Apply for the I-20
Learn how to apply for your I-20 and obtain your new F-1 immigration status.
Eligibility
- Be admitted to a UT Dallas degree seeking program.
- Have a valid passport, expiring more than 6 months in the future.
- Have sufficient funding to support yourself for one academic year.
Actions After Admission
Step 1: Apply for I-20
Documents to submit via iComet
- The UT Dallas Financial Affidavit Form
- Supplemental financial support documents, if applicable. All supplemental funding documents must meet the requirements listed on the UT Dallas website.
- Copy of the passport ID page. This is the page that shows your name, photo and expiration date.
Understand your I-20
The information on the I-20 can be confusing. The ISSO is here to help you understand how to read and understand your Form I-20. Visit Understand your I-20 for more information.
Step 2: Apply for Visa
For detailed instructions on the visa application process, see the ISSO webpage on Visa Preparation. Visit our Pre/Post Arrival Resources webpage for resources to prepare you for the visa interview
You will first need to pay the required I-901 SEVIS Fee ($350 USD) and complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application ($185 USD) before applying for the F-1 visa. To apply for your F-1 visa, you will schedule an appointment with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The procedure is different at each embassy or consulate, so it is important to check with the specific consulate where you will apply.
You will need the following information for completing the DS-160 Application:
- UT Dallas’ school code: DAL214F00379000
- How to pay the mandatory SEVIS I-901 Fee ($350 USD)
- DSO contact information is:
- Jennifer Garcia
- 972-883-6678
- issoprospective@utdallas.edu
- 800 W. Campbell Rd SSB34 Richardson, Texas 75080
You may also download a letter from the ISSO Assistant Director to provide to your embassy or consulate. Download it to provide at your visa appointment or to show when arriving in the U.S.
Step 3: Prepare for Arrival
Initial F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20. The ISSO highly encourages students to arrive as early to complete the requirements F-1 international students must fulfill and get familiar with the area and the UT Dallas campus.
For instructions on how to report your arrival to the ISSO, please visit the Report Your Arrival webpage.
The Intercultural Programs Office has Post-Arrival and Transitional Resources available to help keep track of all other important and required assignments you must complete upon arrival.
Attend our Rising Comets Group Chat
Join one of our assistant directors for an informational session about all the steps between receiving your I-20 and the start of classes. We will share tips and important information about the visa process, travel and arrival information, and you will have a chance to ask questions.
We will host bi-weekly sessions via Microsoft Teams every other Wednesday 8:30 AM Central U.S. Time. Limited availability! Registration is open up to 3 weeks in advance. Click the link below to register!
