IMPORTANT NOTE ON IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS – ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF I-20s AND DS-2019s ARE OFFICIAL
All I-20s will be sent as an electronic document per guidance from the Department of Homeland Security Student Exchange Visitor Program SEVP Policy Guidance: Use of Electronic Signatures and Transmission for the Form I-20, and DS-2019s will be sent as electronic documents per new allowances authorized by the Department of State on April 27, 2023.
Both F-1/F-2 I-20s and J-1/J-2 DS-2019s signed and sent as electronic scans can be used for all official purposes, including visa applications, visa renewals, and entry to the U.S. There is no need for the original, physical I-20 or DS-2019.

Deadlines
Due to interview appointment delays and visa processing timelines, we encourage all students to apply for their I-20/DS-2019 as early as possible. ISSS has the following deadlines in place for requesting a new I-20/DS-2019.
Generally, ISSS must receive a complete I-20/DS-2019 Request Form and supporting documents approximately 1 month prior to the start of the semester in order to issue documents and for a student to have time to get a visa appointment. However, for some countries, students will need several months to secure a visa appointment and obtain a visa.
Deadline Exceptions: Please note, an exception to these deadlines can be made for students who already hold valid F-1 or J-1 student visas, for those on F-1 or J-1 student visas who are currently enrolled at UA and will be applying for a change-of-level, and for those who will be transferring their active F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record from another institution.
SEMESTER | I-20/DS-2019 REQUEST DEADLINE | CLASSES START DATE | LATEST ARRIVAL DATE |
---|---|---|---|
Spring 2024 | December 8, 2023 | January 10, 2024 | January 17, 2024 |
Summer 1 2024* | April 30, 2024 | May 28, 2024 | May 31, 2024 |
Summer 2 2024* | June 5, 2024 | July 3, 2024 | July 9, 2024 |
Fall 2024 | July 17, 2024 | August 21, 2024 | August 28, 2024 |
* Summer start dates are generally discouraged for new, first-time international students due to full-time enrollment requirements and limited course offerings in some programs. Please see Summer Enrollment Requirements.

Click on the image of the I-20 to take you to our Understaning the I-20 page, where you can better understand each section, including the Personal and Biographical Information, School Information, Program of Study, Financials, and Attestations.
- SEVIS ID
- PERSONAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
- SCHOOL INFORMATION
- PROGRAM OF STUDY & PROGRAM START/END DATE INFORMATION
- FINANCIALS
- SCHOOL AND STUDENT ATTESTATIONS
- EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATIONS/EMPLOYER INFORMATION (PAGE 2 OF I-20)
- TRAVEL ENDORSEMENT SIGNATURES (PAGE 2 OF I-20)
Note: The Form I-20 is updated with minor revisions periodically. Your actual I-20 may differ slightly from the sample included, but the main sections should be the same.
The version of the Form I-20 is noted in the bottom left corner of Page 1 of the I-20. The date listed on the Form I-20 version has no impact on a student visa status.

Click on the image of the DS-2019 to look at a sample J-1 DS-2019 and to better understand each section.
- SEVIS ID
- PERSONAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
- PROGRAM SPONSOR INFORMATION
- PROGRAM START/END DATE INFORMATION
- EXCHANGE VISITOR CATEGORY AND STUDY FIELD CODE
- FINANCIALS
- SCHOOL ATTESTATIONS
- TRANSFER STATEMENT
- CONSULAR ENDORSEMENT
- TRAVEL VALIDATION SIGNATURES
- EV CERTIFICATION
Note: Form DS-2019 is updated with minor revisions periodically. Your actual DS-2019 may differ slightly from the sample included, but the main sections should be the same.

