that date,

then you are not subject to the restrictions in the proclamation; however, if you are outside the US and do not have a valid US entry visa on or after January 1, 2026, you will be prohibited from entering the country.

We recommend exercising caution when planning international travel and making a personal assessment of the potential risks associated with attempting to re-enter the US while your country of citizenship is subject to these restrictions.  

If you have upcoming international travel plans or are currently outside the United States and would like to consult about your situation, please contact the Director of Int'l Student Services, Chris Collins at ccollins@purdue.edu

Purdue’s ISS offices will continue to stay apprised of any developments. We will share any additional information as it becomes available and we stand ready to discuss concerns, including those related to travel, with all members of the campus community who may be impacted by this proclamation. 

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 Autorevalidation Site

If you determine you would be eligible to reenter the US under the automatic revalidation provision, ensure that you have a valid passport, I-20, 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.

If a visa application is part of your proposed travel plans, you must apply in your country of nationality or residence per recent State Department guidance (state.gov). Be sure to research the visa processing timeline at your Consulate of choice. Additionally, student applicants must change their social media settings to “public”; failure to do so for all accounts will result in denial of the visa application.