Tips to Prepare for International Travel

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

For F & J International Students and Scholars.

• You must have a valid travel signature from ISSS.

  • If you need a new signature, complete the travel signature eform in iPenn https://www.ipenn.oip.upenn.edu/

  • Check the F-1 or J-1 entry visa in your passport. (except Canadian/Bermudian citizens)

    • If your visa will expire before you return to the US, please see https://global.upenn.edu/isss/visa

• Check travel restrictions

  • There are travel restrictions currently in effect for citizens of Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Somalia.

  • Please reference the following link for specific travel and visa restrictions for each country subject to the ban. http://www.nafsa.org/Content.aspx?id=57729

• For more travel details, please review http://global.upenn.edu/isss/travel

RE-ENTRY TO THE UNITED STATES

I-515A ISSUANCE

1. If you realize you do you not have a valid travel signature for re-entry, don’t panic.

   • If you return to the U.S. with a missing or outdated travel signature I-20/DS-2019, you may be issued a Form I-515A by Customs and Border Protection. 

   • If you are issued a Form I-515A, meet with ISSS immediately to avoid jeopardizing your legal status in the U.S.

I-94 ANNOTATION

• Upon re-entry to the US, check that the I-94 stamp was properly annotated by the immigration officer during inspection.

• Proper annotation of your I-94:

  • F-1 students/dependents:  "F-1"/“F-2” and "D/S"  

  • J-1 students and scholars/dependents:  "J-1"/”J-2” and "D/S" 

• Access your electronic I-94 printout at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94

  • If you cannot locate your electronic I-94 and/or discover any errors on the passport entry stamp, immediately meet with an ISSS advisor.

In case of an emergency, please follow the instructions at http://global.upenn.edu/isss/emergency

Have a safe and wonderful summer!

ISSS Staff