Spring 2025 Important End of Semester Information for International Students

Office of International Students and Scholars oiss@tulane.edu
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Greetings international students!

As the end of the semester and summer travel approaches, we write to offer some important reminders for you to consider as you make your plans. During these uncertain times, you should take extra considerations when planning for travel. Please review the information below for details. 

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!

Click here to request a travel signature!

Travel FAQ 

Are there any considerations I need to make for travel? 

Rules surrounding travel and entry into the United States continue to evolve and are subject to change on short notice depending on someone’s country of origin, immigration status, and reason for entry.  OISS continues to advise our international students and scholars to exercise caution in cases of non-essential travel. With that said, the decision to travel is an individual one that may need to balance personal or family needs against any potential risks. Any changes in travel guidance or policy will be reflected on our Immigration Developments page. 

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. Anyone entering the US is subject to search by CBP, including their electronic devices and social media. Please be mindful of what information is on your device and what may be displayed on your social media/public profiles.

What other advice do you have for responding to an entry denial?

We encourage you to contact a trusted friend, relative, or roommate immediately upon landing and then again once you have successfully passed through immigration. Leave a list of important contacts, such as an attorney, professor, or OISS, that they can reach out to on your behalf in case of any issue.

What support can OISS offer in case of entry denials?

Options for representation when entering the US are extremely limited. OISS will speak with CBP agents should they reach out to us with any questions, but may not be able to intervene further.

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 (or 6 months if you are on Post-Completion OPT)
  • 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 (if your visa is expired, you may want to reconsider travel due to longer processing times for visa renewals)
  • 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 should I do if my visa is expired?

We advise that you may want to consider travel due to longer processing times for visa renewals. Remember, for F-1 and J-1 students, the visa stamp in your passport can expire during your time here in the United States. The visa stamp in your passport is only used for entry. 

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. Anyone entering the US is subject to search by CBP, including their electronic devices and social media. Please be mindful of what information is on your device and what may be displayed on your social media/public profiles. 

Where can I find more information about traveling? 

Visit our travel 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 May: 

  • 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 May: 

  • 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!

-The OISS Team