Newly Admitted International Student Resources

Passports

You will need a passport from your government to enter the United States. Apply for a passport as soon as possible. In some countries you will need to provide proof of admission to a school in the United States before a passport will be granted.

Obtain an I-20

These instructions are for admitted students who have confirmed their intent to enroll and intend to enter the U.S. on an F-1 Visa. If you are completing your program online from your home country you can disregard these instructions.

Recommended Deadlines for Timely I-20 Processing

The following dates are a guide and do not guarantee receipt of a visa in time for your semester.

Submit:	Fall Start	Spring Start	Summer Start
Application and supporting documents	June 30	October 31	March 31
I-20 request and supporting documents	July 15	November 15	April 15

I-20 Categories

Click the statement that best describes you:

Graduate student with no previous I-20.
Graduate student deferring to a future term.
Graduate student transferring from another U.S. school.
Undergraduate student with no previous I-20.
Undergradute student deferring to a future term.
Undergraduate student transferring from another U.S. school.

To start your student visa (F-1) application to come to the United States, you need to obtain Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." OISSS prepares the initial I-20 document for graduate international students.

After you have been admitted, you can request an I-20.
Make sure to follow the steps to set up your UTAD account. See instructions: After You're Admitted — Next Steps.
Use your myUT username and password to log into the iRocket portal at oisss.utoledo.edu.
Use the Graduate Student Initial I-20 Request form.
Upload the following documents:

- Passport Bio Page: Copy of the ID page of your passport;
- Admission Letter: A copy of the letter from UToledo granting admission to a graduate program.
- Financial Affidavit: Proof of financial resources that cover the cost of study at The University of Toledo and living in the U.S. for at least one year. The amount you need to provide is listed in the instructions on the appropriate I-20 Request form in iRocket. For a list of acceptable financial documents, refer below to Financial Documents section.
- Sponsor Statement if the financial documents are in another person's name.
- Dependent Passport Bio Page: If you are bringing dependents with you, you will also need to provide proof of additional funding.

4. The processing time for I-20 requests is 3-5 business days. You will receive an email from OISSS confirming that we have received your request.

5. The I-20 will be emailed to you once we have received all required supporting documentation.

For instructions about obtaining a visa and other requirements, visit OISSS's New Student Page.

Graduate Students Deferring to a Future Term

If you were unable to attend the initial term requested on your I-20, you will need to start the deferral process. See instructions below. Note: You will not be able to use your old I-20 for a new visa interview.

Log into your Graduate Application.
Access your Application Status Page
Choose Request a Deferral.
After you have been accepted for the new term, use your myUT username and password to log into the iRocket portal at oisss.utoledo.edu.
Use the Graduate Student Deferral I-20 Request form.
Upload the following documents:

- Passport Bio Page: Copy of the ID page of your passport;
- Admission Letter: A copy of the new admission letter for the new term
- Financial Affidavit: You will need new financial documents issued within 30 days of submitting your deferral I-20 request. For a list of acceptable financial documents, refer below to Financial Documents section.
- Sponsor Statement if the financial documents are in another person's name, also created within 30 days of your deferral I-20 request.
- Dependent Passport Bio Page: If you are bringing dependents with you, you will also need to provide proof of additional funding that is less than 30 days old.

4. The processing time for I-20 requests is 3-5 business days. You will receive an email from OISSS confirming that we have received your request.

5. The I-20 will be emailed to you once we have received all required supporting documentation.

For instructions about obtaining a visa and more, visit OISSS's New Student Page.

Graduate and Undergraduate Students Transferring to UToledo

If you currently have an active SEVIS record and are inside the U.S., follow the steps:

Be admitted to a UToledo program.
Ask your current/previous school to transfer your SEVIS record to The University of Toledo (SEVIS Code: CLE214F00330000).
Use your myUT username and password to log into the iRocket portal at oisss.utoledo.edu.
Use the Transfer In Request form.
Upload the following documents:

- Passport Bio Page: Copy of the ID page of your passport;
- Admission Letter: A copy of the letter granting admission to a UToledo program.
- Previous I-20: A copy of the most recent I-20 issued by your current/previous school.
- Visa: A copy of your visa.
- I-94: A copy of your most recent I-94. If you entered the U.S. on a different visa type, provide the Change of Status (I-797) approval notice.
- Financial Affidavit: Proof of financial resources that cover the cost of study at The University of Toledo and living in the U.S. for at least one year. The amount you need to provide is listed in the instructions on the appropriate I-20 Request form in iRocket. For a list of acceptable financial documents, refer below to Financial Documents section.
- Sponsor Statement if the financial documents are in another person's name.
- Dependent Passport Bio Page: If you are bringing dependents with you, you will also need to provide proof of additional funding.

4. The processing time for I-20 requests is 3-5 business days. You will receive an email from OISSS confirming that we have received your request.

5. The I-20 will be emailed to you once we have received all required supporting documentation.

For instructions about obtaining a visa and other requirements, visit OISSS's New Student Page.

Financial Documents

- Awards: If you have received an award or scholarship from UToledo, provide the official notice that lists the amounts of that award.
- Bank statements must include the following:
  - Official letterhead that includes logo, address, email, and telephone number of financial institution.
  - Official stamp of bank and or official bank staff signature.
  - Name of the bank account holder.
  - Acceptable accounts include checking, savings, current or deposit account (funds must be readily available to withdraw without penalty)
  - Total available balance and transaction history for the past 3-6 months. Letters from bank officials that only state a balance without a clear account history are generally not sufficient.
  - Dated within 30 days of submission
  - Sponsor letter, if the financial documents you provide are not in your name.

- Loan letters must include the following:

- - Date of issuance
  - Approved for Educational Expenses
  - Official letterhead that includes logo, address, email, and telephone number of financial institution
  - Amount of loan being given

- Financial Guarantee for Sponsored Students (For students awarded scholarship by their home government, company, or other sponsoring agency) must include the following:
  - Student’s name
  - Start of the program (e.g. Fall 2026), major, and degree level
  - Duration of scholarship
  - Scholarship/stipend amounts
  - If English language training is covered
  - If health insurance is provided
  - If sponsorship covers dependents

- Items not accepted:
  - Statements verifying employment and salary
  - Insurance premiums and policies
  - Property or personal assets (automobiles, land, buildings, jewelry, etc.)
  - Lines of credit
  - Assets such as stocks, bonds, equities, retirement accounts
  - Income tax returns
  - Attestations stating only that a sponsor can meet the expenses without providing accompanying bank statements