Frequently Asked Questions
I cannot arrive by the program start date listed on my I-20. What are my options?
Your I-20 program start date determines when you can travel to the U.S. You may enter up to the 30 days before the program start date. If you try to enter after the program start date has passed, you may face challenges at the port of entry. The ISSO recommends to defer your admission and Form I-20 to a future semester if you cannot arrive in the U.S. by the start of classes.
I am overseas, is there a deadline to submit my documents to the ISSO so my I-20 is issued?
No, there is no deadline. It is to your advantage to submit your documents as soon as possible so you can receive your I-20 and apply for your visa.
Where can I get information about scholarships and assistantships?
Visit the Financial Requirements webpage for information on scholarships. To learn more about assistantships, contact your academic department. Please be aware the ISSO does not handle information on availability, eligibility criteria, or application procedures.
I am going to finish my degree in less time than listed on my I-20. Can you issue an I-20 with a shorter program length?
The Department of Homeland Security requires UT Dallas to establish a program length for the I-20s that the ISSO issues. The program length is established by the university, and your I-20 reflects the standard program length.
Please note that students at UT Dallas are able to pace their own program completion. The program length is an average. Some students may finish a program in less time, while others may take longer. However, the I-20 must reflect the average length of time.
The name of my major on my I-20 is different. How can I change it?
USCIS asks all institutions to use a standard code for all programs. The name of the program as it appears on the I-20 is the name provided by USCIS, and the code for that program is equivalent to the code UT Dallas uses to identify your current program name.
You can see the full list of the UTD program names and standardized codes on the Understand Your I-20 webpage.
If you have any questions about your program of study, please contact your academic department.
Where can I get my admission letter?
You can view your admission letter in your Galaxy portal. If you have questions, contact the Office of Admission and Enrollment at admission@utdallas.edu.
