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.
While most international students attend Notre Dame on an F-1 visa, a J-1 visa is also available for some graduate and non-degree seeking students. More information about both visa types can be found here.
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 non-degree seeking students, including ASAP, Exchange students, Pre-College, ISURE, and summer research 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 below. Summer non-degree students have a different link for requesting their I-20 or DS-2019.
Instructions for Undergraduate, 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. Send all questions about your I-20 or DS-2019 to ISSA.
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Instructions for Requesting I-20 or DS-2019 |
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|---|---|
| 1. |
Graduate & Professional Students: after confirming admission, activate your Notre Dame netID and OKTA account.
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| 2. |
Gather electronic copies of required documents, including:
If you will bring dependents (spouse/children), also gather their documents, including:
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| 3. |
Log into ISSAlink.nd.edu
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| 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, you will indicate those details in the Immigration Status form. |
| 5. |
After submitting, allow ISSA eight business days to process your request.
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| 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,
You can now transition to the instructions for applying for a student visa. |
| 8. |
Using the Notre Dame issued I-20 or DS-2019, complete the DS-160 and schedule your appointment.
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| 9. |
Pay the SEVIS fee
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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. Except for securing a visa stamp, all other regulations and responsibilities apply to Canadian F-1 students. 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, including any holidays or University closures. 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.
What if I have trouble completing the request forms in ISSAlink?
ISSA is available via email and virtual advising appointments; find our most current virtual advising schedule here. ISSA can only communicate with the student on record regarding their documents.