Travel Signature-Travel to all countries outside the U.S.
If you will be going abroad, remember you should have your I-20 signed before you leave the U.S. even if your visa is valid.
Signatures are recommended 7-10 days before you depart the U.S. No appointment necessary. Bring your I-20, passport, and proof of medical insurance and a travel signature will be provided while you wait.
Your F-1
In addition to a recent travel signature, you must also have a valid F-1 visa in your passport when you attempt to re-enter the U.S.
The only exception to this is return travel from Canada , Mexico and certain adjacent islands. You may return from these places only (and nowhere else) with an expired F-1 visa as long as your I-20 is valid, and you have obtained a recent travel signature on it. Do NOT attempt to apply for a new visa in these countries.
If your F-1 visa has expired, or if it will expire while you are outside the U.S., and you will be returning from any country other than Canada, Mexico, or certain adjacent islands, you must obtain a new F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy in the country where you are a citizen or in which you currently maintain your permanent residence before you return. It is impossible to obtain a new F-1 visa inside the U.S.
For information about applying for a new F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy, please contact the consulate or embassy you intend to visit for this purpose. A list of U.S. embassies is available at this Web site: http://usembassy.state.gov/
Application procedures and processing times vary widely by location. Check up on this now- before your travel plans are finalized.
You should anticipate significant delays especially around Christmas and New Year's. Depending on where and when you apply for a new visa, you may have to adjust your travel plans to allow for extra time abroad.
If you need to apply for a new visa, you may see or hear references to a SEVIS fee. Most students may disregard this. The SEVIS fee "new since September 2004"affects only first-time applicants for F-1 visas. As a continuing F-1 student, you would be applying for a new F-1 visa, but not a first-time visa.
