OIE Process for Issuing a Graduate I-20 or DS-2019

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. Questions to confirm a request has been submitted should be directed to the academic program department.Once the academic program department has initiated the I-20 or DS-2019 request with OIE, graduate students will receive emails from info@oie.gatech.edu providing details on how to upload their passport, confirm biographical information, and upload financial documents (if required).

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. 

  1. 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.  
  2. 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.  
    1. 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.   
    2. 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 e-form link from info@oie.gatech.edu to submit necessary information and documents after the graduate coordinator in the graduate department initiates the Graduate I-20 or DS-2019 request in iStart.

1. Receive an email from info@oie.gatech.edu with a link to submit information. 

  • Please contact your graduate department for all inquiries in regards to when a I-20/DS-2019 request process will be initiated by the program coordinator in your graduate department.
  • 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 Graduate I-20/DS-2019 Request e-form, your department submits the I-20/DS-2019 request e-form for a student with the student’s program of study information and estimated tuition and living expenses information, and all students will be asked to upload a PDF of their passport, financial certification form, proof of financials requirements and complete personal information.

  • 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.

  • Fully funded students with a GRA/GTA/GA, the department will indicate this on Part 1 of the e-form. “fully funded” means the department is offering a GRA/GTA/GA that covers all tuition, some institutional fees, and living expenses. See the Bursars Office website for details. If you are fully funded, you will be required to upload a copy of your official GRA/GTA/GA letter when submitting the I-20/DS-2019 e-form with a financial certification form.
  • Partially funded students with a GRA/GTA/GA and self-funding, will be expected to upload a financial certification form and financial documentation showing proof of personal funding for any estimated total expenses not covered by Georgia Tech. “Partially funded” means the department is offering a GRA/GTA/GA that covers only a portion of tuition, fees, and living expenses and student will be required to show additional funding.
  • All international students who are required to provide proof of funding must submit a completed financial certification form and financial documentation.
  • 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: