International Student Services

New F-1/J-1 Checklist

Receiving an I-20

The Office of International Programs (OIP) issues I-20s to admitted international students enrolled in an in-person, degree-seeking program at UT Tyler. To request F-1 status, students must first submit the required financial and supporting documents through the Certification of Financial Responsibility (CFR). Once eligibility is confirmed, their information is entered into SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), which processes the data and generates an I-20. A Designated School Official (DSO) then reviews, signs, and issues the I-20 to the student.

International students must demonstrate proof of sufficient financial resources to cover educational and living expenses while studying in the U.S. To receive an I-20, the following documents must be submitted to OIP:

• Certification of Financial Responsibility (access via our Forms Library) 
  • Passport ID page (note: passport must be valid for at least 6 months)
  • Proof of financial support documents in one or more of the following forms, issued within the past six months:
    • Personal or sponsor funds: checking/savings account balance statement, credit card statement, etc.
    • Scholarships
    • Government funding
• Sponsor Letter

International students who do not require an F-1 visa may also complete a fully online degree program from their home country if the program is 100% online.

Upon Receiving UT Tyler I-20/DS-2019:

If you are applying for an F-1 visa outside the U.S., complete the following: 

• Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
• Complete the visa application DS-160
• Pay the DS-160 fee; 
  • If you need to list a U.S. address in your application, you can list the address of the Office of International Programs (3620 Varsity Drive, Tyler, TX 75701)

• Schedule a visa appointment and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. 

*Canadian citizens are not required to apply for a visa to enter the United States as an F-1 or J-1, but must still pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee and present their I-20 or DS-2019 at the U.S. port of entry.  

Completing Form I-901

• Access form I-901 online.
• List your name exactly as it appears on your I-20/DS-2019.
  • F-1 visa: Your SEVIS Identification Number is in the top left corner of your I-20; it begins with an "N" and has 10 digits.
    • You will need the "School Code," which is also listed on your I-20.The code for the UT Tyler campus is DAL214F00503000.
    • The code for UT Tyler Houston Engineering Center campus is DAL214F00503003.
    • The code for the UT Health Science Center at Tyler campus is DAL214F00503004.
  • J-1 visa: Your SEVIS Identification Number is in the upper right corner of your DS-2019; it begins with an "N" and has 10 digits.
    • Program Number: P-1-14522
• Check that the information is correct.
• Print at least 2 copies of the receipt.
• Keep your receipt with your other important immigration documents.

Visa Interviews & Required Documents

When going to the visa interview, bring:

• Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
• Valid Certificate of Eligibility I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1)
• Proof of admission (F/J new students) or proof of enrollment (F/J currently enrolled students)
• Evidence of Financial Support
• Visa application forms and fees
• SEVIS Fee receipt

Some consulates may require additional documentation, so check the consulate website for visa application instructions. Visa application forms and fees can be found on the consulate website.

If you are a current F-1 student with an active SEVIS record and have already paid the SEVIS fee, or if you have transferred your SEVIS record from a previous school, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.

Visa Wait Times

Since visa appointments are limited and visa processing times can be lengthy, make your appointment as early as possible. Consulates will generally accept appointments up to 120 days prior to the start of studies. There may be long waiting periods for appointments, especially May through August. However, consulates may give priority to F-1 and J-1 student applicants, if requested.

Tips for a successful visa interview

Arriving in the U.S.

For your first entry into the U.S. with your I-20/DS-2019, you can enter no earlier than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. 

For guidance on recommended airports and housing, please see our Entering the U.S. guide.

Are you bringing dependents with you? Learn more.