Visa Information for International Undergraduate Students
What to do once you're admitted
- Accept your offer of admission online.
- Return the International SEVIS Verification Form required for issuance of your visa.
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How to Obtain Your Student Visa
- I am currently living outside the United States.
- Present the I-20 or DS-2019 to the US Consulate or Embassy in your home country to obtain the F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor visa. Citizens of Canada do not need a visa to study in the US, however, they must show the I-20 or DS-2019 to enter the US. Entry to the US is allowed up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your visa document. All students seeking an initial entry F-1 or J-1 visa are required to pay a $200 or $180 fee, respectively, to the US Department of Homeland Security. This fee must be processed at least three business days prior to the reporting date to the US Consulate or Embassy.
- I am an F-1 or J-1 student transferring from another college or high school within the United States.
- Inform the International Student Advisor at the high school or college you are now attending of your intention to transfer to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The International Student Advisor must “release” or “transfer out” your record in SEVIS, which then permits the University of Illinois to create a “transfer in” I-20 or DS-2019.
- I am planning to attend the University of Illinois Intensive English Institute before I begin the university academic program.
- Notify the Office of Admissions (call 217-333-0302 or email admissions@illinois.edu) before applying to the Intensive English Institute.
- I am presently living in the United States on a dependent visa allowing fulltime study (such as H-4 or E-2).
- You will not need the form I-20. However, if you plan to change status to F-1, you will need an I-20. Notify the Office of Admissions if you will seek the F-1 visa outside the US or seek to change status while in US.
- I am an applicant for Permanent Residency.
- You will not need the form I-20. Present your Permanent Resident application materials when you report at International Student and Scholar Services.
- I am currently in the United States in B-1/B-2 visitor status.
- U.S. Government regulations will not allow you to enroll in a program of study. From outside of the US you must change to F-1 or J-1 status prior to enrolling at the University of Illinois. If you are unsure of how to change your status, contact the Office of Admissions for information.
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Check-In Before Classes Start
All international undergraduate and exchange students (regardless of visa status) must report to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) no later than the first day of classes.
If students expect to check in after the reporting dates, they should notify the Office of Admissions (217-333-0302 or admissions@illinois.edu) and ISSS (217-333-1303 or isss@illinois.edu). Students who expect to arrive later than the first day of classes must defer their admission to a later term.
When reporting to the office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) you will need to present:
- Notice of Admission letter
- Visa eligibility form I-20 or DS-2019
- Passport
- I-94 card
- Receipts for application for permanent residency status
The reporting process consists of copying the above documents and electronic data collection. The electronic data collection can be completed at ISSS or at any remote location via this website: www.illinois.edu/goto/checkin.
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Helpful Links
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