Were you missing a required document or a travel signature when you last entered the U.S. as an 
international student? Did you receive a Form I-515A from the officer at immigration?
If you try to enter the U.S. without all your required documents or with unsigned or missing information, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may deny your entry into the U.S. Alternatively, the officer might issue you a Form I-515A. This document allows you to have temporary entry into the U.S. for 30 days. You must address your Form I-515A within the time listed on the form to maintain your nonimmigrant student status.
If you fail to submit the required documents on time, your nonimmigrant student status will be negatively affected and you may be required to depart the United States.
Click below to see which steps you may take to respond to the I-515A:
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If you plan to stay in the U.S.:
Step 1: Come to ISS during walk-in advising hours. Bring the following documents with you:
- Form I-515A
- Passport
- Printout of I-94 record
- Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
- If you lost your I-20 or DS-2019, apply for a reprint as soon as possible.
If you are not located in Madison, email photocopies of the documents (except the DS-2019) as follows:
Email: iss@studentlife.wisc.edu
Subject line: Form I-515A Documents for Review
Step 2: Mail the following documents to the I-515A Processing Team before the end date on your I-94 and I-515A:
- Form I-515A received at port of entry
- Original I-20 or DS-2019 with a valid travel signature
- Copy of the latest I-94 or a screenshot of the message error if you cannot retrieve the I-94
- Any other documents requested on Form I-515A
Use the following address and request a tracking number:
Student & Exchange Visitor Program DHS/ICE
ATTN: SEVP I-515A Processing Team
500 12th Street SW STOP 5600
Washington, DC 20536-5600
Step 3: Provide ISS a copy of your receipt with tracking number.
Step 4: If SEVP approves your submission, the team will send your original I-20 or DS-2019 and an approval notice to ISS. We will email you when we receive these documents.
- Pick up your I-20 or DS-2019 from our office once we email you.
- Print your I-94 record and check the information for accuracy. Your “admit until” date should now be D/S
- Save a copy of your I-94 for your permanent records
- Bring your I-94 record to ISS when you pick up your I-20 or DS-2019 or email it to us if you are not located in Madison.
If you plan to depart the U.S. before the I-515A "admit until" date:
Step 1: Come to ISS during walk-in advising hours. Bring the following documents with you:
- Form I-515A
- Passport
- Printout of I-94 record
- Most recent I-20 or DS-2019
- If you lost your I-20 or DS-2019, apply for a reprint as soon as possible.
- A copy of your flight itinerary confirming your departure on your upcoming trip
If you are not located in Madison, email copies of your documents (except the DS-2019) as follows:
Email: iss@studentlife.wisc.edu
Subject line: I-515A Documents for Review
Make copies of your documents to keep for your immigration records.
Step 2: Email SEVP as follows:
Email: SEVIS.I-515@dhs.gov and iss@studentlife.wisc.edu
Subject line: Attn: I-515A Processing Team
Documents to email:
- A copy of your flight itinerary confirming your departure on your upcoming trip
- Form I-515A
- I-94 record
- I-20 with a valid travel signature
Please see Study in the States for a Form I-515A Overview.
Adapted with permission from New York University.