Spring 2024 Virtual Express Travel Signature Days

How to access F-1 and J-1 virtual travel signature days

Step 1: Sign in

Sign in for your F-1 or J-1 virtual travel signature on Wednesday, May 1, 1 - 4 p.m. PST. or Thursday, May 2, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The sign in form is only open for sign-ins during these posted times. As long as you are signed in, you are guaranteed to speak with an advisor. 

Step 2: Join the Zoom Meeting

After signing in, join the BIO F-1and J-1 Virtual Travel Signature Zoom meeting using the web browser or desktop Zoom app on a computer. Please do not join Zoom using your phone or tablet device as it does not have the necessary file attachment feature.

You will be placed in a waiting room until it is your turn to be seen by an advisor. Only students who have signed in will be seen by an advisor.

NO SHOWS: If you are not present when called, an advisor will remove you from the meeting. You will need to sign in again if you would still like to get a travel signature.

ZOOM NAME: Make sure that your Zoom display name matches the name you have used in the sign in form.

All participants are required to be signed into a Zoom account. Use your CalNet ID to sign into Zoom for signing into Zoom from your desktop application, web browser, or mobile app.) Participants who are not eligible for a UC Berkeley Zoom account can create a free, consumer Zoom account.

Step 3: Check your place in the advising queue!

After signing in and joining the waiting room, you can check your place in the travel signature queue. You can see how many students are ahead of you.

Step 4: Request a Travel Signature!

An advisor will reach out to you once it is your turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have lost my most recent I-20 or do not have an electronic copy of it?

If you have lost your most recent I-20 or do not have an electronic copy of the most recent I-20, you are NOT eligible for Express Travel Signature Day drop-in. Please submit a Replacement Document Request instead. If you submit a Replacement Document request, you will receive an updated I-20 with travel endorsement in 5 business days.

Things to keep in mind:

• This is not an advising session. Advisors will not provide advising to you during this time. If you have questions, please sign in for virtual advising to speak with an advisor.
• You only need a travel signature if you have upcoming international travel plans.
• You do not need an updated travel signature if your program of study at UC Berkeley is coming to an end and you do not plan to re-enter the US in F-1 or J-1 status once you depart the US.
• Please check the most recent Travel Validation date on your I-20 or DS-2019. The signature is valid for 1 year from the date signed. If you are currently on OPT/STEM OPT, the signature is valid for 6 months from the date signed.
  • F-1 students: See 2nd page of your I-20
  • J-1 students, see travel validation box on your DS-2019

• You need a valid signature for re-entry into the US. You do not need an updated travel signature if your signature is still valid for re-entry into the US.

What other documents do I need for travel?

Please see here for Travel and Re-entry into the US. If you are on OPT, please see Travel and Re-entry while on OPT. If you are on Academic Training, please see Travel and Re-entry while on Academic Training.

Make sure to check the expiration date on the F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in your passport before international travel so that you know whether you will need to renew your visa before you can re-enter the US.

Automatic Revalidation

If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico but your visa has expired, you may qualify for Automatic Revalidation. Please see here for more information.