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. Students already inside the U.S. intending to transfer their F-1/J-1 immigration record to Georgia Tech should also review our Transfer In Guidance page. If you are already inside the U.S. on another status and intend to change to F-1/J-1 status, please review our Change of Status Guidance page.
Please add info@oie.gatech.edu to your safe sender list to ensure you don't miss any important emails from OIE and about your I-20/DS-2019!
Step 1) Obtain admission to Georgia Tech
If you have any questions about the undergraduate admission application process or timeline, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Monitor your admission decision in your admission portal:
If you review your account and see "Accepted Pending": If there are pending documents such as official transcripts, etc., the student needs to communicate directly with Undergraduate Admissions to satisfy any outstanding documents. Undergraduate students may check their application status on their application portal.
Once admitted, confirm your plans to attend Georgia Tech within your admission portal and pay the admissions deposit.
Step 2) Complete the I-20 Survey
The Undergraduate Admission team will review the information provided within your application and the I-20 Survey to determine if a student visa may be required in order to attend Georgia Tech.
If it is determined that a student visa is required, the Undergraduate Admissions team will initiate an I-20/DS-2019 form request on your behalf in iStart.
Step 3) Complete the Undergraduate I-20/DS-2019 Request e-form
- You will receive an email from info@oie.gatech.edu with the subject line "Action Required: Undergraduate Initial I-20/DS-2019 Request." Within this email, there is a link to request your I-20/DS-2019 form. Follow the instructions within the email to complete your I-20/DS-2019 form request.
- In the Undergraduate I-20/DS-2019 Request e-form, estimated tuition and living expenses information will be listed, and all students will be asked to upload a PDF of their passport, financial certification form, proof of financials requirements, and complete personal information.
- As a reminder:
- iStart access is not required to request your I-20/DS-2019 form.
- You will not be able to access the "Undergraduate I-20/DS-2019 Request" e-form via iStart. You will only be able to access the request via the link provided in the email.
Step 4) OIE issues the I-20/DS-2019 Form
OIE issues an I-20/DS-2019 after all documents submitted in iStart are complete and accurate. Current e-form processing times are available on the OIE website.
You will receive an email when the I-20 or DS-2019 form is issued.
- I-20 and DS-2019 form Issuance: 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 form from the iStart portal. Students should download the form, print and sign at the bottom of the first page.