Congratulations on your admission to WashU! As an incoming international student, you need an I-20 or DS-2019 from the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Below are the steps to apply for this document. Be sure to start the process as soon as you are admitted so that you can begin the visa application process.
Haven’t been admitted yet?
What is an I-20 or a DS-2019?
An I-20 is a form issued by OISS for students to obtain F-1 student immigration status. A DS-2019 is a form issued by OISS for students to obtain J-1 exchange visitor immigration status. Find which immigration status is right for you: Overview of Student Status Options.
You will need an I-20 or DS-2019 to:
When you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, review it for accuracy. If you see any errors, notify OISS right away. You must print, sign (physically in ink) and date the form before your visa interview and/or arrival at a U.S. port of entry. Visit our Planning for U.S. Arrival webpage for more details on next steps.
If you will not come to WashU by the program start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019, follow the steps on the I-20 or DS-2019 Deferral page to receive an updated immigration document.
Apply for an I-20 or DS-2019
Step 1:
Follow the instructions sent to you to create an account in MyOISS. You will receive an invitation email with instructions to login to MyOISS with a subject line starting with “Welcome to MyOISS!” The email will come from oiss@wustl.edu. Check both the email address that you used on your application for admission to WashU and your WashU email if issued.
When your WashU email address is issued, you will receive notification to the email address that you used on your application for admission to WashU. Please activate your WashU key and email right away. If you have trouble activating your WashU Key or two-factor authentication, reach out to IT Help.
Step 2:
Complete the Immigration Document Request. You will fill out questionnaires and upload required documents to your MyOISS account as shown below. If you are transferring a SEVIS record from another institution, you must indicate this in the MyOISS request.
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.
Proof of admission to your program of study at WashU.
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. Before submitting this information, find approved (and unapproved) funding documents and requirements on our Financial Documentation page. You must upload the following:
- Affidavit of Financial Support
- Financial documentation/proof of funding
- Currency conversion (if proof of funding is not in U.S. dollars – see instructions in MyOISS)
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).
Information about financial assistance is available on WashU’s Financial Aid website.
Step 3:
Access your new immigration document. When we issue your I-20 or DS-2019, we will share it with you in the MyOISS platform. You will receive an email from oiss@wustl.edu with details on how to retrieve your I-20 or DS-2019 and next steps.
It is essential that you read this information and follow next steps.
OISS processing time is 3 business days from the day your I-20/DS-2019 request is submitted to OISS. However, if required documentation/information is missing or if your record requires additional checks, processing may be delayed.
Visa Information: If you have a currently valid visa that matches your status, check if the SEVIS ID number matches your new WashU immigration document. If the SEVIS ID number does not match, we recommend that you apply for a new visa when you will re-enter the U.S.
Transfer a SEVIS record to WashU
Transferring your F-1 or J-1 immigration status to Washington University in St. Louis from another school where your SEVIS record is currently active requires a few steps. Read the information linked below to transfer your SEVIS record to WashU.
SEVIS ID Number
The SEVIS ID number is located in the upper left corner of your Form I-20 or upper right corner of your Form DS-2019. It begins with the letter “N” followed by a series of numbers (e.g., N0012345678). This is number is unique to you. The U.S. government uses this number to track and manage your immigration record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) throughout your stay in the United States.
Learn more about your SEVIS ID number including why it is important for the number on your immigration document to match the “Annotation” on your visa.
Example I-20 with SEVIS ID number on left highlighted:
Example DS-2019 with SEVIS ID number on right highlighted:
Apply for a visa stamp
Once you are admitted and receive your I-20 for F-1 status or DS-2019 for J-1 status, you must apply for a visa stamp to enter the U.S. We also offer opportunities for you to join a webinar created to assist you in your visa application process.
Visa delays
Processing times and delays vary by U.S. Consulate/Embassy. Many students receive their visas within a couple of weeks of a visa interview/appointment. However, anyone applying for a visa may be subject to an administrative processing delay or background check that could take several weeks.
Review the information on the Department of State website for the embassy in your home country to determine standard processing times. If an administrative delay or background check postpones your intended arrival, contact OISS.
Changing status
If you are admitted to WashU and are currently in a different immigration status, you may be eligible to apply to change your immigration status to F-1 or J-1 after an I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued. If you are in B-1 or B-2 status, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must approve your change of status before you are eligible to study. be sure to indicate your current status and your plans to change status when the immigration document request in MyOISS.
An F-2 dependent may enroll in courses on a part-time basis and even pursue a degree program. However, an F-2 who wishes to study full-time will need to obtain F-1 immigration status before enrolling full-time. Find more information on the Visas for Spouses or Children page.