OIE understands that the issuance of an I-20 or DS-2019 is a time-sensitive process. We work diligently to issue documents as soon as possible to ensure students can apply for the visa and arrive on time. Please read the information below to avoid common delays and to obtain answers to questions you likely have about the process. The timeline for this process varies for each student. Within a week of a student's admission being verified by the Office of Graduate Education, the student will receive an email from OIE prompting them to log into iStart and complete the New Student Graduate I-20/DS-2019 Request e-form. Within the e-form, students provide their passport, confirm biographical information, and upload financial documents.
Be sure to add info@oie.gatech.edu to your safe sender list to ensure you don't miss any important emails about your I-20/DS-2019!
Step 1) Admission
Apply for and obtain admission from their graduate program and the Office of Graduate Education.
- Your graduate program is the first step in your admission. Once admitted by the graduate program, you will receive a decision letter via the application status portal.
- The Office of Graduate Education then verifies and evaluates academic documents before you can continue with the enrollment process, including the I-20/DS-2019 issuance process.
- Refer to Step 9: Verification and Evaluation for more information on the process and timeline. This process typically takes up to eight weeks to complete from the date the Office of Graduate Education has all the academic documents required for verification.
- Once the admitted your verification and evaluation is successfully completed, you will receive the “Update on your Application Verification” email. At this point, the Graduate Coordinator within the academic department can initiate a "Graduate I-20/DS-2019 Request" e-form on your behalf.
Step 2) Graduate I-20/DS-2019 e-form
Students will receive an email prompt from info@oie.gatech.edu prompting them to log into iStart and complete the New Student Graduate I-20/DS-2019 Request e-form.
1. Within a week of a student's admission being verified by the Office of Graduate Education, the student will receive an email from OIE at info@oie.gatech.edu prompting them to log into iStart and complete the New Student Graduate I-20/DS-2019 Request e-form.
- The e-form is found under the 1. Request Initial I-20/DS-2019 Form section in iStart.
- Look for the email notification from info@oie.gatech.edu to provide passport, proof of financial documentation and any other immigration data that is needed to issue the I-20 or DS-2019
2. In the New Student Graduate I-20/DS-2019 Request e-form, all students will be asked to upload a PDF of their passport, financial certification form, proof of financials requirements and complete personal information. If you are funded by Georgia Tech, your department will be asked to verify your financial award details.
- Transfer students: A transfer I-20 or DS-2019 can only be issued on or after the release date set by your previous institution so make sure that you have a release date from your current institution. Please Include your transfer date in the e-form to reduce delay of your I-20/DS-2019 processing. OIE does not require a transfer-in form or document. For more information on the transfer process, click here
- Current J visa holders: Before an I-20 will be issued, we expect you to have a discussion with an Georgia Tech International Student Adviser to discuss the Change of Status options and required documentation. Call (404) 894-7475 to schedule an appointment.
Financial information
All students must show they have funds which will support them financially for the first academic year. To avoid delay, students should review financial documentation requirements found on OIE's Financial Document Requirements website.
- Students who indicate they are receiving funding from Georgia Tech are required to upload a copy of their official GRA/GTA/GA letter when submitting the I-20/DS-2019 e-form with a financial certification form. Please see OIE's Graduate Estimated Cost of Attendance and Funding page to determine if you need to show additional sources of funding, such as personal or sponsor funds. For actual tuition and fee estimates, please see the Bursars Office website for details.
- If you are required to show funding from personal or sponsor sources other than Georgia Tech, you will be expected to upload a financial certification form and financial documentation showing proof of funding to reach your estimated cost of attendance as outlined on OIE's Graduate Estimated Cost of Attendance and Funding page.
- All international students who are required to provide proof of funding must submit a completed financial certification form and financial documentation. The documents must meet the requirements outlined on OIE's Financial Document Requirements website.
- Students who are not using a personal bank account in their name, sponsor verification is required. Please have your sponsor verify their sponsorship by signing under "Sponsor Verification" in the financial certification form.
Step 3) Shipping
OIE issues the I-20/DS-2019 form after all documents submitted in iStart are complete and accurate. Current e-form processing times are available on the OIE website.
Students will receive an email when the I-20 or DS-2019 form is issued. OIE will issue a digitally-signed electronic I-20/DS-2019 form. Once the form is issued, students will be able to immediately access their I-20/DS-2019 form from the iStart portal. Students should download the I-20/DS-2019 form, print and sign at the bottom of the first page. Additional information and guidelines about the electronically issued documents can be found on our website: