Obtaining a Student Visa
Most international students need a student visa to study in the United States. Start early so you have enough time.
Start by Submitting Your I‑20 Application
To receive an I‑20 or DS‑2019, complete and submit the online I‑20 application in myIllini. Read the instructions in the application carefully. Missing or incorrect documents can delay your I-20.
Submit your I-20 ApplicationIllinois will not issue I‑20s or DS‑2019s after:
- December 15 for the spring term
- May 20 for the summer term
- August 1 for the fall term
We begin issuing I‑20s for fall first-year and transfer students on March 1.
You must upload all required documents directly to your I-20 application. Items mailed to Undergraduate Admissions will not be added for you.
Financial Verification
Federal regulations require you to show complete and accurate information about how you will pay for your studies. International students are not eligible for need‑based financial aid, so you must confirm you have at least $73,000 available for one year of study.
Your financial document must:
- Be a bank letter or statement with at least $73,000 available
- Include the account holder’s name in English (matching the sponsor you list in your I-20 application)
- Be dated within one year before classes begin
- Be in English or include a certified English translation
Acceptable documents:
- Bank letters signed by a bank official
- Bank statements issued by a bank
- Certified loan or award letters
Not accepted:
- Internet bank statements
- Frozen funds
- Documents without the account holder’s name in English
- Life insurance, pension, or trust statements
- Credit card statements
- Documents showing only salary, property value, stocks, or taxes
Keep personal copies of any documents you submit. U.S. embassy or consular officials frequently ask to see them during your visa interview. We do not return or provide copies of financial documents.
Passport Copy
Upload a clear copy of your valid passport. Do not upload your sponsor’s passport.
Access Your I‑20
Once issued, your I‑20 will be available for download in your Admitted Checklist in myIllini. Review our pre‑arrival information to prepare for your move to campus.
Download your I-20How to Get Your Student Visa
If you live outside the U.S.
Take your I‑20 or DS‑2019 to a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for an F‑1 or J‑1 visa.
Canadian citizens do not need a visa, but must show the I‑20 or DS‑2019 to enter the U.S.
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your form.
If you are transferring from a U.S. school (F‑1 or J‑1)
Tell your current school’s international advisor that you want your record transferred to the University of Illinois. They must release your record in SEVIS before classes begin. Once released, we can create your transfer‑in I‑20 or DS‑2019.
We do not complete transfer‑in forms.
SEVIS codes
- F‑1: CHI214F01070000
- J‑1: P‑1‑00209
If you plan to apply to the Intensive English Institute, notify us before applying at +1 217‑333‑0302 or international-admissions@illinois.edu.
If you live in the U.S. and hold a dependent visa that allows full‑time study (H‑4, E‑2)
You do not need an I‑20 to study unless you plan to change to F‑1 status.
Tell us whether you will apply for the F‑1 visa outside the U.S. or request a change of status inside the U.S.
You should also contact International Student and Scholar Services at +1 217‑333‑1303 or isss@illinois.edu.
If you have filed for permanent residency (I‑485)
You do not need an I‑20. Bring your I‑485 receipt notice or approval to International Student and Scholar Services when you arrive.
If you are in the U.S. on a B‑1 or B‑2 visitor visa
Students on visitor status cannot enroll in a program of study. You must obtain F‑1 or J‑1 status outside the U.S. before enrolling. Email international-admissions@illinois.edu if you need help understanding how to change your status.