As we near the end of the fall semester, International Student Services (ISS) would like to remind you about important factors to consider if you are planning to travel outside the U.S. during the winter break:
- You must have a valid travel signature on your Form I-20 (for F-1 Students) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 Students). If you have F-2 or J-2 dependents, they also require a valid travel signature to re-enter the U.S.
- Do you need an updated travel signature? Bring your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to ISS for an on-the-spot travel signature December 9-19 from 12 p.m. (noon) to 6 p.m.
- Ensure your immigration documents are valid.
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months into the future.
- Your F-1 / J-1 visa stamp must be valid at the time you enter the U.S.
- Your Form I-20 / DS-2019 program end date should match the term you expect to complete your degree program. If you need more time to complete, you can submit a Program Extension request in your Terra Dotta portal.
- As always, we recommend that students arrive at least three days before classes begin so that there is time to settle back into the UW-Madison community before classes start. Spring 2025 classes begin on January 21*, and all international students are expected to be on campus and attend in-person classes by this date, which is a requirement of your F-1 / J-1 student immigration status.
We encourage you to plan ahead so that you can enjoy the winter break and return ready for the spring semester. If you have any questions about your immigration documents or student immigration status, please send your assigned ISS advisor an Information Request in Terra Dotta.
Good luck as you finish your classes and prepare for exams, and we hope to see you at our Study Week events in the International Community Center, December 9-19!
*Students enrolled in Law and Veterinary Medicine begin classes on January 13, 2025.