This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Will you send me my I-20 automatically?
No. Admitted students who have confirmed their enrollment must request an I-20 by submitting a New F-1 Student Request through the Terra Dotta portal, accessible via your MyUW Student Center.
Please allow 24 hours after accepting your offer of admission in your MyUW Student Center before setting up your Terra Dotta account.
What documents do I need to submit to get my I-20?
If you are studying outside of the US and don’t have an F-1 visa yet:
You will need to upload the following items as part of your “New F-1 Student Request” through the Terra Dotta portal.
- Copy of passport biographical page
- Financial documentation showing availability of funds for 1 year of study
- Affidavit of financial support (if someone else will be sponsoring all or part of your studies)
If you are studying inside the US and already have an F-1 visa:
You will need to upload the following items as part of your “New F-1 Student Request” through the Terra Dotta portal.
- Copy of passport biographical page
- Financial documentation showing availability of funds for 1 year of study
- Affidavit of financial support (if someone else will be sponsoring all or part of your studies)
- Copy of page 1 of your current I-20
- Copy of F-1 visa stamp
- SEVIS transfer-in verification: list the name and email address for your current DSO
How can I submit documents for my I-20 to your office?
You will need to upload any documents through the Terra Dotta portal via your MyUW Student Center. You can only submit documents after you have accepted your offer of admission.
How long does it take to receive my I-20?
If you are studying outside of the US and don’t have an F-1 visa yet:
After receipt of all required documents, it takes about 2–3 weeks for your I-20 to be processed.
We are currently issuing all I-20s electronically through the Terra Dotta portal. You will be notified by email when your I-20 is available to download, print, and sign.
If you are studying inside the US and already have an F-1 visa:
Please note that our office is not able to issue your I-20 before your SEVIS release date, which is on or after your last day of classes at your current institution. After receipt of all required documents, it takes about 2–3 weeks for your I-20 to be processed. We are currently issuing all I-20s electronically through the Terra Dotta portal. You will be notified by email when your I-20 is available to download, print, and sign.
The Office of Admissions and Recruitment has received all of my documents, but my I-20 still hasn't been issued. What's wrong?
Make sure that you have submitted all required documents through the Terra Dotta portal via your MyUW Student Center. Be sure to check your wisc.edu email account for any correspondence regarding any missing/required items.
I've submitted all my documents and my current institution has transferred my SEVIS record. When can I get my I-20?
Please note that our office is not able to issue your new I-20 before your SEVIS release date. The date is usually on or around your last day of classes of your current term. After receipt of all required documents, it takes about 2–3 weeks for your I-20 to be processed. You will be notified by email when an electronically signed copy of your I-20 has been uploaded to your Terra Dotta portal.
Can I submit my I-20 documents to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment before I am officially admitted?
We suggest gathering all required materials in advance, but you will not be able to submit them through Terra Dotta via your MyUW Student Center until you have accepted your offer of admission. Please do not email or mail any documents to the office of Admissions.
I am afraid I will not receive my I-20 in time for my travels/VISA appointment. What can I do? (Please note that processing of I-20s takes a minimum of 2-3 weeks so you should plan accordingly.)
If you are worried about receiving your I-20 in time, please email onwisconsin@admissions.wisc.edu and explain your situation.
I received my I-20, now what?
Make sure that all information listed on your I-20 is correct. For next steps in the visa application process, please review the following materials:
New International Student Instructions (International Student Services)
International Student Pre-Arrival Instructions (International Student Services)
I'm a reentry student. Do I need to reapply to UW–Madison? Which office issues my I-20—the Office of Admissions and Recruitment or International Student Services (ISS)?
If you were enrolled for classes during at least part of the semester immediately preceding your return, you do not need to reapply. ISS will issue your I-20.
If you were not enrolled at all for one semester or more, you will need to reapply. The Office of Admissions and Recruitment will issue your I-20.
Can you send me my SEVIS ID number before my I-20?
If you are transferring your SEVIS record to UW-Madison from another US institution, your SEVIS ID number will not change.
If you are currently outside the US and applying for an initial I-20, your SEVIS ID number will not be available until your I-20 has been issued, typically 2-3 weeks after you submit your New F-1 Student Request with all required documents.
Will electronically-issued I-20s be accepted for visa processing and entry to the US or will I need an original hard copy?
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) provided guidance to allow Designated School Officials (DSOs) to digitally sign or scan signed copies of I-20s. Department of State and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have been accepting digitally signed or scanned copies of signed I-20s for the purpose of visa processing and entry to the U.S. throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidance states that I-20s issued electronically do not have to be updated or replaced with a hard-copy until there is an I-20 update that requires a reprint of the document when COVID guidance has expired.
Do I need to request an I-20 if I am already in the US on a different visa status (not F-1)?
If you are in the U.S. with another visa type, you may review your eligibility to study through Immigration and Customs Enforcement. International Student Services (ISS) also has a helpful page on the considerations and process for apply for Change of Status to F-1 or J-1.
What financial documentation do I need to submit if I have received a scholarship to pay for my studies?
You must present proof of sufficient funding for one year of study at UW-Madison as part of your New F-1 Student Request. Estimated expenses and appropriate documentation can be found here. Scholarship recipients should upload a letter from the scholarship sponsor including the awardee’s name, funding source, and the total covered amount and duration. If the scholarship does not provide full funding, additional documentation such as a bank statement/letter and affidavit of financial support may be needed.