How to Get a Travel Signature

F-1 students and dependents, and J-1 students/scholars and dependents who are leaving the United States but plan to return need a valid travel signature on their I-20 (for F visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas) authorizing re-entry into the U.S. 

For Stanford-sponsored visas, the travel signature is provided by Bechtel International Center. If your visa is sponsored by another organization (e.g., Fulbright), contact the sponsor to provide the travel signature. 

Travel Signature Open House: We host this event quarterly, and the exact dates and times will be shared via our Instagram and newsletter.

Getting a Travel Signature

J-1/F-1 Students

If you need a new travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019, you can:

• Walk-in — Bring a physical copy of your most recently issued I-20 or DS-2019 to Bechtel Monday-Friday between 1 and 4 p.m. to walk-in advising.
• Drop-off — Drop your I-20/DS-2019 off in the red lockbox at Bechtel International Center Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your document will be signed and ready to pick up in the lobby in two business days between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You will find your document in an envelope in a mail holder by the stairs.

Graduated students outside the Stanford area but still on a Stanford-sponsored visa (e.g., on post-OPT or STEM-OPT) who need a new travel signature should complete the I-20 Reprint Request on Bechtel Connect.

J-1 Scholars

If you need a new travel signature on your DS-2019, you can:

• Drop-off — Drop your DS-2019 off in the red lockbox at Bechtel International Center Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your document will be signed and ready to pick up in the lobby in two business days between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You will find your document in an envelope in a mail holder by the stairs.
• Walk-in Advising — every Thursday, 1-4pm, upstairs. No appointment necessary.
• In-person Orientation — See schedule here.