Are you planning to travel within the U.S. or internationally?
Domestic Travel (Within the U.S.)
- Nonimmigrant students in F or J status must carry immigration documents at all times.
- Recommended documents:
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
- EAD card (if applicable)
- Travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights.
- If you do not have a REAL ID, you must use an alternative acceptable form of ID (e.g., passport).
International Travel
Travel Signatures
To reenter the U.S., you must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- F-1/F-2: Travel endorsement is on page 2 of the I-20.
- J-1/J-2: Travel endorsement is on page 1 of the DS-2019 (lower right corner).
You do not need a travel signature to leave the U.S., only to reenter.
Validity
- Travel signatures are valid for one year (or until the program end date, whichever comes first).
- Those on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training or the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension have an exception: Signature valid for 6 months only.
- If you already have a valid signature, you do not need a new one every trip.
If You Travel Without a Valid Travel Signature
You may:
- Be denied reentry, or
- Be issued an I-515A and granted only 30 days of temporary admission.
If you receive an I-515A, meet with an International Program Advisor immediately.
Requesting a Travel Signature
Plan ahead! UCF Global ISSS processing time is 5 – 7 business days (closed on weekends and university holidays).
UCF Winter Break Closure: Dec. 20, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026.
F-1 Students
Email your most recent Form I-20 to intladvising@ucf.edu with:
- Full name
- UCF ID
- Intended return date
You will receive a signed Form I-20 with a travel signature by email. Print and sign page 1 in ink before traveling.
J-1 Students
Email your most recent Form DS-2019 to Hend Suhail at hend.suhail@ucf.edu with:
- Full name
- UCF ID
- Intended return date
You will receive a signed Form DS-2019 with a travel signature by email. Print and sign page 1 in the Exchange Visitor Certification section.
Winter Break Return Recommendation
Plan to return to the U.S. before classes resume on Monday, January 12, 2026 so you are ready for the first day of in-person classes.
- Entry into the U.S. is decided by the port of entry officer.
- If you arrive after classes have resumed, you may face additional scrutiny at the U.S port of entry.
- Once you’ve reentered the U.S., UCF Global recommends checking your I-94 to ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) admitted you in the correct status.
Visa Renewal Reminders
If you must renew your visa, review the necessary documents and appointment availability at travel.state.gov.
- Review required documents and appointment availability.
- Current U.S. Department of State policies include:
- Expanded screening of student and exchange visitor applicants (including social media review).
- Interview waivers ended for most applicants (effective Sept. 2, 2025).
- Reduced visa validity for some countries (3 months, single entry).
Applicants should not schedule visa appointments in countries where they are not citizens or residents (updated Oct. 10, 2025).
For this and other updates, visit the ISSS News and Updates page.