Instructions for International Students (4+1 Program)
International undergraduate students at the University of Chicago on an F-1 visa should use these instructions to request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 for their graduate program.
Gather Needed Materials
Before you begin the process of requesting an I-20 or DS-2019, you will need the following documents saved as PDFs:
- Passport biographical page (just this page – no other pages are required)
- Copy of UChicago offer of admission
- Financial coversheet included in the instructions email – completed with financial documentation attached (see below for more information)
- To be issued an I-20 or DS-2019, you will need to demonstrate financial ability to cover the estimated costs of attendance outlined on the Financial Coversheet provided
- To learn more, please visit the OIA webpage on Financial Documents Requirements
- Dependent(s) passport biographical page (only if you will be bringing a spouse/children in F-2 or J-2 status)
Access UChicago OIA Portal
- Use your CNetID to access the UChicago OIA Portal
- From the home page, click APPLY NOW
- On the User Login screen, select CNetID LOGIN – enter your credentials and click login
- Under AVAILABLE TERMS select REQUEST 2026 and then click continue
- Click on “How to complete the I-20/DS-2019 request.” After reading through the “Learning Content” section, click on “Student Information”
Identify Purpose of Request
6. The last question in “Student Information” is where you will identify the purpose of your request, which is changing from one UChicago degree program to another.
7. After you’ve completed the “Student Information” section, complete the “Visa Category Request” and “SEVIS Transfer” sections. For the SEVIS transfer section, you should answer “no.”
Go to Questionnaire 4 (Change of Education Level)
8. Go to Questionnaire 4 (“Change of Education Level”). Select “Yes” and then “Next”
Answer the questions in Questionnaire 4
9. After clicking “Next,” the questionnaire will provide you with three questions. You must answer all three questions. Please answer as accurately as possible.
Complete remaining questionnaires
10. After you submit answers for Questionnaire 4, proceed to complete the remaining questionnaires. You must also complete the Learning Content and Statement of Understanding.
11. After you review your request, click Submit Request to submit to OIA.
STEP 2: Monitor Your UChicago Email Account
Once you submit your I-20 or DS-2019 Request, we will review and communicate back to your UChicago email address.
- Requests are processed as quickly as possible and based on the order in which they are received.
- Review and processing may take approximately 15 business days (not including weekends or holidays).
- We cannot accommodate requests for expedited processing – please refrain from reaching out and requesting that we issue your document faster than others.
Incomplete or incorrect requests will be rejected. You will receive an email outlining the incorrect information or missing document(s) and asked to start again. Please pay careful attention to the instructions and information.
STEP 3: I-20 or DS-2019 Issued!
Once your I-20 or DS-2019 request has been processed, you will receive an email to your UChicago email address. This email will contain next step instructions, including:
- How to access your I-20 or DS-2019 to print and sign it
- Paying the SEVIS I-901 Fee using your SEVIS ID# and School Code or Program #
- If you plan to remain in the U.S. in between programs, you do not need to apply for a new visa. You can remain in the U.S. with an expired visa, as long as you are maintaining your F-1status/I-20. If you plan to travel internationally, your current visa needs to be valid at the time of your re-entry to the U.S.
Please note: Canadian citizens are exempt from obtaining an F-1 or J-1 visa sticker from a U.S. consulate or embassy, but they are required to obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 and pay the SEVIS fee.