Yes. Please complete and submit the CSM International Travel Signature Form, then come to the CSM International Education Program office with your passport and current I-20 to get a travel signature at least fifteen days before you leave the U.S.

A travel signature on your I-20 is not required to depart the U.S. For those who have a signature signed within the last 6 months or so, we’d ask you to review the date it was signed first. If you have a signature that will still be valid upon your re-entry (each signature is valid for 1 year), you do not need a new signature. If you are going to transfer to a 4-year university or another community college at the end of the semester, please contact the new school to inquire about getting your new I-20. If you are not returning to CSM to resume coursework, we will not provide you with a new travel signature on your I-20 at this time.

According to the most recent update published on March 26, 2020 by the The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, schools now can provide electronic I-20 travel signatures to students via email. If you do need a new travel signature, we ask you to first complete the CSM International Travel Signature Form A staff member will contact you in the following business day after your travel signature request is received.

Please make sure to have ALL of the following F-1 travel documents before returning to the U.S. Make sure to carry documents with you in carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked baggage! You need access to your visa documents at all times including on a transit flight.

• Passport (must be valid at least 6 months beyond your re-entry date)
• F-1 visa (must be valid when re-entering the U.S.)
• SEVIS Form I-20 (must have a program end date beyond your re-entry date on page 1 of your I-20--see sample below and must have a valid travel signature on page 2 of your I-20--see sample below)

It is also recommended to review the re-entry requirements and prepare the following supporting documents when re-entering the U.S.

• Your SMCCD class schedule and academic transcripts (you may print out from your WebSMART account)
• I-901 Fee payment receipt (you may print out from this website)
• Your financial support documents provided by the sponsor whose name is listed on your I-20

Given the current U.S. immigration climate, you should be prepared for the possibility of increased scrutiny at the U.S. port of entry and/or inspection of your phone or social media. Please be aware that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers may question your purpose for entering the U.S., your planned activities in the U.S., and/or information about your academic program.

• If you are questioned, you should remain calm and answer the questions honestly and succinctly. What NOT to say: Jokes about terrorism or anything that is in violation of breaking U.S. laws including drugs, alcohol and gun ownership.
• Preparing Your Electronic Devices: CBP Officers may also ask questions about your electronic devices or inspect them. This may include all of your social media accounts. For tips on how to prepare your devices, read this article published by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Finally, we also ask you to keep a close contact with the Center for Global Engagement when planning your travel schedule to return to the U.S. Please make sure to email askcsminternational@smccd.edu once you determine the date of your return to the U.S. We will make sure to provide you with the most up-to-date information to ensure your safe return.

For additional questions and concerns, please contact Manasi Devdhar-Mane, Program Manager by email at devdharmanem@smccd.edu.