J-1 Travel Signatures
If you are a J-1 exchange visitor and you plan to travel outside the United States during your time at Cornell, you need a valid DS-2019 with travel signature to re-enter the country.
To obtain a new signature, either come to the office during advising hours with your original DS-2019 (as well as your J-2 dependents' original DS-2019s if they also will need a travel signature) OR request a reprint of your DS-2019 via our I-20/DS-2019 reprint request form. We will send you your form by one of three methods: PDF, "regular" USPS (no delivery time estimate or tracking), or express mail (payment instructions are included in the request link). Express mail is required for international shipments. Note that we recommend original signatures on DS-2019 forms for J-1 exchange visitors.
Travel signatures are valid for twelve (12) months for J-1 professors and research scholars and for six (6) months for short-term scholars. You may be able to travel multiple times on one travel signature.
If your J-1 program is extended, we will give you a new DS-2019 with travel signature. If you have questions about your travel signature, here's how you can get advice.
Other Visa Types Don’t Need Travel Signatures
You don’t need to worry about travel signatures if your visa type is H-1B, O-1, TN, or E-3.
Next Up: Invite Friends or Family (B-2)
