Current F-1/J-1 students are permitted to travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. to continue their education. Please examine the details below prior to traveling during the winter break:
1. International students are required to possess a valid travel signature on their I-20/DS-2019 form to gain entry back into the U.S. under F-1/J-1 status. Each travel signature remains effective for one year from its date of signing and six months for individuals on OPT or STEM OPT Extension. Kindly check your I-20/DS-2019 today and learn more regarding travel signature requests and other prerequisites for re-entering the U.S. A travel signature is unnecessary for departure from the U.S. but mandatory for re-entry.
2. Students holding valid F-/J-1 visas are not required to apply for a new visa before traveling back to the U.S. for their studies.
3. Visa appointment availability at U.S. Embassies and Consulates overseas remains limited. If you intend to apply for a new visa stamp this winter, you must schedule the appointment independently and notify your academic department that your return to the U.S. might encounter delays if your visa stamp isn’t issued promptly. Be aware that it might take 3-5 days after visa approval for your passport to be returned with the new visa stamp.
4. Should you arrive without an I-20 or DS-2019 upon re-entry to the U.S., you might qualify for a Form I-515A. The I-515A is a document provided by the U.S. Port of Entry officer, allowing students and scholars to re-enter the U.S. on a temporary basis for 30 days. If you lack a valid travel signature, you will most likely receive a Form I-515A from the U.S. Port of Entry officer. Since this temporary authorization permits only a 30-day stay in the U.S., it is imperative to meet with an OIS advisor immediately upon arrival to adjust your status to F-1 or J-1 D/S. Arriving on an I-515A might result in some delays at the Port of Entry, so please plan accordingly.
5. Emergency Contact Details During University Break
- Send a message to the OIS email address (ois@usc.edu). This email account will be monitored periodically during university holidays. Only urgent inquiries will receive responses during office hours closures.
- Students facing a genuine emergency at the U.S. Port of Entry can reach the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (213) 740-6000.
- Students held by U.S. immigration officials at an airport or land border port-of-entry may contact the USC Immigration Clinic Emergency Hotline at (213) 740-7435, leaving a comprehensive message that includes name, date of birth, nationality, current location, airline, and flight number, along with phone number and email address. A representative from the Immigration Clinic will provide initial assistance.
- The USC Immigration Clinic will only aid students detained by U.S. immigration officials. Please do not contact the Immigration Clinic for other OIS or immigration-related inquiries.