Hi friends..I'm going to Nepal this thursday..I just checked my I-20 and on the 3rd page its already signed by my international advisor when they first gave it to me...do I still need to check with them? Do they need to add some kinda record on the system? I say that because they sent an email to everyone saying if you're travelling come with your ticket, passport visas I-94 etc..Im just asking coz I wanna save time..taking an appointment in this busy season is so much hassle..

 Not an expert on this but I do believe that it needs to be signed by an international advisor few days before you leave the country.. If I were you, I would definitely go to international office and get a new I-20 and make them sign with a recent date rather than taking any risk.

 ohhh so the date needs to be recent? it was signed when it was given to me at the beginning of the semester...i didn't even have my ticket back then..i guess now i must talk with them..no risk in this matter 

 Get it signed before you leave US...Signature has to be within 6 motnhs 

it was signed on 9/14/2012...so it should be good?

 Dude, 
Get the damn appointment and get it singed. 

Would you rather spent some time now and get it signed or get your ass kicked at Port of Entry by some white bald guy ?

You know the answer.


P.S. Even though i had recent signature in my I-20 the white guy at port of Entry asked me where's the recent signature and took me to secondary inspection.

 hmm thank you for your advice..i would get an appointment tomorrow and get this ready

 Yup need a new one. Travel signautures are only valid for a year.

the rule is that the signature from your advisor has to be less than a year old. However, if you're in OPT, it's good (and highly recommended) to make sure that the sign is not more than 6 months old.

you said that it was signed in September this year, so I'm sure you don't need to get a new signature. Just go to the international services office at your school and ask them if you need a new signature. Pretty sure they'll say that you don't need one.

Being questioned/investigated depends a lot of times on the port of entry and the officer who "welcomes" you to the US. Here's an example: I(currently on OPT) recently went to Nepal and came back few weeks ago (POE was Chicago). My I-20 signature was recent and that's all the officer looked at, besides my passport. He didn't even ask for my EAD card or the letter from my supervisor/employer. And I had also made a mistake of forgetting to surrender my I-94 card when I left U.S. 

To all: Chicago seems like a pretty easy POE. I had mentioned that I was carrying some food items on the customs form and they didn't question me too much, neither did they asked to scan/open my bag.

Just check with your international services office for the peace of mind before you leave. Have fun in Nepal.

 thank you maxpayne and jantare bros..im pretty sure this signature i've already is good..however, as you advised i will go to the college tomorrow and make sure..just for the peace of mind...nice to hear you didnt have any problem at chicago...i've heard its pretty bad there..despite having forgotten to submit I-94 and carrying food items you made it easily...nice! i'll make sure i have fun in Nepal...going after such a long time..well..seems at least to me :)