TRAVELING OUTSIDE OF THE U.S. THIS SUMMER?

As you are aware, if you are traveling outside of the U.S. you will need a signature from an International Student Advisor, on pg. 3 of your I-20. The signature on the I-20 indicates to immigration officer at the Port of Entry that you are authorized to return to the U.S. in order to resume your studies. We are trying to facilitate an efficient process for both you and the advisors, during this busy time of the year.

Starting this spring semester, all students traveling outside of the U.S. are STRONGLY advised to complete a “travel signature request” on-line at http://www.uah.edu/ISSO/webforms/travsignature/form.html

Students who submit the form on-line by April 28th or at least a minimum of 1 week prior to the anticipated date of travel, whichever is earlier will be given priority on processing time. After receiving an email from a student advisor (within 2-3 days) you will be able to get your I-20 signed on-the spot during walk-in advising hours or, if you choose, drop it off and return at your convenience to pick it up later. By completing a travel signature request on-line, you are allowing us to do all of the research and preparations necessary to process the signature BEFORE you actually come to the office with your I-20. This should result in VERY LITTLE OR NO WAITING to get your I-20 signed when you come to the office during our normal walk-in advising hours.

In addition, ISSO advisors are planning special “travel preparation days” in our office (UC 116) the last week of classes through end of final exams, May 3- May 14th. We will have some special incentives for students who choose to come to get their I-20 signed and/or speak with an advisor about travel related needs during walk-in hours May 3-14th.

Students who choose not to complete a “travel signature request” on-line at http://www.uah.edu/ISSO/webforms/travsignature/form.html will be required to fill out a request form in the UC 116 and leave their I-20 in the UC 116. The I-20 will be signed and returned to you prior to travel. Once an advisor has reviewed the request and signed the I-20 we will email you.

** BE AWARE** Travel signature requests dropped off in the office instead of on-line will take longer to process due to the advisors managing the deadlines we are required to meet for each of the activities we are managing during this busy time.