International Applicants SEVIS/Visa-Related Questions

No, all documents must come from your institution. We cannot accept documents from credential evaluation service organizations such as WES or ECE.

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.

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.

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.

This form can be found on our website.

Please visit our English Proficiency section in our application instructions.

Please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

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. We do recommend bringing a copy of the SEVP policy guidance, along with the printed copy of your electronic I-20, to your visa appointment.

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. In this email, you will be directed to verify your mailing address and contact information on your application status page. Once you have submitted the address verification form, the Graduate College will ship your DS-2019 to you via UPS. You will receive another email confirmation with your UPS tracking number once your DS-2019 has been shipped. 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.

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).

No. Please take your admission letter to your current university’s office of international student services and request the transfer. Our 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 217-244-4637.

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. 

Yes, those holding J-2 visas may pursue a course of study.

No, those holding B-1/B-2 visas may not pursue a course of study.

Yes, those holding H visas may pursue a course of study.