Please note that these instructions only apply to individuals in F or J status.

If you are reviewing this information during an official Emory University closure, please note that ISSS will review travel signature/validation requests upon the reopening of the office. If you are in need of a travel signature/validation, please submit the Travel Information Update e-form (found under the General Services tab in ISSS Link). Additionally, please review the information below for further guidance.

Can I enter the US using a tourist visa? 

Please do not attempt to enter the US as a tourist. US immigration law prohibits taking classes while on B or Visa Waiver (aka ESTA).  Doing so will have immediate and long-term negative consequences.  Also, changing immigration status within the US normally takes 8-12 months, and during the application pending period, enrolling in courses is not permitted. 

I have already left the US but do not have my Form I-20/DS-2019 with me, will I be able to re-enter the US?

F-1 Students and Their F-2 Dependents Only:

On November 1, 2021, the US government published their 10/12/2021 policy guidance that establishes the procedures for F-1 institutions to use electronic signatures and distribute Form I-20 electronically to new and continuing F-1 students and their F-2 dependents.

Therefore, if time permits, you may request to have a new I-20 sent to you electronically by completing the Travel Information Update e-form in ISSS Link. When you receive the electronically sent I-20, download, print, sign, and date the I-20 in pen and present it to the CBP officer upon entry into the US. Find more information on electronic signatures and distribution of Form I-20>>>

J-1 Students/Scholars and Their J-2 Dependents Only:

If time permits, you may request to have a new document sent to you. In addition to completing the Travel Information Update e-form, request a replacement document by completing the DS-2019 Replacement Request (J-1 students and scholars) in ISSS Link.

You may also request to have a family member, friend, or colleague pick up the document on your behalf or arrange to have ISSS ship the document directly to you with an additional shipping fee, by creating an eShipGlobal shipping request. Instructions can be found here.

All F-1/J-1 students/J-1 scholars and their F-2/J-2 dependents:

If you do not have an I-20/DS-2019 with a valid travel signature, it is possible that your airline will not allow you to board a US-bound airplane. If possible, ISSS recommends that you change your flight schedule so that you will have a valid travel signature when you board your US-bound flight.

If you are unable to change your flight and/or have a new document mailed (J-1 or J-2non-immigrants) or sent electronically (F-1 or F-2 non-immigrants) to you, ISSS recommends that you log into ISSS Link and print a screenshot of your ISSS Link homepage which contains your SEVIS ID number, SEVIS status, program level, program dates, and the ISSS contact information. You can present this information to the immigration officer. This screenshot is not a replacement for the I-20/DS-2019 containing a valid travel signature but may help the officer more easily locate your record in their system. See below for more information on entering the US without your immigration document.

What will happen if I try to enter the US without an I-20/DS-2019 and/or a valid travel signature?

If your airline allows you board the plane without your immigration document and/or a valid signature, there could be three (3) possible outcomes at the US airport upon arrival:

• The immigration inspector might just rely on your electronic SEVIS record in their system and admit you into the US for “D/S” which means a full duration of status/studies.
• The immigration inspector might admit you for 30 days under the I-515A temporary admission provision. 
  • If this happens, please come and meet with you ISSS advisor immediately (within two business days) as this is time-sensitive. 
• The immigration inspector might not let you enter the US. 

Can ISSS send me a digital copy of my I-20/DS-2019?

F-1 Students and Their F-2 Dependents Only:

Yes. Please review the answer to the question above for more information: “I have already left the US but do not have my I-20/DS-2019 with me, will I be able to re-enter the US?”

J-1 Students/Scholars and Their J-2 Dependents Only:

The US government requires J exchange visitors to present an original DS-2019 at the time of entry into the US. Additionally, the US government does not permit distributing or sharing copies (scanned, faxed, emailed, etc.) of DS-2019s. We may only share a copy with the US Department of State and Department of Homeland Security. Therefore, if an airport in your home country has a DHS office (as some international airports do), a US DHS officer could request a copy of your DS-2019 from ISSS.

What should I do if I experience difficulties when going through US Customs?

Should you encounter any difficulties at the airport, please calmly ask an immigration officer to call Emory ISSS at 404-727-3300 (during business hours) or 404-727-6111 (outside of business hours).  The latter number is available 24/7 as it connects to Emory Police, and they know how to reach an ISSS on-call person.

What to do if you experience an immigration-related emergency, such as:

• Loss of your passport or other important documents while overseas
• Visit by government officer at home or on campus (note: do not sign anything. Politely ask a government officer if you can call Emory ISSS or your home country consulate)
• Detainment at U.S. port of entry like airports (note: do not sign anything. Politely ask an immigration officer if you can call Emory ISSS or your home country consulate)
• Threat of deportation (note: do not sign anything. Politely ask an immigration officer if you can call Emory ISSS or your home country consulate)

If during normal office hours (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.), call ISSS at 404.727.3300.

If outside of regular office hours, call the Emory Police Department at 404.727.6111 and their dispatcher will connect you with an ISSS staff member.

If you are on campus, contact Emory Police Department at 404.727.6111. If you are off campus, call 911.

You may experience an emergency such as:

• Car accident
• Criminal activity
• Missing persons
• Suicidal thoughts
• Homicidal thoughts
• Natural disasters (tornado, flood, etc.)
• Sexual assault and misconduct 
• Violence
• Other incidents

Emory offers a comprehensive range of supportive services and resources that are available to every member of the university community including students, faculty, staff, family, and friends. ISSS is here to help you, but you may also want to take advantage of these resources on campus for other issues such as:

• Culture shock
• Stress
• Conflicts with classmates or professors
• Financial problems
• Scams