Required Travel Documents

Students must have a valid passport, valid visa, and DS-2019 with a valid travel endorsement.

Additional Documents for AT

Students on Academic Training (AT) must have a valid passport, valid visa, DS-2019 with a valid travel endorsement. It is also highly recommended that students travel with an offer letter or employment letter.

Travel Endorsements (Travel Signatures)

A travel endorsement, otherwise known as a travel signature, is issued by ISSO. This signature verifies that you are currently enrolled and maintaining status, and therefore eligible for reentry into the U.S. 

Travel signatures are only needed for reentry into the U.S. and are not needed for travel within the U.S.

Requesting a Travel Signature

Read more about how to get a travel signature on our Travel Signatures FAQ

Validity of Travel Signature

Travel signatures are valid for one year. For students on AT, travel signatures are only valid for 6 months.

Expired Travel Signature and Outside U.S.

Contact ISSO at 515-294-1120 or isso@iastate.edu. ISSO will provide more instructions at that time.

Visa Renewal

A student does not need a new visa if it has not expired. However, students in the following circumstances may need to get a new visa and should contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their home country to confirm:

  • Students who have reported their passport (and visa) lost
  • Students who have updated their name on their passport
  • Students who have taken an absence from the U.S. for 5 months or longer
  • Students who have been dismissed and are reentering the U.S. with a new SEVIS record
  • Students who have violated their J-1 status and have NOT been reinstated to valid FJ-1 status
  • Students whose visas have been revoked by the Department of State

U.S. Department of State information on obtaining a J-1 visa.

J-1 Visa for Students on AT

Students on AT do not need to get a new visa if the visa has not expired.

Documents Required for Visa Renewal

ISSO recommends students check the U.S. Consulate or Embassy policies in the country where they will renew their visa.

Visa Renewal as Third Country National

The U.S. Department of State made an announcement on September 6, 2025, updated their instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants that they should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Per the announcement, applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment. The U.S. Department of State also updated where nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations should apply for a visa at, if they are not a resident elsewhere.

Processing Time for Visa Renewal

Wait times vary from country to country. For current information, please refer to this Department of State website

Validity of New Visa

The validity period varies from country to country. For current information, please refer to this Department of State website.

Automatic Revalidation

Automatic revalidation allows an J-1 student to reenter the U.S. without a valid visa if they visited Mexico, Canada, or adjacent islands. The visit can be for no longer than 30 days for automatic revalidation to apply. Students must have a valid passport, DS-2019, and travel endorsement to reenter the U.S. using automatic revalidation. ISSO also recommends students take a copy of their I-94 record. There are some exceptions to automatic revalidation, and students are encouraged read more about Automatic Revalidation on the Department of State’s website here.

Automatic Revalidation and AT

Automatic revalidation applies to students on AT. Students on AT must have a valid passport, DS-2019 with travel endorsement, and EAD to reenter the U.S. using automatic revalidation. ISSO also recommends students take a copy of their I-94 record.

Disclaimer: This Frequently Asked Questions is intended for general information and guidance. As this information can quickly become outdated or may not apply to your situation, please consult with an International Student Advisor in the International Students and Scholars Office regarding your individual questions.