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.

U.S. Government Restrictions on acceptable funding evidence for an I-20 or DS-2019: U.S. OFAC financial sanctions prohibit OISS from accepting financial statements from financial institutions of countries subject to applicable sanctions, including countries subject to comprehensive OFAC sanctions (currently Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and certain regions of Ukraine).

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 including those specified in Steps 1 & 2 above under “Apply for an I-20 or DS-2019” (passport, financial documentation, proof of English language proficiency, and the New International Student Status Form).
   
2. Notify the international student adviser at your current institution that you intend to transfer to WashU.
   The adviser 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 School Code for your program. Refer to the WashU SEVIS School Codes referenced in the New International Student Status Form.
   
3. OISS will create your Immigration Document after the release date from your former institution.
   When your I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, it will be shared with you via the MyOISS platform. You will receive an email notification once this document is issued, and you’ll also be granted access to MyOISS. The email includes login instructions and details on how to retrieve your I-20 or DS-2019. Additional details about next steps will also be shared within MyOISS.
   

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 SEVIS record has been transferred and released to WashU by your current institution.