visa/immigration information

I-20/DS-2019 issuance

The United States government has strict regulations on issuing I-20 and DS-2019 documents. Please see the following dates.

You can monitor the status of your I-20 and supporting documents on your To Do List on MyASU.

financial guarantee

If you plan on attending ASU on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must also meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Justice and the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS).

You will need to fill out a Financial Guarantee form and provide proof of funding to cover one year of study. The breakdown of the expenses for one academic year, and acceptable evidence of financial support is found on the Financial Guarantee. All financial documents are only valid for one year and must be issued within one year of the start of the semester. You can fax these documents to (480) 965-5158.

If you are awarded a teaching or research assistantship, the amount of the assistantship may not cover all the funds needed for one year of study. If this happens, you will have to show valid proof of funding to make up the difference.

You will not need to provide Financial Guarantee documents until you have been admitted.

additional DS-2019 requirement

If you plan on attending ASU on a J-1 visa, you will also need to provide a copy of your passport. If you are faxing a copy, please enlarge the image and fax to (480) 965-5158.

You will not need to provide a copy of your passport until you have been admitted.

mailing options

You must indicate how you would like your I-20/DS-2019 sent by clicking on the “Request I-20” link on your My ASU. You have four options: regular mail, express mailing outside of the U.S., express mailing inside of the U.S., and pick up. If you choose to express your documents, you will be required to pay a nonrefundable fee. The amount of the fee is posted on the form. All documents are sent priority mail through Federal Express. Your I-20/DS-2019 will not be issued until you have completed this form and provided a Financial Guarantee Form and proof of adequate funding.

If you submit the form and would like to change your mailing option, you will need to contact (480) 965-6113.

pick-up option

If you would like someone else to receive or pick up your I-20/DS-2010, please indicate this in your “Request I-20” link. If the authorized person is going to pick up your documents from ASU, they will need to have photo identification

SEVIS fee

The U.S. government requires you to pay a SEVIS fee if you plan on attending on an F-1 or J-1 visa. You must pay this fee at least three days prior to your consulate interview.

current ASU students

If you are currently attending ASU or on OPT through ASU, please contact the International Student and Scholars Office for assistance in obtaining a new I-20.

transfer students from other U.S. institutions

If you are currently attending or on OPT through a U.S. institution, you will need to transfer your SEVIS information from that institution to ASU. You will need to meet with an advisor from your current institution and complete a SEVIS Transfer Form. Once a release date has been set, please fax a copy of the SEVIS Transfer Form to (480) 965-5158.

Arizona State University’s school code is PH0214F00127000. The Exchange Visitor Program Number is P-1-01599.

You will not be able to register for classes until your ASU I-20 has been generated.

change of visa status

If you are in the U.S. on a valid visa, you will need to visit the International Student and Scholars Office once your I-20 is generated. The ISSO will assist you with changing your status from your current visa to an F-1 visa.

out of status

If you are currently in the U.S. and out of status, please contact Graduate Admissions at (480) 965-6113.

ASU student health insurance requirement

If you will attend ASU on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you are required to purchase ASU health insurance. Exceptions are made only in limited circumstances. More information can be found at University Student Initiatives and Student Health.

employment of international students

If you are on an F-1 visa, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations prohibit you to work off campus. Your dependents are not eligible for employment. Additional information can be found at the International Student and Scholars Office (ISSO).

obtaining a U.S. visa

Numerous government websites have information on immigration policies, obtaining visas, and other information that concerns international travel. Please visit the following websites for additional information:

• U.S. Visa Policy and Procedures http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
• Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) http://www.ice.gov/sevis
• SEVIS Fee http://www.fmjfee.com
• Traveling to the United States http://travel.state.gov

the international student and scholars office

You must report to the International Student and Scholars Office (ISSO) immediately upon arrival. Failure to do so could result in loss of status or deportation. Once you arrive, ISSO will provide visa administration, counseling and advising services.