EnuYou land at Duke excited, a little jet-lagged, and then the questions hit you. Do you need a travel signature? Where do you upload your I-94? Who do you email if your I-20 looks wrong?
That is exactly where Duke Visa Services steps in. It supports F-1 and J-1 students, visiting scholars, and some dependents, and it helps you follow immigration rules while you study and work at Duke.
This guide walks you through simple, practical steps. You start by logging into the online portal, move through E-Registration, then request a travel signature, and finish with a printable checklist and local office FAQ so you always know where to go and who to ask.
What Duke Visa Services Is and When You Should Use It
Duke Visa Services (DVS) is Duke University’s main office for immigration support. It helps you keep your SEVIS record accurate, your documents current, and your plans in line with U.S. rules.
You use DVS when you have questions about status, travel, work options, or your official documents, such as the I-20 or DS-2019. The office explains the rules in clear terms and tells you what steps to take next.
DVS does not issue visas. Only a U.S. consulate or embassy can place a visa in your passport. DVS also cannot guarantee that a border officer will admit you. What it does is help you prepare, reduce risk, and make smart choices.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not replace guidance from an immigration attorney or the official Duke site.
Who Duke Visa Services Supports at Duke University
You work with DVS if you are:
- An F-1 or J-1 international student
- A visiting scholar or researcher
- A dependent in F-2 or J-2 status linked to a Duke main applicant
DVS supports more than 3,000 international students and scholars and works with both new arrivals and continuing students. Each person is linked to a DVS advisor, often based on your school, department, or category.
The goal is simple. You stay in status while you focus on your research, classes, and life on campus.
What Duke Visa Services Can Help You With (In Simple Terms)
DVS can help you with:
- Keeping your F-1 or J-1 status active
- E-Registration at the start of your program
- Travel signatures for I-20 and DS-2019
- Questions about visas and entry to the U.S.
- Work authorization, such as CPT and OPT for F-1, or Academic Training for J-1
- Changes to program dates, major, degree level, or funding
- Questions about your I-20, DS-2019, and I-94 record
It does not issue U.S. visas and cannot promise a visa approval or border entry. It explains the rules and your options so you can act with clear information.
When You Should Contact Duke Visa Services Right Away
Reach out to DVS quickly if:
- Your I-20 or DS-2019 is lost, stolen, or expired
- You plan to leave the U.S. and return later
- You change major, degree level, or funding
- You want to work on or off campus
- You get any notice or email from U.S. immigration agencies
If you face an urgent issue after hours, such as detention at a port of entry, you can contact the Duke Dean on Call at +1-984-287-0300. Rules can change, so always check the official Duke Visa Services site or your Duke email for the latest instructions.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Duke Visa Services Online (From Login to Travel Signature)
Think of this section as your portal playbook. Follow each step in order, and you will be ready for E-Registration and travel signatures with far less stress.
You can also add screenshots of key pages so the portal feels familiar before you even log in.
Step 1: Find the Duke Visa Services Site and Portal Login
Start by going to the official Duke Visa Services website. You can search “Duke Visa Services” in a search engine or browse from Duke’s main site and click through to the Terra Dotta (TDS) portal link.
On the official Duke Visa Services homepage, look for a clear link or button for the TDS or Terra Dotta portal. This usually brings you to a login screen that uses your Duke NetID.
Only log in through official Duke pages. Avoid links from random websites or messages you do not trust. For clarity, you can add a screenshot of the homepage with the TDS link highlighted.
Step 2: Log in With Your Duke NetID and Check Your Profile
Use your Duke NetID and password to sign in. If Duke uses multi-factor login, complete the second step on your phone or device.
You will land on a dashboard with your name and various menu items. Go to your profile area and review key details: your name spelling, date of birth, email address, and program.
If the system lets you fix simple errors, do that now. If not, note any serious mistakes and email DVS with a short, clear description. A screenshot of the profile screen, with private data blurred, is helpful for a guide or training material.
Step 3: Update Your U.S. and Home Address Before You Submit Anything
Next, open the address section in your profile. Depending on the layout, it may be “Profile Address” or a similar label.
Add or update:
- Your local U.S. address in Durham or nearby
- Your permanent home-country address
These addresses feed into SEVIS records, so they must match where you live. Use the real place you sleep and receive mail, not a random address. If you move later, come back and update this field again.
Step 4: Complete Your E-Registration as a New or Returning Student
E-Registration is your online “check-in.” It confirms that you have arrived and that you are active at Duke.
You usually get an email with a link to your E-Registration tasks in the portal. Common items include:
- Uploading your passport bio page
- Uploading your U.S. visa page (if you have one)
- Uploading your I-20 or DS-2019
- Uploading your I-94 printout or PDF
- Confirming your U.S. address and contact details
Follow any updated instructions you receive after May 2025, since processes can change. Finish E-Registration before you ask for work authorization or a travel signature.
A screenshot of the E-Registration task list, with sample items, helps new students see what to expect.
Step 5: Request a Travel Signature in the Portal So You Can Leave and Reenter the U.S.
A travel signature is your DSO or RO’s signed approval on page 2 of the I-20 or in the travel section of the DS-2019. For most F-1 students it is usually valid for up to 12 months while you stay enrolled, and for many J-1 students it is typically valid for shorter periods, such as 6 months.
If you plan to leave the U.S. and return, you need a recent travel signature before you reenter. In the portal, look for a request labeled something like “Travel Signature,” “I-20 Travel Endorsement,” or “DS-2019 Travel Signature.”
You will likely:
- Open the travel request form
- Enter your trip dates and destination country
- Confirm your contact details
- Submit the request and wait for confirmation
Check the Duke Visa Services website or email your advisor to confirm the latest process and timing. Request your signature several weeks before your trip, especially before busy breaks.
Step 6: Pick Up or Receive Your Signed Document and Check It Before You Travel
Once your request is approved, DVS will either:
- Issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 for pick-up,
- Send it through campus mail or shipping, or
- Provide a secure electronic document, if allowed by current rules.
When you receive it, check:
- That the travel signature is present and dated
- That your name and SEVIS ID are correct
- That your program details match your records
Keep the document in a safe folder with your passport and any EAD card. At the border, you should carry your passport, valid visa (if required), I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature, and any support letters from Duke.
Download Checklist: Your Duke Visa Services Portal & Travel Signature To-Do List
To make this even easier, you can use a one-page printable checklist PDF. It walks you through:
- Finding the DVS site
- Logging into the TDS portal
- Updating your addresses
- Completing E-Registration
- Submitting your travel signature request
- Checking your final documents before you fly
Invite readers on your site to enter their email to receive the PDF. They can save it on their phone or print it and clip it to their passport so travel prep feels calm, not rushed.
How to Visit Duke Visa Services in Person (Address, Map, and Walk-In Questions)
Sometimes you just want to talk to a real person. Here is how to reach the office on campus.
Where Duke Visa Services Is Located and How to Find the Building
The office is at:
Duke Visa Services
1st Floor, Bay 7, Smith Warehouse
114 South Buchanan Boulevard
Durham, NC
Smith Warehouse is a brick complex on the edge of campus, with numbered bays along the building. Look for signs pointing to Bay 7 near South Buchanan Boulevard.
From West Campus, many students walk or bike down Campus Drive toward East Campus, then head to South Buchanan. Most people simply put “Smith Warehouse Bay 7” into a map app and follow the route. A small map image with a pin on Bay 7 works well in your page layout.
Office Hours, Phone Numbers, and Email You Can Actually Use
As of late 2025, common contact details are:
- Main phone: +1-919-681-8472
- Email: visahelp@duke.edu
- Typical office hours: Monday to Friday, around 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time
- Dean on Call (urgent after hours): +1-984-287-0300
Always check the official DVS site for holiday or break changes. Use email for non-urgent questions and the phone for time-sensitive concerns.
Can You Walk In to Duke Visa Services Without an Appointment?
Walk-ins may be limited. Advisors often have back-to-back appointments, so dropping by does not guarantee you will see someone.
Start with email to describe your question and ask if you should book a meeting or visit in person. If you are told to come to the office, bring:
- Your passport
- Your I-20 or DS-2019
- Your I-94 printout
- Any letters from Duke or the government
This saves time and helps the advisor give you clear guidance in one visit.
Local Travel Tips: Parking, Campus Buses, and Walking to Smith Warehouse
Parking near Smith Warehouse can be tight and may require a permit or a paid lot. Many students prefer to walk, bike, or use a Duke bus or shuttle.
From major campus areas, follow campus signs or a map app to 114 South Buchanan Boulevard. For the latest parking maps and bus routes, check Duke’s parking and transportation site before you go.
Quick Local FAQ: Your Top Questions About Duke Visa Services Visits
Where is Duke Visa Services on a map?
Search for “Smith Warehouse Bay 7, 114 S Buchanan Blvd, Durham NC” in your map app.
Can you bring a friend to interpret?
You usually can, but if you need language support, mention it in your email so staff can plan.
Do you need your passport for every visit?
Bring it for any visit that involves status, travel, or work questions.
Can you get a travel signature the same day?
Sometimes, but not always. Ask DVS about current timing and request early.
Is the office open during school breaks or summer?
Often yes, with some schedule changes. Check the official site for updates.
Can you ask about work authorization in person?
Yes, but many first questions can be handled by email or through the portal.
Staying in Status: Smart Habits When You Use Duke Visa Services
Think of your status like your health. Small, steady habits prevent big problems.
Keep Your Documents Organized Before You Ask for Help
Create a simple “immigration folder.” Include:
- Passport and visa
- I-20 or DS-2019
- I-94 record
- Any EAD card or work approval
- Key Duke letters
Scan these and store them in a secure cloud folder. When you contact DVS, you will have everything ready, which speeds up support and reduces confusion.
Use Duke Email and the Portal So You Do Not Miss Important Updates
DVS uses your Duke email for important messages. Check it often and avoid forwarding to an account you rarely open.
Log into TDS a few times each term to check for pending tasks. Add calendar reminders for I-20 or DS-2019 end dates, passport expiry, and your next travel signature check.
Plan Ahead for Travel, Work, and Program Changes
Do not wait until the week before your flight or internship start date. For example, request a travel signature about a month before winter break, or email DVS about summer work options early in the semester.
The office exists to help you protect your status so you can focus on study, research, and life at Duke.
Conclusion
Duke Visa Services gives you a clear path through complex immigration rules. You use it to keep your F-1 or J-1 record accurate, get travel signatures, and plan work and program changes with confidence.
You now know how to reach the portal, complete E-Registration, update your address, and request a travel signature step by step. You also know where the office sits, how to contact it, and what to expect if you visit in person.
Download the portal and travel-signature checklist PDF so you always have a simple reminder of what to do before each trip. Keep it next to your passport and you will feel calmer every time you plan travel.
You do not have to figure out immigration rules alone. Ask questions early, stay organized, and let Duke Visa Services be your partner in staying in status while you enjoy your time at Duke.
Enu
