*********************************
There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
*********************************
Atlanta, GA | Posted: April 19, 2013
New Process for Travel Signatures
US Customs and Border Protection requires F and J visa holders to have a signature from an ISSS international student advisor on the form I-20 (pg. 3) or DS-2019 (bottom, right) in order to re-enter the US during their program. Signatures are valid for 12 months and a student can use the signed I-20 or DS-2019 multiple times to re-enter the US while the signature is valid. ISSS international student advisors are able to sign an I-20 or DS-2019 for travel after reviewing the immigration record and academic status of the student, as well as ensuring the student has information to prepare for the travel and visa interview (when applicable).
We are nearing the end of the semester, when many students travel outside the US. ISSS has instituted a new travel signature e-form in iStart to ensure that advisors have appropriate information to process the travel signature, ensure a timely signature for students traveling, and ensure greater efficiency in managing this common request. With the introduction of this e-form, the OIE front desk will no longer take I-20s or DS-2019s at the front desk for a travel signature. Instead, students should log into iStart and provide relevant details about the upcoming travel in the new ‘Travel Signature Request’ e-form for F-1 students or the ‘Travel Validation Request’ for J-1 students. Travel e-form submissions will be reviewed daily and processed in the order they are received. Students will then be notified via an approval email to bring their I-20 or DS-2019 anytime during walk-in advising hours so an advisor can sign it. Walk-in advising hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 8:30am-11:30am and 1:30pm-4:30pm except during Georgia Tech holidays.
We hope this new system will cut down on multiple visits to the office and save both you and the OIE time! The best time to submit this e-form is right after a plane ticket is purchased, not days or hours before you travel! Waiting to submit the travel e-form may result in less time than necessary for the ISSS to process your request before your flight. In other words, submit the e-form early!
