Your Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility") is one of your most important immigration documents.  It shows that you are eligible to apply for a student (F-1) visa to come to the United States as a student.

During the international admissions process, we collect all documents necessary to issue your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility). Once you are admitted and we have received your financial documentation and a copy of your passport identification page, International Programs & Initiatives will generate the I-20. That process can take up to 7-10 business days days once all documentation has been received. Holidays, incomplete or incorrect documents can delay this process.

International Programs & Initiatives will mail your official letter of admission, I-20 and additional information about preparing to attend UAF, as well as information regarding the visa application process. You will need the information printed on your I-20 to pay your SEVIS fee and schedule your visa interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (special instructions for Canadian students).  

You will need your Form I-20 for your visa interview and to enter the United States. If you receive I-20s from different universities, you must apply for the F-1 visa using the I-20 for the school you wish to attend and must enter the U.S. with the same I-20.  Should you change your mind after you have applied for and received your student visa, before arriving in the U.S., you are required to obtain a new F-1 visa for the school you wish to attend.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot scan and e-mail your I-20 to you, as this has been identified as a potential security risk by the U.S. government.

Your I-20 is extremely important - it's a document that you should save forever because you may need it to apply for future U.S. immigration benefits.

Once your application for UAF Exchange or Study Abroad has been processed by the International Programs and Initiatives Study Away staff, your DS-2019 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitors") will be processed and shipped to you along with additional information, to include information about applying for your J-1 Student visa.

You will need the original DS-2019 for your visa interview and to enter the U.S.

You will not need the form DS-7002 (Training and Internship Placement Plan) as this form is only for J-1 Student Interns.

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot scan and e-mail your DS-2019 to you, as this has been identified as a potential security risk by the U.S. government.

You should keep this document forever due to the fact that there are special provisions relating to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, most notably the two-year home stay requirement if visitors receive direct government funding for their visit.  More information will be provided to you with your DS-2019.