Winter Travel Reminders for F/J Students and Scholars

International Travel

• Many of you may be planning to travel during the break between Fall and Winter Terms. If you plan to leave and re-enter the U.S. this Winter, be sure you have all the re-entry documents listed at Re-entry to the U.S. If you need assistance outside of the International Center’s normal business hours (for example, you are being detained at the border), contact the University of Michigan Police Department at 734-763-1131.
• If you need a new travel signature, use the travel signature request in M-Passport. If you request a new travel signature, remember that you do not need to download your signed I-20 or DS-2019 before you leave, but you must download, print and sign/date it before you re-enter the U.S.
  • Please plan ahead and submit your request for a new travel signature in a timely fashion if you need a new travel signature. We generally require 5-10 business days for all requests, and the IC will be closed between December 25 and January 1 for the holidays.
  • Please keep in mind that a travel signature is valid for one year, or up to the I-20/DS-2019 end date, whichever is sooner. Travel signatures are also valid for multiple trips while they are valid.
• If you need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the U.S.
  • The Department of State now advises nonimmigrant applicants to schedule their visa appointment at a consular post in their country of citizenship or residence.
  • It also may be helpful to review the International Center Video: Preparing for the F/J visa interview, in particular since expanded social media screening is now part of the visa application process.
  • The Department of State has also increased vetting, so students should expect slower visa processing times.
  • Since visa interview waivers are generally not available, you will need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.
• There are some travel restrictions (travel bans) currently in effect. Presidential Proclamation Imposes New Travel Restrictions has information about impacted countries.
• If you are taking a cruise, the cruise officials may want to see your printed and signed I-20/DS-2019 BEFORE you board. Make sure you have the documents needed to re-enter the U.S. before, during, and after your cruise
• U-M students, staff, and current faculty traveling abroad are encouraged to register their travel.

Domestic Travel

• In the Ann Arbor area: You should always have your most recent I-94 record available. By law, foreign nationals 18 years and older are required to carry proof of their immigration status ("registration") with them. Your Most Recent I-94 serves as this registration. Either save a screenshot of your Most Recent I-94 (not the I-94 travel history) on your phone or carry a printout.
• Some distance from Ann Arbor: you should bring the following original documents on your trip:
  • Passport
  • I-20 or DS-2019 (printed and signed/dated)
  • Printout of your electronic Most Recent Form I-94. Your I-94 is your “registration document” which by regulation you should always have with you. With increased security precautions, particularly at airports, you should ensure you are in compliance.