Student Immigration Process Overview

• OIS has tutorial videos to help you if you have difficulty logging into My OIS, or accessing the Pre-Arrival Checklist.
• Please do not try to log in until AFTER you have received instructions from OIS!

To receive your I-20/DS-2019, you MUST submit ALL required e-forms in the "Immigration Document Creation" section of your Pre-Arrival Checklist. In particular, you will need to upload financial documentation that demonstrates your ability to support yourself during your first year at Pitt. Please carefully review the applicable document below to see the costs for your program and what the requirements are for your documentation:

• Graduate Student Financial Information
• Undergraduate Student Financial Information
• Exchange Students--Graduate and Undergraduate (1 to 2 terms) Financial Information

After you have submitted the required e-forms, our office will review what you have submitted. If all documentation/information submitted is sufficient, your I-20/DS-2019 will be issued within 3-5 business days (during period of high volume, please allow for a delay of up to 3 weeks). If your submissions are NOT sufficient, we will email you directly for additional information that OIS needs to issue your immigration document.

Once issued, your digitally signed I-20 or DS-2019 will be sent to your Pitt email address, or your personal email address (if you don't have a Pitt email address yet.)

Visa Process

Yay! You received your I-20/DS-2019... what now?

F-1 STUDENTS:

• Once you receive the I-20, you MUST pay the Form I-901 SEVIS Fee (NOTE: students who are transferring their SEVIS records from a different school do NOT need to repay the SEVIS Fee.)
• Then, you can apply for an F-1 visa.
• Review the U.S. State Department’s general instructions about the required materials for the F-1 visa application and appointment process.
• Review your nearest U.S. Embassy / Consulate / Diplomatic Mission for specific instructions about how to schedule your visa appointment.

J-1 STUDENTS:

• Once you receive the DS-2019, you MUST pay the Form I-901 SEVIS Fee.
• Then, you can apply for a J-1 visa.
• Review the U.S. State Department’s general instructions about the required materials for the J-1 visa application and appointment process.
• Review your nearest U.S. Embassy / Consulate / Diplomatic Mission for specific instructions about how to schedule your visa appointment.

ALL STUDENTS:

• Watch OIS’ Get to Know Your Immigration Documents tutorial to learn more about your I-20 / DS-2019, F-1 / J-1 visa stamp, and I-94 entry record.
• Review NAFSA's 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa webpage for additional information and context about the student visa interview process. 

Arrival & Orientation

Students can arrive in the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019. Students who transferred their SEVIS records from a previous school to Pitt can re-enter the United States at any point after they receive their I-20/DS-2019 from Pitt.

ALL incoming students MUST attend OIS’ Orientation and complete Check-In requirements. Failure to complete these requirements will impact your ability to maintain your F-1 / J-1 student status in the US.

Please review OIS’ Orientation website, as well as your Pre-Arrival Checklist (closer to the start of your admitted term), for more specific details.