I20 or DS2019 Requests

I-20 or DS-2019 Requests

Continuing or returning F-1 or J-1 students who need a new or updated I-20 or DS-2019 document should select from the requests below for the type of document needed.  If you have any questions please contact [email protected].

These EForms should not be used by newly admitted students. Please contact your Admissions office to obtain an initial I-20/DS-2019:

The following requests will also require proof of funding:

  • BA/MA student requesting an updated I-20 for the master’s portion of their program
  • Returning/Readmitted Student
  • Change of Status
  • Change of Sponsor
  • Reinstatement

The proof of funding submitted must meet the minimum funding required for tuition, fees and living expenses. This may be a funding letter from the academic department or other external source; a personal bank statement; the bank statement of a family or friend with a signed financial affidavit of support, or any combination of these sources. You may use multiple accounts/sources as long as the cumulative total meets the minimum required.  The proof funding must be recent (within the past 6 months).

 

Select from the below
Travel Signature Request

This is for F-1 and J-1 students who need a travel signature for international travel.  Before traveling, students should carefully review the Travel Information page.

  • Enrolled F-1 or J-1 students: the travel signature is valid for up to 1 year for re-entry to the U.S.
  • F-1 students on OPT: the travel signature is valid for up to 6 months for re-entry to the U.S.

To submit the request:

  1. Log into AccessISSS. Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
  2. Select "Travel Signature Request" from the EForm menu.

All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Update or Reprint Document Request

This request is to be used for the following reasons:

  • To replace a lost, stolen or damaged I-20/DS-2019
  • To request a material update to the I-20 or DS-2019, including:
    • Change of major 
    • Change of funding
    • OPT/STEM OPT case status updates, including cap-gap extensions
    • BA/MA students requesting an updated I-20 for the master’s portion of their program

To submit the request:

  1. Log into AccessISSS. Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
  2. Select "Update or Reprint Document Request" from the EForm menu.
  3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.

All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Returning/Readmitted Student Request

Undergraduate students who are readmitted to the University can request an I-20/DS-2019 to return to the United States.

Graduate students returning from an authorized leave should confirm with their academic department that they are permitted to return and eligible to enroll in the next term before submitting this request for an I-20/DS-2019 to return to the United States.

To submit the request:

  1. Log into AccessISSS. Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
  2. Select "Returning/Readmitted Student Request" from the EForm menu.
  3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.

All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Change of Status Request

There are two options to change status:

  • Depart the United States to obtain a new visa (F-1 or J-1), then get admitted to the U.S. in that new status, or
  • Remain in the United States and request a change of status through DHS-USCIS. This requires filing a Form I-539 with filing fee and other documents to USCIS-DHS.  If approved you will have a new status but will not have a new visa.

Both options have pros and cons.  While ISSS can discuss with students a general overview of both options we cannot provide legal advice or legal recommendations.  If you need legal advice on which option is better for you we can provide you with contact information for immigration attorneys.

In order to comply with regulations and not violate status students should only study if they are in a status permitting them to do so.  Nonimmigrant classifications that allow someone to study include, but are not limited to, F-1, J-1, H-4, and others.  Nonimmigrant classifications which do not allow for study include, but are not limited to, B-1, B-2, and those admitted under a visa waiver program (ESTA).

The change of status process in the United States may take 6-12 months (or longer) depending on the case.  You may be eligible to apply for premium processing (for an additional fee) to expedite a decision on your case.  Contact ISSS for more information. 

To submit the request:

  1. Log into AccessISSS. Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
  2. Select "Change of Status Request" from the EForm menu.
  3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.

All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Change of Sponsor Request

If you are a current UAlbany student who is a sponsored student (i.e. Fulbright student, LASPAU student) and would like to transfer your SEVIS sponsorship to UAlbany please speak to an ISSS advisor before proceeding.

You must also talk with the DSO/RO at your current school/organization and ask whether you are eligible to transfer your SEVIS record to UAlbany. 

  • I-20s can be transferred to University at Albany, State Univ. of NY, Campus Code BUF214F10162000
  • DS-2019s can be transferred to University at Albany, State University of New York, Program Number P-1-04843

To submit the request:

  1. Log into AccessISSS. Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
  2. Select "Change of Sponsor Request" from the EForm menu.
  3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.

All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

F-1 Reinstatement Request

This section is for students who are seeking to reinstate F-1 status following SEVIS termination. Before continuing you should speak with an ISSS advisor about the specific details of your case and eligibility.  You should only submit this EForm if you've been instructed to do so by an ISSS advisor.

To submit the request:

  1. Log into AccessISSS. Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
  2. Select "F-1 Reinstatement" from the EForm menu.
  3. This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.

All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form.

Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.