Requesting an F-1 Student Travel Signature (ISSS Portal)
Overview
Before considering any travel outside the US, it is important to fully understand the requirements and potential risks. All students considering travel should read our Traveling in F-1 Status guide for more information and a list of required documentation before proceeding.
F-1 students and F-2 dependents traveling outside the United States must have a current I-20 with a valid travel signature dated within 12 months of their return date. F-1 students authorized for Optional Practical Training must have a travel signature dated within 6 months of their return date.
The travel signature is located on the second page of the I-20 under the ‘Travel Endorsement’ heading.
A student who needs a new travel signature should submit a Travel Authorization Request in the ISSS Portal as early as possible. We recommend submitting your request at least two weeks before travel; requests are generally processed within 5-7 business days.
Do not bring your current I-20 to the CGE reception desk. ISSS will issue an updated I-20 for you with a valid travel signature and send it to you via email. This form I-20 is considered an original, signed document as per the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Policy Guidance, Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20, issued on October 21, 2021. This guidance is available at https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/I20-guidance.pdf.
Step One: Log into the ISSS Portal
Log into your ISSS Portal using this link: ISSS Portal .
If you are on OPT or STEM OPT and your NetID has expired, you may need to log in using a non-UT email using the blue hyperlink. Instructions for logging in without a netID are available here: https://utkisss.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQAfbg .
Select “Request” on the left hand side of the home screen. Click on the “F-1 Student Travel Signature Request” form under the “Student Available Requests.”
Step Two: Complete the Form and Submit
If you have any questions regarding travel, please type it in the requests and considerations box. An advisor may answer your questions in a confirmation email once they process your request.
Step Three: Print and Sign Your I-20
Once an advisor processes your request, you will receive an email with confirmation. Log in to the ISSS Portal and locate the I-20 with the travel signature under the Documents tab on the left hand side of home screen. Download the I-20, print it, and sign it. Carry this I-20 with you when traveling abroad. This is one of the required documents necessary for reentry into the United States.