Fatima Lopez Gutierrez and Genesis Camarena doing an activity

International student visas

I-20 updates

We look forward to your arrival and have been hard at work making plans to welcome our new international students to campus.

What we want you to know

  1. It is extremely important that you submit the documents required for the issuance of your I-20 to us. Upload the required documents through My ASU. The upload tool on My ASU only allows the upload of each document type once, so please ensure you have all your documents ready before uploading. If you upload financial documents that do not cover the full funding needed as shown on the financial guarantee, you will be asked to submit additional documentation to demonstrate the full funding, which will delay the issuance of your I-20. Please ensure your financial documents show sufficient funding before uploading.
  2. Once ASU has received all documents required to issue an I-20 and has verified that they are complete, you will receive an email with a link to download your I-20 from the Document Portal in My ASU. Once received, you should print the I-20 and sign the document. You will not receive a physical I-20 via mail. 

     

    1. The email will be sent to your @asu.edu email. As a reminder, your @asu.edu email address is being forwarded to your personal email account, so be sure to check it often, including junk and spam folders, so you do not miss any messages.
  3. Once you have received your I-20, be sure to pay your I-901 fee. Once the fee has been paid do not delay in contacting your consulate to obtain a visa appointment. Some consulates may have long wait times, so do not delay on securing an appointment time.
  4. If you are unable to submit the documentation needed to receive an I-20 from ASU or are unable to obtain your F1 visa in time to arrive by the start of the semester of your admission, contact ASUinternational@asu.edu and we can advise you on your options.
  5.  If you have any questions, please contact our International Admission Services team. We will work with you to keep you on track.
  6. View the I-20 Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information.

Helpful reminder

Be sure to check wait times for your local embassy or consulate, as some areas may be experiencing wait times longer than 30 days. You can now apply for your visa up to 365 days before the start date listed on your I-20. Complete these steps as soon as possible so that when your local embassy can take your appointment, you will be ready to proceed with your next steps.

Types of international student visas

As an international student at Arizona State University, you will need to obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa.

F-1 student visa

The F-1 visa is the most common student visa and is issued to full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program at a U.S. institution. Any student who is funded either by personal or outside funds, or a combination of the two, is eligible for F-1 status. If you are a student applying for an F-1 visa, you must request the SEVIS Form I-20 from the appropriate ASU admission office once admitted to ASU.

 

J-1 student visa

The J-1 visa is an exchange visitor visa issued to students at all academic levels. Students must have a substantial portion of their funding coming from a source other than their personal finances (e.g., their home institution or government). If you are a student applying for a J-1 visa, you must request Form DS-2019 from the appropriate ASU admission office once admitted to ASU.

 

F-2 dependent visa (undergraduate)

The F-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows dependent spouses and children of F-1 student visa holders to enter the U.S. and enroll in an educational institution. As a student with F-2 visa status, you can attend ASU only as a part-time student. For the undergraduate level, this means you may register for up to 11 credit hours for the spring and fall terms.

F-2 dependent visa (graduate)

The F-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows dependent spouses and children of F-1 student visa holders to enter the U.S. and enroll in an educational institution. As a student with F-2 visa status, you can attend ASU only as a part-time student. For the graduate level, this means you may register for up to eight credit hours for the spring and fall terms. Some graduate programs do not allow students to attend part time. For additional information, please contact your program of interest.

SEVIS Form I-20

An initial I-20 is issued for students with a new SEVIS record. A transfer I-20 is issued for students who have an active SEVIS record at a U.S. high school or higher education institution, and are transferring their records to ASU.

Initial I-20

If you have not been issued an I-20 in the past, or if you have but the SEVIS record affiliated with that I-20 was terminated or completed, you should request an initial I-20.

Once you have uploaded all required documents in My ASU for the I-20, ASU Admission Services will begin the process of creating your initial I-20.

 

Transfer I-20

If you have an active SEVIS record at another U.S. school (high school or higher education institution) and are requesting an I-20 through ASU, you should follow the Request Transfer SEVIS Form I-20 section below. Once you have uploaded all required documents in My ASU for the I-20, ASU Admission Services will begin the process of creating your transfer I-20.

Getting an I-20

An I-20 is an important immigration document that F-1 students need in order to obtain their student visa and enter the U.S. ASU guides each student through the process of obtaining their I-20. Priority Tasks on My ASU alerts students to the steps they need to take. The process of obtaining an I-20 can take some time, so it is important not to wait until the last minute to begin gathering the necessary documents and uploading them. 

For sponsored students, the steps to obtaining an I-20 are slightly different than for nonsponsored students. Students should use the descriptions below to determine whether or not they are a sponsored student.

Sponsored student

A sponsored student’s school and living expenses are paid by a sponsoring agency recognized by ASU. 

Some examples of sponsoring agencies are ADNOC, Aramco, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Kuwait Cultural Office, Oman Cultural Division, Qatar Airways, Qatar Defense Attaché, Qatar Higher Education Institute, QatarEnergy, RasGas, Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, Sidra, UAE Cultural Division and the UAE Scholarship Coordination Office. 

Most of ASU’s sponsored students come from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman. 

Note: Students receiving an ASU scholarship or TA/RA position are not considered sponsored students.

Once you have uploaded all required documents in My ASU for the I-20, ASU Admission Services will begin the process of creating your initial I-20.

 

Nonsponsored student

A nonsponsored student’s school and living expenses are paid for through personal or family funds, loans, or other means not associated with an ASU-recognized sponsoring agency. 

Students who are unsure if they are a sponsored student should contact ASU Admission Services at ASUinternational@asu.edu or +1 480-965-2437. 

How to request an I-20

Step 01

Fill out the Financial Guarantee form

In compliance with the Department of Homeland Security and SEVIS regulations, all international applicants on the F-1 student visa must provide evidence of sufficient funds available for their studies in the U.S. For this purpose, a Financial Guarantee form  must be completed and submitted along with bank statements dated within the past 12 months and signed or wet stamped by an authorized bank or representative, or by a recognized sponsoring agency in the U.S. Please submit your Financial Guarantee form along with your bank statements or sponsor letter from an authorized sponsoring agency. ASU will not be able to process your SEVIS Form I -20 without receipt of your Financial Guarantee.

Please refer to the Financial Guarantee form to determine the amount of funds required for your specific program and campus. You can access the form here .

Students with dependents (e.g., spouse, child) who will be joining them in the U.S. during their time on an F-1 or J-1 visa will need to provide proof of the following additional funds:

Additional financial support needed for dependents:
Spouse – $7,000
Each child – $5,000

Financial Guarantee form 

Step 02

Financial Document Requirements

To meet ASU’s financial requirements for your I-20 processing, you must provide Financial Documents that meets the following criteria:

 

Document Requirements:

 

  • All financial documents must be dated within the last 12 months.
  • Please include your 10 digit ASU Affiliate ID # on all pages. 
  • The total available balance across all documents must meet or exceed the amount listed on the Financial Guarantee form< for one academic year (9 months) for tuition and fees and living expenses.
  • Ensure that all documents are in English or include a certified translation.
  • Incomplete or unclear documentation may delay your I-20 processing so carefully review your documents to ensure they meet all requirements and documents are legible before submission.  
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: The I-20 tracker on My ASU upload tool only allows the upload of each document type once, so please be sure to have all your financial documents combined together prior to uploading. 

Acceptable Types of Financial Documents:

Bank Statements/Bank Certification/Balance Certificate

  • Documents should include the following information:
    • Summary of the balance of the account(s) showing liquid assets only (cash, deposits, certificates of deposit, or savings accounts)
    • Account holder name(s)
    • Date of document issue or of balance
    • Currency of the account(s)
    • Type of account(s)
    • Balance Certificates must also show: bank official’s printed name, title, and original signature, and be issued on bank letterhead with bank official’s signature/stamp.
    • Business account statements must be accompanied by a letter on company letterhead confirming that funds from the account statement are available for student educational purposes. This letter must be signed by a company official with authority over the account.
  • Note: the account transaction history is not required and screenshots of bank accounts are not acceptable.

Loan Letters:

  • Provide in-principle and sanctioned loan letters that include the terms and conditions of the loan and the agreed loan amount.

Investment Statements:

  • Include statements showing liquid assets (accounts that show cash balances only).

Scholarship Letters/Government Funding Letters:

  • Letters must be issued by scholarship/Government agency official on letterhead, which includes the following information:
    • Student’s full name
    • Award amount
    • Duration of the award
    • Confirmation that the award is valid for study at ASU
    • The degree and major the scholarship/government funding covers

Note: if a scholarship/government fundings does not cover the full amount required on the Financial Guarantee form, include additional financial documents to cover the remaining amount.

Acceptable government sponsorship agencies include ADNOC, Aramco, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, Kuwait Cultural Office, Oman Cultural Division, Qatar Airways, Qatar Defense Attaché, Qatar Higher Education Institute, QatarEnergy, RasGas, Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, Sidra, UAE Cultural Division, and the UAE Scholarship Coordination Office. For more details, refer to the sponsored student section.

Provident Fund Statement:

  • A Provident account statement may be used when submitted with a written statement from the financial institution, which verifies the withdrawable amount for educational purposes.

Department Assistantship (RA/TA):

  • Provide a copy of your RA/TA offer letter issued by the department to which you have been admitted at Arizona State University.
  • Admissions will review your offer letter to determine the total funding provided by your offer as it pertains to the I-20 requirements.
  • We are not able to list summer funding on the I-20 document.
  • The I-20 document is required to show funding for the first 9 months of your program only.
  • Note: if the assistantship does not cover the full amount required for I-20 processing purposes, you must submit additional financial documents

 

Step 03

Upload a copy of your passport

You may take a clear photo or scan of the biographic page of your passport and upload it to the link on My ASU. The bio page is the page that shows your picture and personal details. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S. If it is not valid, the I-20 will not be processed.

Step 04

Requesting SEVIS Initial or Transfer Form I-20

Document Submission

After being admitted to ASU and submitting your Financial Guarantee form, follow these steps to have your SEVIS Form I-20 created and sent to you:

  1. Access My ASU: Log in to My ASU where you will find I-20 tasks listed in your Priority Tasks.
  2. Upload Documents: Upload the following items through My ASU:
    • Financial Guarantee Form:
      1. SEVIS Transfer Form I-20: If you are eligible for a SEVIS transfer to ASU, ensure you complete Step 4 with all your SEVIS information.
    • Financial Documents: For example, a bank statement showing sufficient funds.
    • Passport: A clear copy of your passport.

       

Click on each Priority Task item for additional instructions. Allow at least three business days for intake. Once your documents are on file, we aim to review documents within 7-10 business days to ensure completeness and sufficient funding for one academic year. If any issues are found, you will receive an email and updated priority task requesting additional documentation.

SEVIS Transfer Form I-20 ONLY (if applicable)

If you are currently studying in the U.S. on a F-1 visa and are eligible for a SEVIS transfer, you will need to have your SEVIS record transferred to ASU and complete all fields on Step 4 of your Financial Guarantee form including but not limited to the Transfer Release Date.

Note: A Transfer I-20 will be issued only after your Transfer Release Date. If Step 4 on the Financial Guarantee form is missing any information, we will request an updated form to review for a Transfer I-20.

 

Important Note for All Students

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before starting your studies at ASU, you will need to re-enter the U.S. with your ASU SEVIS Form I-20. Present the ASU SEVIS Form I-20 at the U.S. Port of Entry.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact the international student advisor at your transfer out school or reach out to ASU:

Admission Services

Address: 1151 S Forest Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85287-0112

Phone: 480-965-2437

Email for Undergrad: asuinternational@asu.edu

Email for Graduate: gograd@asu.edu  

Step 05

Review Your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019

It’s crucial to very carefully review your SEVIS document, as each page contains important information that you need to understand. Here’s what you need to check:

For SEVIS Form I-20 (F-1 Visa)

Page 1: Program and Biographical Information

  • SEVIS Identification Number: Located on the top right corner of the first page. You will need this number for your visa application and to pay the SEVIS fee.
  • Entry Date: You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the report date listed on your form (Item #5). Entering after this date may cause issues with immigration officials at the Port of Entry.
  • Student Certification: By signing the Student Certification (Item #11), you confirm that you have read and understood the terms and conditions of your F-1 status.
  • Program Name: The I-20 may list a CIP Code/Name, which groups similar programs, rather than the exact name of your program.

Page 2: Instructions

  • This page includes important information for maintaining your F-1 status while studying at ASU. Make sure to read and understand these instructions.

Page 3: Travel Authorization

  • This page is for future travel authorization. You do not need a signature on this page for your initial entry into the U.S. with your SEVIS Form I-20.

Note: Dependents accompanying an F-1 student in F-2 status must have their own SEVIS Form I-20 issued in their name.

 

For SEVIS Form DS-2019 (J-1 Visa)

Page 1: Program and Biographical Information

  • SEVIS Identification Number: Located on the top right. This number is needed for your visa application and to pay the SEVIS fee.
  • Travel Authorization: Includes spaces for future travel authorization. You do not need a signature on this page for your initial entry into the U.S. with your SEVIS Form DS-2019.
  • Program Name: The DS-2019 may list a CIP Code/Name, which groups similar programs, rather than the exact name of your program.

Page 2: Instructions

  • This page contains important information for maintaining your J-1 status while studying or conducting research at ASU. Be sure to read and follow these instructions.

Note: Dependents accompanying a J-1 student in J-2 status must have their own SEVIS Form DS-2019 issued in their name.

Important Actions
  • Verify Accuracy: Ensure all information (e.g., spelling, dates) on your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 is correct. If you find any mistakes, contact the admissions office immediately to have them corrected.
  • Visa Application: You will need your SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019, ASU admission notification, Financial Guarantee form, and passport to obtain your student visa at the U.S. consulate nearest to you.

Step 06

Process SEVIS Form I-901 and payment

Upon receipt of SEVIS Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, you will have the information needed to pay the SEVIS fee and the SEVIS Form I-901 fee. You must pay the SEVIS fee and have a receipt prior to applying for a student visa.

The SEVIS Form I-901 fee is mandated by the U.S. Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors, and ensures that they maintain their status while in the U.S.

 

I-20 and DS-2019 issuance timeline

The U.S. government has strict regulations on the issuance of I-20 and DS-2019 documents to international students who wish to attend an educational institution in the U.S. The dates below are for issuance of an I-20 or DS-2019, the latest date to report to the appropriate international student office, and the final day to be enrolled full time. Any noncompliance with these dates may preclude you from registering for classes. International students not enrolled full time will have their SEVIS record terminated and become subject to detainment and deportation.

Fall 2024 semester

Feb. 1, 2024
First day to issue I-20/DS-2019.

July 22, 2024
Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 outside the U.S.

July 23Aug. 22, 2024
Mandatory SEVIS check-in with the International Students and Scholars Center.

Aug. 22, 2024
Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 for SEVIS transfer students within the U.S.

Aug. 22, 2024
First day of classes and deadline to check in with ISSC.

Spring 2025 semester

Sept. 1, 2024
First day to issue I-20/DS-2019.

Dec. 6, 2024
Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 outside the U.S..

Dec. 14, 2024 Jan. 13, 2025
Mandatory SEVIS check-in with the International Students and Scholars Center.

Jan. 13, 2025
Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 for SEVIS transfer students within the U.S

Jan. 13, 2025
First day of classes and deadline to check in with ISSC.

Summer 2025 semester

Feb. 3, 2025
First day to issue I-20/DS-2019.

April 19, 2025
Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 outside the U.S.

April 20–May 19, 2025, 2025
Mandatory SEVIS check-in with the International Students and Scholars Center.

May 5, 2025
Undergraduate students' last day to request an academic deferral and deferral of the I-20.  

May 19, 2025
Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 for SEVIS transfer students within the U.S.

May 19, 2025
First day of classes and deadline to check in with ISSC.

May 23, 2025
Graduate students' last day to request an academic deferral and deferral of the I-20  

Fall 2025 semester

Feb. 3, 2025
First day to issue I-20/DS-2019.

July 22, 2025
Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 outside the U.S.

July 22Aug. 21, 2025
Mandatory SEVIS check-in with the International Students and Scholars Center.

Aug. 7, 2025
Undergraduate students' last day to request an academic deferral and deferral of the I-20.  

Aug. 21, 2025
Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 for SEVIS transfer students within the U.S.

Aug. 21, 2025
First day of classes and deadline to check in with ISSC.

Sept. 3, 2025
Graduate students' last day to request an academic deferral and deferral of the I-20  

The student visa application process

Step 01

Apply for nonimmigrant visa, DS-160

As a visa applicant, you must submit a completed DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories. Read complete details about student visas.

Note: After you have completed the DS-160, you will need to print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.

Step 02

Schedule visa interview

To schedule your interview, locate your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Each consulate sets its own timeline for accepting and processing student visa applications. If the consulate says apply “at least” 60 days before your program departure, this means no fewer than 60 days. To avoid problems, submit your visa application at the earliest date the consulate will accept it.

Step 03

Pay visa application fee

Please read information about nonimmigrant visa application fees. Applicants must pay these fees as directed prior to their visa interview, and they must bring the receipt to their interview.

If the visa is issued, please note that a Visa Issuance Reciprocity Fee may be applicable based on your country of citizenship. Please refer to the Visa Reciprocity Table to see if this fee applies to you.

Step 04

Prepare for visa interview

Start gathering the required documents for your student visa application the moment you apply to your program. Read through all information provided online by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you will be visiting.

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

  • Passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S.
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
  • Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
  • Photo. You will upload while completing the online form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring a 2x2 inch photograph of yourself.
  • SEVIS Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with your SEVIS record number issued by ASU. You must sign Form I-20.

Additional documentation may be required

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents. You should be prepared to provide evidence such as:

  • A receipt of your SEVIS Form I-901 fee.
  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates from schools you attended.
  • Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school.
  • Your intent to depart the U.S. upon completion of the course of study.
  • How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs, including financial evidence showing you, your parents or sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during your study.

   Tips on preparing for your interview

In addition to visiting the U.S. State Department link above, here are some additional tips on preparing for your interview.

  • A consular officer will interview you in English to determine whether you qualify for a student visa. Do not ask them to conduct the interview in another language.
  • On average, visa interviews are about three minutes long. Students must be proactive at their visa interview to succeed. Be prepared if they ask you (1) why you want to study in the U.S., (2) why you chose your major and why you chose to study at ASU, (3) what you are excited about, and (4) what you plan to do in the future and/or what ties you have to your home country.
  • If asked for proof of funding, some officers look favorable upon students who can show more than the required amount on their I-20 as a way to show they can afford their education and time in the U.S. If funds from extended family members are submitted, be prepared to answer questions about how close you are to your relatives, if you are planning to pay them back, if they are funding your entire education, how much that person is providing you, etc.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Step 05

Prepare documents for travel

As you get ready to arrive in Arizona, be sure to prepare your documents for travel. Here are some items you should carry with you. It is advisable to keep a copy in your checked luggage and one with your family at home. Make sure you have these original documents available at all times while traveling to and within the U.S.:

  • SEVIS Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
  • Valid passport. 
  • Current visa.
  • Copy of immunization records.
  • Original supporting financial documents.
  • Dependents' I-20 or DS-2019 and passports if your spouse and children will be traveling with you.
  • International travel coverage documents, if you purchased this coverage.

Frequently asked questions about student visas

How do I get a student visa?

To get a student visa, you must first apply and be admitted to ASU. Once admitted, you must apply for an I-20 through ASU by uploading the required documentation. Once you receive your SEVIS number from the I-20 created by ASU, you’ll apply for your student visa through your country’s embassy. The visa process includes some paperwork and an in-person interview with an immigration officer at your local embassy. The embassy then creates the student visa with your passport and will indicate the dates you can arrive in the U.S. for your studies.

View I-20 FAQs

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. You must complete a SEVIS form I-20 to get an F-1 student visa or a SEVIS form DS-2019 to get a J-1 student visa.

Can I get a job while in the U.S. as a student?

Yes, you may work as a student, though ASU recommends you work no more than 20 hours per week. Many international students work for ASU, as the university employs more than 10,000 students. You may also work off campus, but if you do, it’s important that your employer understands that you are an ASU student and that your education is one of your top priorities.

View general FAQs