Fall Break 2026 Travel Reminders for International Students

Office of International Students and Scholars oiss@tulane.edu

Dear Students,

Are you planning on traveling for Fall Break? Make sure you are prepared for either domestic or international travel. If you need your immigration document signed for travel, submit your request early to allow enough time for processing.

International Travel

If you are traveling internationally, you will need the following to travel:

  • 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 (be sure to use your F or J visa to enter and not another visa, such as a B tourist visa)
  • I‐901 SEVIS fee payment receipt (to print, visit this page)
  • Highly Recommended: Proof of your attendance at Tulane University, such as your current class schedule, payment of fees, admission letter, and/or scholarship letter Your travel signature must be valid on the day you reenter the United States.

Travel signatures are valid for 12 months for F-1 and J-1 students, unless you are an F-1 student on Post-Completion OPT. 

Need a new travel signature? Use the link below to request one!

Click to request a travel signature!

Please remember to check your I-94 after you return to make sure your immigration status was recorded correctly.

Domestic Travel

If you are traveling domestically, you do not need a travel signature. For domestic travel, you need a photo ID (passport, REAL ID-compliant state driver's license, or identification card). We also recommend that you carry all of your other immigration documents as proof of your lawful immigration status, including: 

  • Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • I-94 showing most recent arrival record
  • Highly Recommended: Proof of your attendance at Tulane University, such as your current class schedule, payment of fees, admission letter, and/or scholarship letter

Update on the Duration of Status (D/S) Rule 

As a reminder, the new DHS rule that would replace Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed periods of admission for F-1 and J-1 students and exchange visitors is currently paused. For now, the existing D/S rules remain in place. 

However, the court case is ongoing, and the rule could be affected by future court decisions. OISS will continue to monitor developments and notify you of any changes that affect your immigration status or travel. Please continue to review OISS communications and our D/S information page for the latest updates.

If you have any questions about traveling internationally, please email your assigned international student advisor. 

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Fall Break! 
- The OISS Team