Requesting a Form I-20 or DS-2019

• Overview

  If you are an international student planning to study at Stony Brook University, you will need a Form I-20 (for F-1 student status) or DS-2019 (for J-1 student status) to apply for your student visa and gain entry to the U.S.

  Once you have been academically admitted to Stony Brook University, you will receive detailed instructions via email, along with your login credentials for accessVIS, our secure online platform.
  
  

  Current I-20/DS-2019 Processing Times
  Visa and Immigration Services can only review your I-20 request once all required forms are submitted and you have officially matriculated into a full-time degree program. Processing times for I-20/DS-2019 typically range from 2-3 business days, though they may be extended during peak periods.

  When to Request Your I-20 or DS-2019

  Planning ahead is crucial for a smooth transition to Stony Brook University. Here are the key dates for requesting your Form I-20 or DS-2019, based on your intended semester of enrollment:

  Fall Applicants:

  • Access to I-20/DS-2019 request in accessVIS: February 1st
  • Deadline for I-20/DS-2019 request submission: June 15th

  Spring Applicants:

  • Access to I-20/DS-2019 request in accessVIS: September 1st
  • Deadline for I-20/DS-2019 request submission: December 1st

  Summer Applicants:

  • Access to I-20/DS-2019 request in accessVIS: February 1st
  • Deadline for I-20/DS-2019 request submission: April 15th

  Any requests submitted after the respective deadline will be reviewed on a case by case basis based on visa wait times.

• How to Request Your Form

  
  How to Request Your Form

  Upon academic admission to Stony Brook University, you will receive an email from VIS containing instructions and login credentials. This email will guide you through the process of accessing "accessVIS," our secure online portal. Here, you can initiate the "SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 Request" or confirm your lawful presence in the United States.

  To qualify for a Form I-20 or DS-2019, applicants must demonstrate sufficient liquid funds that meet or exceed the estimated educational and living expenses for the first academic year. 

  Please keep in mind that the procedure for requesting a Form I-20 or DS-2019 may differ depending on your academic level. For a detailed breakdown of the process, review the step-by-step instructions below.

  If you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at vis@stonybrook.edu.

  Undergraduate Students

  1. Receive Your Limited Services PIN from VIS

  Once you've gained admission to Stony Brook University, VIS will send you an email with instructions on how to request a Form I-20/DS-2019 through accessVIS. This email will also contain your unique Limited Services PIN.

  If you have yet to receive it, or have forgotten it, you may request that the system e-mail it to you. (E-mail me my Limited Access PIN)

  2. Submit the 'SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 for Undergraduate Students Request'

  If you choose to request a Stony Brook University issued Form I-20 or DS-2019 to obtain F-1 or J-1 student status, please complete and submit the following forms located within the "SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 for Undergrads Request":

  • Current Immigration Status
  • Biographical/Student Information
  • Address & Mailing Information
  • Adding F-2/J-2 Dependents (optional)
  • Proof of Financial Eligibility

  Only upon submission of all required forms AND payment of your initial tuition deposit can Visa and Immigration Services review your request.

  3. Pay Your Deposit

  Once you have paid the necessary deposits to secure your place in our incoming class, Visa and Immigration Services will review your  request.

  If you have any questions regarding the payment of your tuition deposit, please contact International Undergraduate Admissions at enrollintl@stonybrook.edu.

  4. Await Your Form I-20/DS-2019

  Visa and Immigration Services can only review your request once all required forms are submitted and you have officially matriculated. Processing times for I-20s/DS-2019s typically range from 2-3 business days, though they may be extended during peak periods.

  If eligible, you will receive an email with a secure link to download your document. 

  5. Print and Sign Your Form I-20/DS-2019

  Once you have been granted access to download your Form I-20 or DS-2019, you must print and sign it - you will need this document to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, and if applicable apply for an F-1/J-1 visa.

  You do not need to return the signed copy to us.

  Graduate Students (Master's/PhD)

  Graduate level students may begin the 'SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 for Graduate Students Request' upon academic admission, but only those cleared by the Graduate School will be issued a Form I-20.  Students who might be eligible for university funding (TA, RA, PhD, etc.) should wait until they have received their offer/award letter to request a Form I-20/DS-2019.

  1. Receive your Limited Services PIN from VIS

  Once you have gained admission to Stony Brook University, VIS will send you an email with instructions on how to request a Form I-20/DS-2019 through accessVIS. This email will also contain your unique Limited Services PIN.

  If you have yet to receive it, or have forgotten it, you may request that the system e-mail it to you. (E-mail me my Limited Access PIN)

  2. Submit the 'SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 for Graduate Students Request'

  If you choose to request a Stony Brook University issued Form I-20 or DS-2019 to obtain F-1 or J-1 student status, please complete and submit the following forms located within the "SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 for Graduate Students Request."

  • Current Immigration Status
  • Biographical/Student Information
  • Address & Mailing Information
  • Adding F-2/J-2 Dependents (optional)
  • Proof of Financial Eligibility*

  
  * If you have been awarded university funding (TA, RA, PhD, etc.) you should wait until you have received your offer/award letter to request a Form I-20.

  Only upon submission of all required forms AND matriculation can Visa and Immigration Services review your I-20 request.

  3. Accept Your Offer in SOLAR

  Graduate students must accept their offer of admission in SOLAR in order to be matriculated.

  4. Await Your Form I-20/DS-2019

  Processing times for I-20s/DS-2019s typically range from 2-3 business days, though they may be extended during peak periods.

  If your request is approved, you will receive an email with a secure link to download your document. 

  5. Print and Sign your Form I-20/DS-2019

  Upon receipt you must print and sign the Form I-20/DS-2019 - you will need it to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa (if applicable), and request entry to the U.S.

  You do not need to return the signed copy to us.

  Visiting/Exchange Students

  1. Receive Your Limited Services PIN from VIS

  Once you have committed to Stony Brook University, VIS will send you an email with instructions on how to request a Form I-20/DS-2019 through accessVIS. This email will also contain your unique Limited Services PIN.

  If you have yet to receive it, or have forgotten it, you may request that the system e-mail it to you. (E-mail me my Limited Access PIN)

  2. Submit the 'SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 for Non-Degree Students Request'

  Please complete and submit the following forms located within the 'SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 for Non-Degree Students Request.'

  • Current Immigration Status
  • Biographical/Student Information
  • Address & Mailing Information
  • Adding F-2/J-2 Dependents (optional)
  • Proof of Financial Eligibility

  Only upon submission of all required forms can Visa and Immigration Services review your request.

  3. Await Your Form I-20/DS-2019

  Visa and Immigration Services can only review your I-20/DS-2019 request once all required forms are submitted. Processing times for I-20/DS-2019 typically range from 2-3 business days, though they may be extended during peak periods.

  If your request is approved, you will receive an email with a secure link to download your document. 

  4. Print and Sign your Form I-20/DS-2019

  Upon receipt you must print and sign the Form I-20/DS-2019 - you will need it to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa (if applicable), and request entry to the U.S.

  You do not need to return the signed copy to us.

   

• Frequently Asked Questions

  
  Frequently Asked Questions

  I was admitted - when will I receive my Limited Services PIN?

  Once you are admitted within the application system, your admission must be updated within the university's main system.

  You will receive an email from our accessVIS system within a few days with instructions on how to request an I-20.

  I submitted my request. When will I get my I-20?

  I-20 requests are reviewed once a student is matriculated. Matriculation depends on communication between multiple offices, and takes time.

  If you have been matriculated and submitted your I-20 request, please allow 2-3 business days for processing.

  I am an Undergraduate student - when will I be matriculated?

  In order to be matriculated as an Undergraduate student, you must pay your tuition deposit.

  I am a Graduate student - when will I be matriculated?

  In order to be matriculated as a Graduate Student, you must accept your offer in SOLAR.

  How long does matriculation take?

  Matriculation can take anywhere from days to weeks. We are unable to expediate matriculation.

  I am an Undergraduate student; why is my I-20 issued for 5 years?

  We issue I-20s for undergraduate students for a period of 5 years in case they need extra time to complete their degree. If they don't, their I-20 will be shortened to reflect their date of graduation.

  The issuance of an I-20 for a period of 5 years doesn't necessarily mean you will need all 5 years to complete your degree; completion times may vary due to the amount of credits you take each semester, your academic progress, etc.

  I only have a Given Name, not a Surname. What will my I-20 look like?

  For students with only a given name and a blank surname on their passport, SEVIS requires us to list their name within the “Surname/Primary Name” field. When submitting your I-20 request, you should match what your Passport says.

  See SEVIS name standards for more information.

  I was admitted with an AOI in ____. Why is it not on my I-20?

  An AOI means that you have not fully been accepted by the major. Your I-20 will show your major as "General Studies."

  When you are fully accepted by the major indicated in your AOI, we will be notified and an updated I-20 will be issued.

  What financial documents do I need to show for my I-20 request?

  Acceptable sources of funding can be found  here.

  How will you send me my I-20?

  All I-20s are delivered electronically. Upon receipt, you must print and sign your I-20.

  You do not need to return the signed I-20 to us.