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 I-20 or DS-2019

You will be able to request your I-20 or DS-2019 in your application portal after you have viewed your admission letter. When the request is available, look for the form titled “Do you need an I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) to study at UWM on a student visa?” and follow the instructions.

Proof of Funding Information

Dates & Deadlines

Deadline to request your I-20
  • Students outside the U.S.:
    • Fall intake: July 15 
    • Spring intake: January 1 
  • Students inside the U.S.:
    • Active F-1 students who have completed their degree program: The I-20 must be issued within the 60-day grace period from program or OPT/STEM OPT completion. Processing time may take up to two weeks, so submit the request early. 
    • Active F-1 students who have not completed their degree program: The I-20 request must be submitted by the first day of the semester. 
    • Students that need to change status to F-1: Make an appointment to learn about your options. 
Deadline to request your DS-2019


The deadline to request a DS-2019 varies depending on your situation; email isss@uwm.edu to discuss your situation and determine your request deadline.

Earliest date an I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued
  • Early September for fall intakes
  • Early June for spring intakes

Please allow two weeks for your I-20 or DS-2019 to be issued. Documents are issued in the order they are received. We are unable to expedite or prioritize requests, even in special situations. 

Additionally, we cannot provide letters for expedited visa requests.

Resources for Student Visa Application