ISS would like to congratulate all of the May 2013 graduates! You should be extremely proud of all that you've accomplished- We are proud of you!- and we wish you well as you start your next adventure.
LEAVING THE U.S. DURING THE SUMMER BREAK?
If you plan to travel outside the U.S. over the summer, please be sure to check the third page of your I-20 (if you are in F-1 status) or the lower right side of your DS-2019 (if you are in J-1 status) to see when your document was last signed. A "travel signature" generally is good for one year, but if you will be visiting Canada, you will need a signature that is no more than six months old. If you will be applying for a "Temporary Resident''s" (Visitor''s) visa to go to Canada, you also will need a letter of good standing from the Office of International Student Services (ISS).
Please come to the ISS Office for a travel signature during Walk-in Hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Keep in mind that the ISS Office is open all year unless the university is officially closed.
TRAVELING WITHIN THE UNITED STATES?
Many students think that their passport and visa documents are needed only when traveling abroad. WRONG! If you are planning a trip within the United States by car, bus, train or airplane, to U.S. cities near or far, it is essential that you have your passport and visa documents with you (in a very safe place, of course!) In recent years, there has been heightened security not only at all border crossings, but also at bus terminals, train terminals, and airports throughout the United States. International students may be stopped and questioned randomly. Therefore, students should have their passport, visa documents (I-94 card and SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019), and Case student ID card with them for ALL distance travel. In addition, be sure that your current SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019 has an authorizing signature for travel on page 3. (Note: A travel signature is valid for up to one year with just two exceptions: (1.) If you will be traveling to Canada, you should have a travel signature that is no more than six months old. (2.) If you are currently approved for post-completion OPT, a travel signature is valid for only six months.) A person without valid travel documents can be arrested, threatened with deportation and taken into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody. We certainly don't want any of these things to happen to you!
Effective March 18, 2013, ISS will be implementing a new walk-in hours and appointment based system. Our goal during this transition and with this new system is to continue providing you with excellent service, but we do ask for and appreciate your patience as we all adjust to these changes.