Newly Admitted International Student Information
Fact Sheet for International Students
ISSS staff work with international students and scholars who are currently enrolled at Gallaudet or who have been newly admitted to the University. Prospective students who have questions about admissions requirements, the application process, and current application status can find information at the following links:
- English Language Institute (ELI)
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate School Admissions
- International Special Student (ISS)
Newly Admitted Students
Once you have been admitted to an academic program at Gallaudet University, you can request Form 1-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1). ISSS will be notified of your acceptance by the admissions offices, and an ISSS advisor will be assigned to assist you in completing the steps in your immigration file. Upon admission, you will be given access by ISSS to login to the ISSS International Student and Scholar Portal. Please do not log in until you have received an email communication from ISSS to do so!
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Regulation Information
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations require that all international applicants or admitted/readmitted international students provide evidence of adequate financial support before they may obtain a Form I-20 Form or Form DS-2019. The Certification of Finances Form helps Gallaudet University obtain complete and accurate information about the funds available to support your education. The applicants must submit the completed following in Step Three – an original, official financial document(s) showing they have sufficient funds to pay for University expenses, including tuition, books, fees, supplies, insurance, and living costs. Please note that living expenses on campus, like living expenses off-campus and health insurance fees will not be eliminated. If any family members stay with you while you are a student, please see the dependent information. If your Certificate of Finances Form is not received, is incomplete, or is denied, you will not be issued the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 Form for F1 student visa) or (DS-2019 Form for J-1 student visa).
STEP 1: Certification of Finances
Once you receive your official letter of acceptance as an international student from the English Language Institute (ELI), Undergraduate, Graduate, or International Special Student, you are required to provide the following to ISSS:
- Copy of your acceptance letter
- Copy of your passport
- Completed Certification of Finances Form
- Sponsor’s Affidavit of Support Form (if applicable)
- Completed International Advance Payment Form (if applicable)
Deadlines for Submitting Certification of Finances Form
| English Language Institute (ELI) | Undergraduate | Graduate | ISSS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | May 30th | May 30th | April 30th | April 1st |
| Spring Semester | October 30th | October 30th | October 30th | October 1st |
| Summer Semester | March 30th | March 30th | April 30th | N/A |
STEP 2: Form I-20 or DS-2019
Once your Certification of Finances Form is completed and approved, ISSS will send you a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, which you will need to obtain a visa.
The I-20 or DS-2019 is an immigration document form that tells the U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1 or J-1 student status. It certifies that:
- You are, or expect to be, a "bona fide" student.
- You meet the admissions requirements.
- You will pursue a full course of study.
- You have proven to us that you have adequate financial support, including sufficient funds to pay for expenses such as tuition, books, fees, supplies, insurance, and living costs without working illegally.
Students with Other Temporary (Non-Student) Visas
If you are already present in the U.S., depending on your immigrant or non-immigrant visa, you may not need a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
Visitors with B visas and F-2 must obtain a Form I-20 and apply for a change of status to F-1 student to pursue a course of study that is not vocational or recreational in nature.
Note: J-1 and J-2 (dependents) cannot change status while in the U.S.; they must return to their home country to do so.
If you hold any other non-immigrant status in the U.S. other than F or J visas, please submit the following:
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your Form I-94
- Copy of your current E, H, I, J, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, or other visa
- If you are a permanent resident, refugee, or person with political asylum status or a Notice of Action (NOA) letter from USCIS, submit a copy of the relevant documents.
Transferring to Gallaudet from Another University
If you are transferring to Gallaudet University from another institution, you are required to complete the following:
- The documentation listed in Step 1
- Copies of your current visa
- Copy of your I-94
- Copy of Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee receipt
- Copy of Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (F-1) status or DS-2019
- Request Transfer Out Form
Please do NOT release your SEVIS record from your current school to Gallaudet until your Certification of Finances Form is completed, received, reviewed, and approved.