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Reves Center

I-20 and DS-2019 Requests for New Admits

Below is information about requesting a certificate of eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019) from the Reves Center for a student visa. The Reves Center's goal is to issue the I-20 or DS-2019 within 3 business days of receipt of complete request.

Deadlines


Fall Admits: June 15

Spring Admits: December 5

Summer  Admits: April 15


I-20s and DS-2019s

An I-20 or DS-2019 is a document issued by the Reves Center to enable an international student to obtain an F-1 or J-1 student visa.

  • I-20s are primarily issued for degree-seeking students.
  • DS-2019s are primarily issued for international exchange students, but degree-seeking students can qualify if a substantial portion (at least 33%) of their funding comes from sources other than personal/family funds.


New process: Starting March 2015, I-20s and DS-2019s will be requested and issued through our online system iStart. Here is how it will work:

  1. The system will email the student to complete an online biographic form and upload a copy of his/her passport identity page and financial documentation.

  2. Once he/she completes that, the request will be routed electronically to the respective admissions officer or department administrator. The admissions officer/department administrator will confirm the following:
    1. Date that the student needs to be on-campus (if earlier than the standard arrival date).
    2. How English proficiency was assessed (i.e. TOEFL score, attended a English speaking high school or university, etc)
    3. How the I-20 or DS-2019 should be sent (UPS, US airmail, etc)
    4. If the student will be employed by W&M (e.g. as a graduate assistantship)
  3. Once the admissions officer/department administrator answers those 4 questions, the request will automatically route to the Reves Center for issuance and mailing of the I-20 or DS-2019.
Summer Admits

Students can arrive in the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date listed on their I-20 or DS-2019.  If program activities will begin before this time, we can issue an I-20 or DS-2019 with an earlier start date, as long as the student will be enrolled full time (in at least 6 credits). If you have questions about this, contact our office.


SEVIS Transfer Students

Students already attending a school in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa may need to have their SEVIS record transferred to us. When we receive the request from the department, we will determine if a SEVIS transfer is needed; if so, we will contact the student.