Travel Signatures
Planning a short trip abroad? Below is a list of documents you need to carry with you and present to the Immigration Officer when you return to the U.S. and information on how to request a Travel Signature from OIP.
A valid passport
must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
A valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp
citizens of Canada and citizens of Bermuda do not need a visa stamp
EAD (OPT card)
and proof of employment if a former student on OPT
Most recently issued I-20 or DS-2019 (check issue date on page 1)
with a valid travel signature. A travel signature is valid for 12 months if you are a current student but only 6 months if a former student on AT or OPT.
We recommend you also carry the following documents:
1. Updated UMaine transcript (unofficial is fine)
2. Updated financial documentation
2. Updated financial documentation
Request a Travel Signature
Log into your eoip account to request a signature
Automatic Revalidation
- Students who travel to the following countries for less than 30 days may be able to return with an expired F-1 or J-1 visa, under the “Automatic Revalidation” provision. Please consult with your International Student Advisor for clarification:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Miquelon
- Saint-Pierre
- Trinidad
- Windward and Leeward Islands
- Other British, French, and Netherlands territory or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea
Automatic Revalidation is not available to:
– Students who are citizens of Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Sudan
– Students who apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa while abroad
Additional Information
Additional information on travel abroad and FAQs are available on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.