Skip Navigation

Travel Outside the U.S. and Re-entry to the U.S.

In the past few years, there have been a number of changes that may affect international students and scholars who plan to leave and re-enter the United States. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the  U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have increased the level of review that international visitors face at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, at airports, and at border crossing posts with Canada and Mexico. Travelers should review the information provided here so they can be as prepared as possible for their re-entry into the U.S. For initial entry, review the pre-arrival information specified for students and scholars we have available on our website.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., it is important to be aware of the following:

  • OIS can never guarantee re-entry to the U.S. as the decision is up to Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • The best way to plan for seeking entry to the U.S. is to make sure that you have all required documentation for entry to the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status
  • Carry OIS emergency contact information with you and reach out to us if a CBP official needs to verify the details of your visa status

*OIS does not have any specific information about upcoming changes in federal travel policies; however, changes could occur on or around January 20th. If you cannot afford an interruption in your studies, research or teaching due to an indefinite period abroad, you may want to arrange your travel plans – especially if travel is nonessential – to return to the U.S. no later than January 19, 2025.*

Documentation Required for Entry to the U.S.

Be sure to have your physical documents in your carry-on luggage ready to present to U.S. customs officers.

  • Valid passport – your passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future at the time of entry unless exempt by country-specific agreements
  • Valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in your passport
    • Citizens of Canada are exempt from this requirement
    • You may be able to re-enter the U.S. using an expired visa stamp if eligible for Automatic Revalidation
    • If applicable, review information on Visa Renewal
  • Valid I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) with current travel signature
    • Review your I-20 or DS-2019 to ensure all information is up-to-date
    • You should print and then sign in ink any electronically transmitted I-20 or DS-2019

Documentation that may be helpful when entering the U.S.

  • Documentation of your financial support- this could be personal funds, a JHU admission or offer letter, appointment letter, or letter from an outside source that provides your funding
  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
  • Unofficial transcript or verification of enrollment (students only)

Travel Signatures

All individuals in F-1 and J-1 status are required to obtain a travel signature in order to return to the U.S. after a period of international travel. 

Instructions for requesting a travel signature are below. Please plan ahead and allow up to 10 business days for issuing your I-20 or DS-2019 with the travel signature. OIS will process your request and issue the I-20 or DS-2019 electronically.

Click here for instructions on how you can access your document once it is issued. 

*NOTE: You should print and then sign in ink any electronically transmitted I-20 or DS-2019.

F-1 Students

  • Request a travel signature or I-20 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/I-20 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the F-1 Student Services section
  • Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the I-20 expires, whichever is earlier. During F-1 OPT, the travel signature is valid for 6 months or until the OPT EAD expires, whichever is earlier

J-1 Students

  • Request a travel signature or DS-2019 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/DS-2019 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the J-1 Student Services section
  • Travel signatures are valid for one year or until the DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier

J-1 Scholars

  • Request a travel signature or DS-2019 reprint by submitting the “Travel Signature/DS-2019 Reprint Form” in iHopkins under the J-1 Scholar Services section
  • Travel signatures are valid for one year or until DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier. For J-1 short-term scholars, the signature is valid for 6 months or until the DS-2019 expires, whichever is earlier

For J-1 Alien Physicians sponsored by ECFMG, only ECFMG personnel can provide the required travel validation signature.  Please consult the ECFMG travel page for more information.