Before you travel make sure your I-20 reflects your current situation. If there have been any changes in your situation (for example, if you have changed your major, or source(s) of financial support) that are not indicated on your current I-20, you will need to get a new one. You can contact SEVIS@cwu.edu about any changes on your I-20 that need to be made.

Travel Signature

If you leave the U.S. and plan to return to CWU to resume your program of study, you will need to have a signature from one of the five immigration designated school officials (DSOs) at CWU in order to re-enter the U.S. A travel endorsement (signature) which is found on page 2 of your I-20 is good for 12 months, or until the completion of your program, whichever comes first. However, it is strongly advised that you obtain a signature every six to eight months when traveling outside the U.S. and expect to re-enter.

If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) your travel signature will only be valid for 6 months from the date of signature.

It is your responsibility to obtain a signature from one of the DSOs at CWU. You can reach out through email to request a travel signature:

• Shelby King, SEVIS Coordinator, (Ellensburg and Westside) DSO
• Stacy Soderstrom, Assistant Director for International Student and Scholar Services, PDSO
• Roslyn (Roz) Moes, International Student Advisor (Ellensburg), DSO
• Caitlin Lawson, International Student Immigration Advisor (Westside Centers), DSO
• Kimberly Valenti, International Student Recruiter (Des Moines), DSO

Travel during COVID-19

Before you leave the U.S., please research your travel plans as many restrictions have been put in place due to the pandemic and you may not be able to return to U.S. per your desired plans. Various countries still have testing requirements, limitations on flight options, and/or quarantine requirements.

In regards to re-entering the US, starting on November 8, 2021, you will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the U.S.

• The CDC has determined that for purposes of travel to the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use listed (EUL) vaccines.
  • You can be considered fully vaccinated ≥2 weeks after receipt of the last dose if you have received any single dose of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO EUL approved single-dose series (i.e., Janssen), or any combination of two doses of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO emergency use listed COVID-19 two-dose series (i.e. mixing and matching).
  • For anyone traveling to the United States who cannot demonstrate proof of full vaccination, you must meet the criteria for an exception
• You are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when you travel to the United States by air. The timing of this test depends on your vaccination status and age.
• Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required in indoor areas of public transportation (including airplanes) traveling into, within, or out of the United States and indoors in U.S. transportation hubs (including airports).
• You can visit the CDC’s website for further details.

F-1 Visa Stamp

The F-1 visa stamp enables you to request to enter the U.S. Your visa stamp can expire while you are in the U.S., as it is your I-20 document that gives you legal authorization to remain in the U.S. However, if your visa stamp has expired, and you leave the U.S., you will need to apply to renew your F-1 visa before re-entering the U.S.

If you renew your passport, and your F-1 visa stamp is in your old passport, you can still use the visa in your old passport, as long as the visa has not expired. In this case, you would need to travel with both your old and new passports.

Passport

You should not let your passport expire while you are outside of your home country. Most consulates and embassies in the U.S. can help you renew your passport from within the U.S., but please reach out to our office first.

Travel while on OPT

We do not recommend traveling outside of the U.S. while USCIS is processing your OPT application. Once your OPT is approved and you have received your EAD card, you may travel outside the U.S., but will need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.:

• I-20
• Valid Travel Signature. Travel Signatures are valid for only 6 months from the date of signature while you are on OPT.
• Passport
• F-1 visa
• EAD (OPT) card
• (Supplemental) Job offer letter from current employer

Travel during the 60-day Grace Period

Once you have completed your program of study and if you do not intend to continue studies either at CWU or at another U.S. institution, you may travel within the U.S. during the 60-day grace period. You must depart the U.S. by the end of this 60-day period.

However, if you travel outside the U.S. during your grace period, and have no pending (OPT or change of status) applications submitted to USCIS, once you leave the U.S. you forfeit the remainder of your grace period.