In order to apply for an F-1 Student or J-1 Exchange Visitor Student visa, students must request a Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1) from ISSA. The I-20 and DS-2019 are visa eligibility documents that confirm that you:
- have been admitted to the University of Notre Dame
- have presented a valid passport
- have presented documentation that you have sufficient funding for estimated expenses
The I-20 or DS-2019 confirms that Notre Dame has confirmed your eligibility to apply for a U.S. visa but does not guarantee the visa will be issued.
Special notes:
If you will study at the University in any other visa status, including F-2, J-2, H-4, A-2, K-1, L-2, or non-Notre Dame sponsored J-1/F-1 (e.g. Fulbright), disregard this process. You can email us to confirm. your eligibilty to study.
If you will transfer a SEVIS record from another U.S. institution, start a new program at Notre Dame, return from a leave of absence, or be readmitted to the University, you must request a new I-20/DS-2019 using the "Instructions for Requesting I-20 or DS-2019" process below, regardless of education level.
Instructions for Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Admissions will submit the required documentation to ISSA, and we will issue your Form I-20 directly to you via email. If you have not received your I-20 within three weeks of confirmation from Undergraduate Admissions, you can email us at issa@nd.edu to inquire. All questions regarding immigration should be directed to ISSA.
Instructions for ASAP/Exchange/Summer Non-degree Students (all education levels)
Your program coordinator will direct you to the process below at the appropriate time after admission, but note that you will also be expected to request your I-20 or DS-2019 following the directions for Graduate & Professional students.
Instructions for Graduate & Professional Students
Once you have accepted admission to your program, you can submit a request for your I-20 or DS-2019 at ISSAlink following the instructions below.
|
Instructions for Requesting I-20 or DS-2019 |
|
|---|---|
| 1. |
After confirming admission, activate Notre Dame netID and OKTA account.
|
| 2. |
Gather electronic copies of required documents, including:
If you will bring dependents (spouse/children), also gather their documents, including:
|
| 3. |
Log into ISSAlink.nd.edu (requires OKTA access)
|
| 4. |
Complete all required forms in the group, including:
If you have dependents, submit the Dependent I-20/DS-2019 Request form for each dependent. If you are transferring an Active SEVIS record to Notre Dame, complete the SEVIS Transfer In Request Form |
| 5. |
After submitting, allow ISSA eight business days to process your request.
|
| 6. |
ISSA issues the Form I-20 or DS-2019 via email with important instructions on next steps. |
| 7. |
Once you receive the I-20 or DS-2019,
|
| 8. |
Using the Notre Dame issued I-20 or DS-2019, complete the DS-160 and schedule your appointment.
|
| 9. |
Pay the SEVIS fee
|
Frequently Asked Questions
I am Canadian, do I need an I-20/DS-2019?
Yes, citizens of Canada do need an I-20 or DS-2019 to study at the University, but they do NOT need to apply for the visa stamp. Citizens of Canada should review the U.S Embassy & Consulates in Canada site for more information.
I am a dual citizen. Will both/all of my citizenships be listed on the I-20/DS-2019?
No, you will need to choose which passport you will use to enter the U.S. to study. The passport, visa stamp, and I-20/DS-2019 must all reflect the same citizenship to enter the U.S. and study.
Will Notre Dame mail me a copy of my I-20/DS-2019?
No, all I-20's and DS-2019's are emailed directly to students. The student will need to print it off and sign it prior to going to the consulate and presenting it at the U.S. port of entry. Neither the consular or CBP officer will accept a copy of the I-20/DS-2019 that is on your phone or computer.
How long will it take to get my documents?
In all cases, we request eight business days to process I-20/DS-2019 requests. Please wait the full eight business days before following up. You can also check the status of your request in ISSAlink.nd.edu.
I don't have sufficient funding for my I-20/DS-2019, can you issue it anyway?
ISSA cannot issue the I-20 or DS-2019 until the appropriate funding is presented.