ETSU | I-20 and DS-2019

International Enrollment and Services

Overview

All international students on F-1 or J-1 visas will need an I-20 or DS-2019 from ETSU. This webpage contains information on requesting an initial I-20/DS-2019, requesting an extension to a current I-20/DS-2019, and obtaining signatures for traveling abroad.

Important Update (Effective September 15, 2026): Beginning September 15, 2026, F-1 and J-1 students will no longer be admitted for "Duration of Status" (D/S). Instead, your Form I-20/DS-2019 will show a fixed Program End Date based on the length of your program (up to a maximum of four years), and your Form I-94 will reflect a corresponding Admit Until Date. You must depart the United States, transfer, change status, or apply for an Extension of Stay before this date — simply remaining enrolled will no longer automatically extend your authorized stay. See our Extension of Stay page for full details. 

Please contact International Enrollment and Services at international@etsu.edu or 423-439-8321 if you have any questions about these items.

Requesting an Initial I-20 or DS-2019

All students who intend to study at ETSU on F-1 or J-1 visas will need an I-20 or DS-2019 from ETSU. Please follow the instructions below carefully to request your initial I-20 or DS-2019. In rare circumstances, you may need an updated I-20 and those instructions can be found at the bottom of this website.

The deadline to request an I-20 for the fall semester is July 15. The deadline to request an I-20 for the spring semester is November 15. 

  • Step 1: Submit the Intent to Enroll Fee (Undergraduate Students Only)

    The Intent to Enroll Fee is designed to confirm your commitment to attending ETSU. By paying this fee, you are securing your place in our upcoming class of new students and enabling our team to begin preparing the necessary documents and support your arrival. This fee is paid through the application portal after accepting your offer of admission.

  • Step 2: Activate ETSU Account

    The first step towards obtaining an I-20/DS-2019 from ETSU is to activate the student's account. Please visit www.etsu.edu/activate to complete this step. You will need your ETSU E-Number to activate your account and this can be found in your official acceptance letter.

  • Step 3: Complete I-20 Request Form

    Students will receive an email that contains a specific link to request an I-20/DS-2019. This link is individual for every student and should not be shared with others. Undergraduate students will receive this email immediately after submitting the Intent to Enroll Fee. Graduate students will receive the email within a few days of being admitted to ETSU.

    Deadlines
    The deadline to request an I-20 for the fall semester is July 15.
    The deadline to request an I-20 for the spring semester is November 15.

  • Step 4: Upload Financial Documents

    The I-20 Request Form will ask for multiple different documents to be uploaded. Uploading readable, accurate documents will help ensure that the I-20/DS-2019 is processed in a timely manner.

    1) Passport Biographical/Picture Page - Please be sure to include the passport biographical/picture pages for all dependents that you plan to include on your I-20.

    2) Scholarship Award Letters - If you have a scholarship award letter or email, please ensure that it shows the specific dollar amount of the scholarship. Please keep in mind that many ETSU scholarships do not cover the cost of living expenses.

    3) Funding Sources - Uploads must be clearly readable and the amount of funding must meet or exceed the estimated cost of attendance after scholarships.* Acceptable funding sources are described on this website.

    ACCEPTABLE FUNDING SOURCES

    4) Financial Agreement Form - This form will be found within the I-20 Request Link and can also be accessed by clicking here.

    5) Transfer Students Only - If you are transferring your SEVIS record from another school, you must upload a copy of your most recent Form I-94 and your current Form I-20. This allows ETSU to verify your admission history and confirm your transfer is permitted under current federal regulations. 

    *If your financial documents are not accepted during the initial review, you will need to complete verification through Veri Once before ETSU can move forward with your request. 

  • Step 5: Receive I-20 within 2 Weeks

    I-20 and DS-2019 requests are processed in the the order they are received and can take up to two weeks to process if all necessary documents are submitted. Completed I-20's and DS-2019's will be sent to the student by email as soon as they are processed. 

    Please keep in mind that incomplete documents, insufficient proof of funding, or fradulent documents can greatly delay the time it takes to receive an I-20 or DS-2019.

Cost of Attendance - The estimated cost of attendance is for 9 months (fall and spring). Students who do not plan to return home during the summer have the responsibility to ensure they have funding to support themselves during the summer holiday. More information on tuition, fees, and other costs can be found here.

Extension of Stay

If you (F-1 or J-1 student) are currently maintaining status and making normal progress toward completing your educational objective, but are unable to complete your course of study by the program end date on the Form I-20/DS-2019, you must apply for an Extension of Stay with the USCIS. Click here for detailed information.

I-20 Travel Signatures

For full details on travel requirements, required documents, and what to do after you return to the U.S., please visit our Travel page.

  • Travel Signature Eligibility

    You are eligibile for a new travel signature if:

    • You are currently enrolled at ETSU with an active SEVIS record
    • You have a pending or approved OPT employment authorization

    You are NOT ELIGIBLE for a travel signature if:

    • Your SEVIS record is in terminated or completed status
    • Your SEVIS record has been transferred to a new institution
  • Instructions to Request a Travel Signature
    1. Bring your original I-20 or DS-2019 to International Enrollment and Services during normal business hours.
    2. Your DSO/ARO will review, sign, and update your I-20 or DS-2019.

    Students who prefer an electronic signature can email their DSO/ARO listed on the current I-20 or DS-2019. The DSO/ARO will send a new, electronically signed I-20 or DS-2019 in 2-3 business days (excluding holidays).