What are the English proficiency requirements for admission?
Please visit our English Proficiency section in our application instructions.
Do you accept credentials from credential evaluation service organizations such as WES and ECE?
No, all documents must come from your institution. We cannot accept documents from credential evaluation service organizations such as WES or ECE.
I do not have a passport right now; can I still submit my application?
Yes. Once you have a passport (or after you have been admitted), please revisit your application status page to upload a copy of your passport.
My passport only lists one name; how should I list my name in the application?
List this name as your “Last Name” and list a dash (“-”) as your “First Name.” Note that your I-20/DS-2019 will leave your first name blank due to SEVIS system requirements.
Am I required to provide proof of funding documentation before I submit my application?
No. Once you have this documentation available (or after you have been admitted), please revisit your application status page to upload your proof of funding documentation.
Is there a deadline to submit funding documentation?
No, we will just need the proof of funding before we can issue your visa eligibility document. You will want to check the processing time with your US Embassy to make sure you allow enough time to apply for the visa after receiving the document.
How much funding do I need to show?
Please refer to the PDF of the Declaration and Certification of Finances form for specific expense amounts. If your program is not listed on page 2, then you should show the base rate amount on page 1.
Where can I find the declaration and certification of finances form?
Where can I find more information about the SEVIS I-901 fee?
Please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
I want an F-1 visa; when will I receive my I-20?
The Graduate College will issue your I-20 as soon as possible after we finalize your official admission to Illinois, and after we have received your passport and proof of funding. You will receive an email confirmation once the I-20 has been issued. Your electronic I-20 will be made available to view and print on your application status page. Applicants will be able to use this I-20 to both apply for the F-1 visa and to enter the U.S.
I want a J-1 visa; when will I receive my DS-2019?
The Graduate College will issue your DS-2019 as soon as possible after we finalize your official admission to Illinois, and after we have received your passport and proof of funding. You will receive an email confirmation once the DS-2019 has been issued. Your electronic DS-2019 will be made available to view and print on your application status page. Applicants will be able to use this DS-2019 to both apply for the J-1 visa and to enter the U.S. Please note that only applicants sponsored by their governments, international foundations or agencies, who receive at least 50% of their funding from any source other than personal or family funds, or who are part of a university exchange will receive this form.
Will I be able to work while I am a student?
Students with F-1 visas may hold graduate assistantships and other forms on-campus employment; however, they may not work off-campus. Students with J-1 visas may work both on- and off-campus (with proper work authorization).
I am transferring from another U.S. institution; do I need to complete a SEVIS transfer form?
No. Please take your admission letter to your current university’s office of international student services and request the transfer. The Urbana-Champaign SEVIS school codes are CHI214F01070000 for F-1 visa holders and P-1-00209 for J-1 visa holders. If your current university requires any further documentation to approve the transfer, please have the advisor contact our office at grad@illinois.edu.
When should I release my SEVIS record to Illinois?
You will need to choose an appropriate release date with your current university. The Graduate College only asks that records be released to Illinois by the start of classes. You may also want to contact your program to verify they don’t need your I-20 earlier, particularly if you have an assistantship.
My SEVIS record has been transferred to Illinois; when can I get my I-20/DS-2019?
The Graduate College will issue your I-20/DS-2019 as soon as possible after your SEVIS release date. You will receive an email confirmation once the I-20/DS-2019 has been issued. Please note, the I-20/DS-2019 will not have a travel signature and is not required to travel between programs.
Can I study on my non-student visa?
Students can study on most non-student visas, such as J-2 and H visas, but should verify with the sponsor of their visa. Those holding B-1/B-2 visas may not pursue a course of study.
Who is my point of contact to put on my DS-160?
Your point of contact is the International Student & Scholar Services department, but if they require the name of a DSO then you can put the name of the person on your I-20/DS-2019.
I am not going to make it to the US by the start of classes. What should I do?
You will need to contact your program to discuss your options if you are not able to arrive by the Program Start Date on your I-20.
Will updating my I-20/DS-2019 change my SEVIS ID?
As long as the SEVIS fee was paid, updating information on your current I-20/DS-2019 should not change the SEVIS ID.