Visa Basics

Application for I-20 or DS-2019


Now that you have been admitted to a full-time program of study at Teachers College, you must request a Form I-20 or DS-2019 if you need a visa sponsorship from Teachers College. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is responsible for the issuance of I-20s and DS-2019s on behalf of Teachers College.

A Form I-20 is necessary to apply for an F-1 student visa and to enter the U.S. as an F-1 student. A Form DS-2019 is necessary to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor (student) visa and to enter the U.S. as a J-1 student. 

Teachers College has returned to classes being held in-person and all students are expected to attend classes in-person. TC cannot issue an I-20 or DS-2019 to students who will be pursuing their studies online. Information pertaining to the campus access and COVID-19 vaccine requirements can be found on the TC Preparedness page.

In order to submit a successful application, you will need the following documents: 

  • Copy of your original TC admissions letter
  • Copy of passport identity page
  • Evidence of readily available funds to cover TC's Tuition and Fees, plus living expenses. F-1 and J-1 Students must calculate tuition cost for Full-Time enrollment.

How to Obtain a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019

What is F-1 Status: 

F-1 status is the most common type of status used to study in the United States. F-1 status is for full-time academic and language students who are pursuing a degree or certificate. Most F-1 students cover their educational and personal expenses from personal funds.  F-1 students who study in the US must apply for a Form I-20.

If you plan to bring your spouse and/or children with you (F-2 dependents), you must also consider the following:

  • You will need to consider submitting appropriate documentation as part of your request to apply for your F-2 dependent's Form I-20
  • F-2 spouses may not work in the US and may not enroll in school full-time

What is J-1 Status? 

In order to be a J-1 student at TC, at least half of your funding must come from a source other than personal or family funds. J-1 students who study in the US must apply for a Form DS-2019.

If you plan to bring your spouse and/or children with you (J-2 dependents), you must also consider the following:

  • You will need to consider submitting appropriate documentation as part of your request to apply for your J-2 dependent's Form DS-2019 
  • J-2 spouses may apply for work permission and may study in the US. Please note that J-2 work authorization should not be used to cover the J-1 student's educational and personal expenses. be for the funding of the J-1's education.
  • We recommend that J-2 dependents accompany the J-1 student when traveling. For more information on J-2 dependents, please refer to our J-2 Dependents page
  •  J-1 student and J-2 dependents must carry full health insurance while in the United States meeting US Department of State requirements
  • J-1 student and J-2 dependents may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement. If subject, you are required to return to your country of permanent residence for at least two years following completion before becoming eligible for U.S. permanent residency or certain kinds of U.S. working visas
  • Photocopy of your TC admissions letter
  • Photocopy of passport identity page
  • Evidence of readily available funds to cover TC's Tuition and Fees in the amount of $37,758, plus $45,522 for living expenses (total $83,280) for the 2024-25 academic year. F-1 and J-1 Students must calculate tuition cost for Full-Time enrollment. If funding is provided by a relative, that individual must complete an Affidavit of Support. Additional information on acceptable documents can be found in the Financial Documentation form and the I-20/DS-2019 FAQs

Newly admitted students must complete the Request for I-20/DS-2019 and Financial Documentation eForms via TC-Compass under New Student Services. Students receiving funding from an individual sponsor, such as a parent or other relatives, must download and submit a completed Affidavit of Support. The application should be submitted to the OISS only AFTER you submit your enrollment deposit. Follow the instructions on the application and provide all required documents as indicated in the form. The OISS cannot process an application unless all required documents have been submitted and approved upon review.

If you are currently studying as an F-1/J-1 student at another U.S. institution, please proceed to STEP 4. This step only applies to current F-1/J-1 students who intend to transfer their SEVIS record to Teachers College. 

If you are already in the U.S. in F-1/J-1 status at another institution, and intend to enroll at Teachers College, you must submit a SEVIS Transfer-In Request to Teachers College via TC-Compass as part of your I-20/DS-2019 application. If you are an F-1 student, please visit the F-1 Transfer Process page for additional information. If you are a J-1 student, please contact the OISS at tcintl@tc.columbia.edu prior to submitting your transfer-in request to confirm your eligibility.

Once your application has been submitted and reviewed, the OISS will issue a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. The review process will take approximately 14 business days provided that all required documents and information have been submitted in its entirety. You will receive further information regarding I-20/DS-2019 document delivery, visa and immigration procedures, and other important matters once the I-20 or DS-2019 has been prepared and made available for delivery.

Helpful Hints and Information

Documents will be processed in the order in which they are received. Once the OISS advisor begins review of your application and all supporting documents,  it will take approximately 14 business days to issue a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, provided that all required documents and information have been submitted in its entirety: 

  • Enrollment deposit
  • Initial I-20/DS-2019 Request (Submit via TC-Compass)
    • Request for I-20/DS-2019
    • Financial Documentation 
    • SEVIS Transfer In Request (required only if you are a current F-1/J-1 student who intend to transfer your SEVIS record to TC; Please note that the OISS cannot issue your Form I-20/DS-2019 until your SEVIS release date has been reached)

Make sure to review and follow our instructions in the e-forms carefully as insufficient documents or information will lead to delays in processing your request.  

Once your document is issued, the Form I-20 will be delivered to you via email and DS-2019 will be delivered to you via express mail using the shipping label you provided to us. Please follow the instructions in the I-20/DS-2019 application to purchase a shipping label. 

When you receive your I-20 or DS-2019, be sure to review the form to ensure that all the information is accurate. You must also carefully read all enclosed materials. You are responsible for maintaining lawful student status while you are a student in the United States. Immigration regulations change from time to time. Therefore, It is important that you attend the visa workshops offered by the OISS during the New International Student Welcome Day. You are also encouraged to consult the OISS staff with any questions you may have about your rights and responsibilities while in F-1 or J-1 status. 

Please visit our Before & After Arrival page to prepare for your arrival in the U.S., including the mandatory check-in process that you must complete as soon as possible but no later than one week from your arrival.

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