Important End of Semester Information for International Students Fall 2024

Greetings international students! 

As the end of the semester and winter travel approaches, we write to offer some important reminders for you to consider as you make your plans. Please check your I‐20 or DS‐2019 now to confirm that it is signed for travel. If not, please click the link below to request. 

WE WILL BE UNABLE TO PROCESS SAME DAY REQUESTS, SO REQUEST IN ADVANCE!

Travel FAQ 

Where can I find the travel signature? 

• For F-1 Students: On the I-20 on the second page under "Travel Endorsement" 
• For J-1 Students: On the DS-2019 it is on the bottom right corner of the first page under "Travel Validation by Responsible Officer" 

When do I need a travel signature? 

• If you have no travel signature and you leave and plan to reenter the country 
• If your travel signature will be more than one year old on the day you plan to re-enter the country. 
• For F-1 Students: If your I‐20 says “Transfer Pending” or “Change of Educational Level” on the top right side of the front page. 

What documents do I need to re-enter the United States? 

• I‐20 or DS‐2019 with a valid travel signature. 
• Valid passport (valid for longer than six months into the future) 
• Valid F or J visa 
• I‐901 SEVIS fee payment receipt (to print, visit https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html). 
• Highly Recommended: Proof of your attendance at Tulane University, such as your current class schedule, payment of fees, admission letter and/or scholarship letter. 

What are my immigration rights at the airport when entering the United States? 

We are aware that some of you might be worried about what your experience might be at the port of entry when interacting with a customs officer. We would like to remind you to be honest and courteous to the officer at the port of entry, and to have your documents ready when you’re asked for them. If you have any doubts, visit this page by the American Civil Liberties Union. 

Where can I find more information about traveling? 

Visit our website for more information!

End of Program Reminders 

If you are graduating this semester or your program end date on your immigration document ends this semester, read the important information below! 

For F-1 students finishing in December: 

• If the program end date on your I-20 has changed and you need to extend it, please fill out an extension application, obtain the necessary financial documents, and submit it to OISS using this form as soon as possible. In order to maintain your status, this must be completed before the end date on your I-20. 
• If the major stated on your I-20 is not your current one, please submit a request to get a new I-20. 
• If you are interested in Post-Completion OPT but have not applied yet, read our website for information on the application process 
• When you graduate, your eligibility for on campus employment expires the last day of your final semester (per TULANE calendar), even if your I-20 expiration date is in the future. Do not continue working beyond the last day of the semester without additional work authorization (e.g. approved OPT application). 

For J-1 students finishing in December: 

• If you are planning on extending your program to do an internship using Academic Training or for any other reason, please contact OISS at oiss@tulane.edu as soon as possible. 
• In order to maintain your status, your extension and Academic Training must be authorized and completed before the end date on your DS-2019. 
• Your on-campus employment eligibility is valid until your DS-2019 program end date, so long as you are maintaining your J-1 status.

Questions? Email your International Student Advisor!

If you have any questions about travel, extensions, or work authorization, you can reach out to your International Student Advisor and ask! You can find your advisors email or make an appointment on this page here. 

We wish you good luck with the rest of the semester and safe travels during the holiday season! 

- The OISS Team