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. 

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 during the open hours; between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, except for Tuesday, the hours are between 1-4:30 p.m. Please also note the front office will be closed daily for lunch between 12-12:30pm daily, so please plan accordingly.
  • 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 signed document will be ready to be picked up in the next 2 business days at our front office, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Please also note the front office will be closed daily for lunch between 12-12:30pm daily, so please plan accordingly.

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:

  • Walk-in — Bring a physical copy of your most recently issued DS-2019 to Bechtel during the open hours; between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, except for Tuesday, the hours are between 1-4:30 p.m. Please also note the front office will be closed daily for lunch between 12-12:30pm daily, so please plan accordingly.
  • 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 documents can be picked up between 8:30am – 4:30pm the next 2 business days at our front office, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, except for Tuesday, the hours are between 1-4:30 p.m. Please also note the front office will be closed daily for lunch between 12-12:30pm daily, so please plan accordingly.
  • Walk-in Advising — every Thursday, 1-4pm, upstairs. No appointment necessary.
  • In-person Orientation — See schedule here.