Can I travel to the U.S. without my Form I-20 or DS-2019?
FAQ.
Answered by Jennifer Glass, Immigration Coordinator at the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
Can I travel to the U.S. without my Form I-20 or DS-2019?
You should always be sure to have your signed I-20 or DS-2019 form with you. You cannot enter in student status without your original I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), properly endorsed for travel by your DSO/ARO. CBP will very likely not admit you without it.
If your form is lost, damaged, or delayed
If your form is lost or damaged, don’t worry. You can contact your international office to request a reprint of your I-20 or DS-2019 with an updated travel signature included. If you are already travelling, let the office know so they can email the signed document to you. Make sure that you print and sign the document, and carry this paper version with you for your reentry to the U.S., not a digital copy.
Important
Make sure to not enter the U.S. on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2 or ESTA) as a way to quickly begin studies if your I-20 or DS-2019 is delayed. Entering in the wrong status prevents enrollment, on-campus employment, and makes changing to F-1/J-1 status very difficult later on.
Always confirm your travel signature is valid before leaving the U.S. (12 months for most students; 6 months for those on OPT/STEM OPT).
