Stanford
Bechtel International Center Bechtel International Center

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. 

See Do I need a Travel Signature (video) if you are unsure whether you need a new travel signature.

Getting a Travel Signature

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

  • Drop-off — Drop your I-20/DS-2019 off in the red lockbox at Bechtel International Center Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Your document will be signed and ready to pick up in the lobby the next weekday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You will find your document in an envelope in a mail holder by the stairs.
  • Emergency Walk-in — If you need your I-20 or DS-2019 signed for unexpected or emergency travel in the next 24 hours, bring a physical copy of your most recently issued I-20 or DS-2019 to Bechtel Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. or 1 and 4 p.m. Visit the front desk on the second floor to obtain a new travel signature. 

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.