Apply for your I-20 or DS-2019

You must provide a copy of the biographical page (with your photo) in your passport. If you are a dual-citizen, submit a copy of the passport you will use when applying for a U.S. visa stamp.

If you are applying for F-1 status (I-20), you must show proof of funding for one year. If you are applying for J-1 status (DS-2019), you must show proof of funding for the entire academic program. Funding may come from university scholarships and fellowships, personal or family funds, or sponsorship. The most common accepted proof of funding include financial statements, sponsorship letters, and fellowship and stipend award letters. Consult with your admitting department if you have other proof of funding documentation.

Students who are not receiving full funding from the university must submit the Affidavit of Financial Support along with proof of funding. For questions about completing the affidavit, consult with your admitting department representative.

Please note that information about financial aid is available on WashU’s Financial Aid website.

All international students must provide proof that they have met their admitting department’s standard for English language proficiency. For more information on accepted tests, minimum scores and waivers, please visit the English Language Proficiency page.

All international graduate students are required to complete and submit the New Graduate Student Status Form below:

International undergraduate students who intend to transfer their current SEVIS record to WashU from another U.S. institution, must complete and submit the New International Undergraduate Student Status Form below:

• If you are a continuing student, who has maintained status and has not completed your program of study using the same SEVIS ID, do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• If you are a continuing student, who has maintained status and is transferring or changing program levels using the same SEVIS ID, do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Read more on the DHS I-901 SEVIS Fee Frequently Asked Questions.

F-1 students: considered “SEVIS transfer students” for immigration purposes if currently in valid F-1 status and no more than 5 months have passed from the last date of attendance OR the last day of OPT (whichever is later) to the start of classes.

The deadline for F-1 students to request a transfer is 60 days after the program completion or OPT end date, whichever is later.

J-1 students: consult with your international student adviser at your current institution. To be eligible for a transfer, the J-1 category must remain the same, and you must request a transfer before the DS-2019 program end date. 

The deadline for J-1 students to transfer is the program completion date or the end of the Academic Training, whichever is later. J-1 students cannot transfer during their 30-day grace period following completion. 

This guidance applies to students who are ending an academic program at another U.S. institution (for example, program ends in May or June) and transferring to WashU to begin study in the next available term (for example, fall semester):

• When transferring from one U.S. institution to another, you can stay in the U.S. during the period (for example, winter break or summer break) between the two programs.
• During the transfer pending period, you can travel outside the U.S. If your current visa is still valid, you can use it to re-enter the U.S. before the start date of your WashU program begins, using the I-20 or DS-2019 from WashU. (Note: Canadian students do not need a visa to enter the U.S.)
• Any on-campus employment benefit (at previous school) ends on the date indicated on your I-20/DS-2019 or date of transfer of your SEVIS record to the transfer-in school (WashU) – whichever comes first. 
• If you are on OPT from a previous degree program, selecting the SEVIS transfer release date during the approved OPT period will end your OPT work authorization. We recommend you choose a release date that is after your OPT end date, UNLESS you wish to end your employment early.

1. Complete your admission to WashU.
   Your admitting department will request additional documents from you that are required for OISS to create an I-20 or DS-2019. See Admissions process overview above. Once your immigration document is created, you will be granted access to MyOISS. MyOISS is the platform that OISS uses to retain your immigration status documents and information throughout your time at WashU.
   
2. Notify the international student adviser at your current institution that you intend to transfer to WashU.
   The advisor will enter a SEVIS release date into your record. On this date, your SEVIS record will automatically transfer to WashU. You will need to know the WashU SEVIS Code for your program.
   
3. Complete the “Immigration Document Request” AND select the “SEVIS Transfer In” button
   The link included in the email will take you through an easy process to confirm your address and other biographical details, submit financial documentation, and request immigration documents for dependents if applicable. 
   
   Under the “Immigration Status” tab, select the “Transfer In” button if you are currently an F-1 or J-1 international student in the U.S. and need to transfer your SEVIS record to Washington University. You will need to provide:
   
   – Full name of your current institution
   – Transfer release date for your SEVIS record –Indicate the date your current institution will transfer your SEVIS record to Washington University.
   – Your most recent U.S. address – Even if you are not currently in the U.S., you must list your most recent U.S. address in order to transfer a SEVIS record.
   
   Important Note: You must complete and submit 2 requests in the OISS Portal: The “Immigration Document Request” and “SEVIS Transfer In Request”
   

Important note about timing and receiving your I-20 or DS-2019 from WashU: OISS will not have access to your SEVIS record or be able to process your transfer in request and prepare your Form I-20/DS-2019 until AFTER your current institution has transferred your SEVIS record to WashU.