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News & Alerts
Fixed Admission Rule Temporary Pause

On September 14, 2026, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on the published rule Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for F and J students. This order temporarily pauses the implementation of the rule until the court issues a further decision. The visa status of F&J visa-holders remains unchanged. ISS is closely monitoring this situation and will provide more information and guidance as it becomes available.

Travel Endorsement Information

What is a travel endorsement?

A travel endorsement is a signature from your Designated School Official (ISS advisor) on your I-20 or DS-2019. The signature serves as confirmation that you are maintaining F-1 or J-1 status. A valid travel endorsement is required for re-entry to the U.S., including trips to Canada. 

How can I check to see if I have a valid travel endorsement?

Newly arrived students will not have a travel endorsement signature on their documents. It is important to request the travel endorsement before planning international travel!

F-1 students can find the travel endorsement section on their I-20, bottom of page 2.

  • Each signature is valid for 1 year if you are an enrolled student, or 6 months if you are on Post-Completion OPT/OPT STEM Extension.
Example Travel Endorsement section on Page 2 of an I-20.

J-1 Students can find the travel endorsement section on their DS-2019, page 1, lower right corner.

  • Each signature is valid for 1 year for enrolled students and those on Academic Training.
Example travel validation section on a DS-2019.

How do I request a new travel endorsement?

It is important to request a travel endorsement at least 10 business days before your trip. To request a travel endorsement, follow the instructions below: 

To request a Travel Endorsement on your I-20/DS-2019

  1. Log in to UB Global using your UBIT Name and Password.  
  2. Find your e-form.
    • Enrolled F-1 students click on “F-1 Student Services” 
    • J-1 students click on “J-1 Student Services”
    • Students on OPT should click on "Optional Practical Training"
  3. Select the “Travel Endorsement Request” e-form (F-1 students) or the "Travel Validation Request" e-form (J-1 students)
  4. Complete and submit the e-form. 
  5. ISS will issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 for travel. You will receive an email when your I-20 is ready to download from UB Global.

Check our e-form processing page for current processing times and plan accordingly.