Your New I-20 or DS-2019 from NDSU
In addition to submitting an Application for Admission, most international student applicants (those in F-1 or J-1 student status) must also submit evidence of financial support to study at NDSU.
The process may vary for undergraduate versus graduate level students, but below is a summary of the steps a new student must follow to obtain a new immigration document.
Step 1. Know the amount of finances needed
- View our Estimate of Expenses
- Review our Financial Documentation Guidelines: Understand what types of financial documentation are acceptable for issuance of your F-1 or J-1 immigration document.
Step 2. Complete all Necessary Forms
| Type of Student | Form Name | Where is this form located? |
|---|---|---|
| ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SEEKING AN I-20 OR DS-2019 | Complete the Financial Responsibility Statement | Forms page |
| Are you a SEVIS Transfer Student? | SEVIS Transfer-In Eligibility Form NOTE: To be completed ONLY by students transferring their I-20/DS-2019 from another SEVIS school within the U.S. | Forms page |
| Graduate Students only | Graduate Immigration Checklist | A link to this form will be sent to you within about a day of confirming your enrollment with the Graduate School. |
Step 3. Submit Financial Documentation
| Type of Student | Process for submitting financial documentation |
|---|---|
| New Undergraduate | See our international undergraduate admission FAQ |
| New Graduate Student | You will receive instructions from the international student advisor assigned to your case, as part of the "Graduate Immigration Checklist" process. |
Step 4. Receive your Document
F-1 Students
We will email a signed copy of your I-20 to your email address as listed in SEVIS. Print this out, and sign it yourself. You can then use it as your original for your visa appointment or for travel purposes. An electronically signed and transmitted I-20 can be utilized and there is no requirement for us to mail the hardcopy to you.
J-1 Students
We cannot email DS-2019s. To have your document mailed to you, you must request Express Mail.
How do I request Express Mail?
Request Express Mail (U.S. or international) or Domestic Tracked Mail through USPS (for locations in the U.S. only). Links to request and pay for these services are located on our Forms page.
Are you a SEVIS Transfer Student?
Are you a SEVIS transfer student? Please follow our instructions to begin the process to request a SEVIS transfer from your current institution. After that process is complete, we will mail you a copy of your new NDSU I-20.
Step 5. Apply for your F-1/J-1 Student Visa
Important Reminders for all F-1/J-1 Students
- All students seeking initial entry into the United States on a student visa must apply for their visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
- You must also pay the I-901 SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com. You must carry receipt of this to your visa appointment.
- If you need your SEVIS ID and the NDSU School Code (for I-20s) / NDSU Program Number (for DS-2019s), it is printed directly on the immigration document we provided to you.
Canadian Citizens
If you are a Canadian citizen, you are not required to apply for an F-1 visa stamp before entering the U.S., but the I-20 is still required, and you must also pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and carry proof with you upon your entry.