F-1 Pre-Arrival Information

Before you arrive, review important information about your immigration status and process to ensure you are able to enter the U.S. All newly admitted students must confirm their enrollment by accepting the offer of admission. You may also want to send letters of regret to other universities that you decided not to attend.

For More Information

Students Arriving from Outside the United States

  • Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee online and print your receipt.
  • Apply for a student visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate, if required. Visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html to find the one nearest you and its wait times. Be sure to use the I-20 issued by the university that you plan to attend.
  • Remember that the name of the institution on your visa must match the one the one on your I-20.
  • When making your travel arrangements, remember that F-1 students may enter the United States no more than 30 days prior to the start date listed on the I-20. Be sure to allow adequate time for flight connections.

Students Transferring from U.S. Schools

  • Once you are admitted to UD, ask your international student advisor at your current school to complete our Transfer-In form to transfer your SEVIS record to UD.
  • If you plan to travel outside the US before starting your studies at UD, request your new I-20 at least two weeks before you leave. You can return to the U.S. on a visa that bears your previous institution’s name, if still valid. If your visa has expired, make plans to renew it.
  • If you do not plan to travel outside of the US before starting your studies at UD, you will receive your I-20 when you arrive.

Your current institution's international student advisor will determine which date to set in SEVIS as your "Release Date" to UD. Once this date is reached, UD will be able to access your SEVIS record and issue a new I-20 (but with the same SEVIS number). UD will be unable to perform this task until the release date is reached.

Transfer students must attend International Student Orientation (ISO).

Entering the United States using the I-20 from your previous school is not permitted and will result in problems with your legal status. If you do not complete the transfer process on time, you will be in violation of your immigration status. Additionally, you may not attend classes or work on campus before your SEVIS record is transferred to UD.