Drone shot of UWM's campus

Get Your Immigration Document & Apply for a Visa

Degree-seeking students that need a visa to study at UWM should obtain an F-1 visa. Students participating in an exchange program, or degree-seeking students required by their sponsor, should obtain a J-1 visa. 
 
After you are admitted to UWM, you must request an I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), the official U.S. document required for your student visa application. Your I-20/DS-2019 indicates the school you are attending, level of education, area of study, expected program completion date, and information on how you will finance your education.

Requesting your Immigration Document

F-1 Students: The information included with your official admission letter will include instructions on how to request your I-20 through the online portal: ISSS Connect.

Deadline to request your I-20:

  • Students in the U.S.: The first day of classes
  • Students outside the U.S.: July 15 for fall intake; January 1 for spring intake

In your I-20 request, you must provide the following:

  • Passport biographical page
  • Proof of funding required documentation
  • For students bringing dependents (spouse or children):
    • Passport biographical page for each dependent
    • Additional proof of funding
  • For students currently in the U.S. with an active SEVIS Record:
    • Completion of a SEVIS record transfer questionnaire
    • Verification that your current school will transfer your Active SEVIS Record

Please allow two weeks for your I-20 to be issued. I-20s are issued in the order they are received. We are unable to expedite or prioritize requests, even in special situations. 

Additionally, we can not provide letters for expedited visa requests.

J-1 Students: You will work with your ISSS program coordinator to request your DS-2019. The minimum required documents you will provide are:

  • Passport biographical page
  • Proof of funding 

Resources for Student Visa Application