If you’re vaccinated off campus, remember to upload your record to MyUHS.
For more information, please see COVID-19 Response page. Vaccines that are not currently U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use-approved can still be uploaded to your MyUHS for review by a medical doctor.
Request Your Immigration Document (I-20/DS-2019)
Step 1: Will you attend as an F-1 or J-1 student? Over 90% of our students come on an F-1 student visa. You can review our F/J comparison chart.
Step 2: Prepare your financial documents as required by the U.S. government to issue your immigration document. Review our Estimated Expenses document.
Step 3: Click the link below that describes your situation and log-in to Terra Dotta. Read the instructions. Submit your request.
F-1 Students:
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F-1 New Student
Request an Initial Attendance I-20
- You are outside the U.S. applying for an F-1 student visa (citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need to apply for an F-1 student visa, but you still need an I-20). Re-entry admission students are eligible.
F-1 SEVIS Transfer-in Student
Request a Transfer Pending I-20
- You study at a U.S. secondary or post-secondary institution as an F-1 student. Your current F-1 I-20 SEVIS record is in “active” status. The transfer of your current SEVIS record must be completed before the end of your 60-day grace period. Your last date of enrollment or I-20 program end date must be 5 months or less from the semester start date for which you are admitted.
- If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or OPT STEM Extension, your last date of employment or maximum 90th day of unemployment must be 5 months or less from the start date of the semester for which you are admitted at UW-Madison.
- You can be inside or outside of the U.S. If you are outside the U.S. and your current F-1 visa is expired, you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa with your UW-Madison I-20.
F-1 Student Returning to UW-Madison from Leave of Absence
Returning to UW-Madison from Leave of Absence
- You took a temporary absence and your last date of enrollment at UW-Madison was 5 months ago or less. Your UW-Madison I-20 SEVIS record was terminated for “authorized early withdrawal”.
- Re-entry admission students are not eligible for a return from Leave of Absence and must follow the F-1 New Student – Request an Initial Attendance I-20 process to obtain their I-20.
F-1 Change of Education Level Student
F-1 Change of Education Level Student
- You studied at UW-Madison as an F-1 student. Your current F-1 I-20 SEVIS record is in “active” status. The update to your current SEVIS record must be completed before the end of your 60-day grace period. Your last date of enrollment or I-20 program end date must be 5 months or less from the semester start date for which you are admitted.
- If you are on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or OPT STEM Extension, your last date of employment or maximum 90th day of unemployment must be 5 months or less from the start date of the semester for which you are admitted at UW-Madison.
- You can be inside or outside of the U.S. If you are outside the U.S. and your current F-1 visa is expired, you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa with your Change of Education Level I-20.
Change of U.S. Visa Status to F-1 or J-1
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Change of U.S. Visa Status to F-1 or J-1
Change of U.S. Visa Status to F-1 or J-1
- You are currently in the U.S. with a visa status that is not F-1 or J-1 student. You must coordinate your change of status with an ISS Advisor at UW-Madison.
- Examples of current status: F-2, J-2, H4, L-2
J-1 Students:
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J-1 New Student
Request an Initial Attendance DS-2019
- You are outside the U.S. applying for a J-1 student visa for a degree-seeking program. Re-entry admission students are eligible.
J-1 Exchange Student Request
Request an Initial Attendance DS-2019
- You are outside the U.S. applying for a J-1 student visa as an exchange student. You are on an official exchange program through UW Study Abroad or Wisconsin School of Business International Programs.
J-1 SEVIS Transfer-in Student
Request a Transfer DS-2019
- You study at a U.S. post-secondary institution as a J-1 student. Your current J-1 DS-2019 SEVIS record is in “active” status. This is a long process and requires you to meet with an ISS advisor at UW-Madison and your current DS-2019 sponsor. The transfer of your current SEVIS record must be completed before your DS-2019 program end date. Your last date of enrollment or DS-2019 program end date must be 5 months or less from the semester start date for which you are admitted.
- If you are outside the U.S., you must apply for a new J-1 visa with your UW-Madison DS-2019.
J-1 Change of Education Level Student
J-1 Change of Education Level Student
- You study at UW-Madison as an J-1 student. Your current J-1 DS-2019 SEVIS record is in “active” status and it is before your program end date. You can only move up in education levels. It is not possible to change your education level to a lower degree level, or to move from non-degree(exchange or visiting student) to degree-seeking (to earn a degree from UW-Madison).
English as a Second Language (ESL) Student
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English as a Second Language (ESL) Student
You are admitted to student intensive English at UW-Madison.
Transitioning to UW-Madison
Pre-arrival
Find useful information and helpful resources for travel, packing, getting to campus, and more to help you plan ahead for a smooth transition to living in Madison and studying at the University.
Transition to Your Global Badger Experience
Explore academic, career, and well-being resources and learn how you can get involved in campus life!
Academic Resources
Explore cultural and institutional aspects of studying at a U.S. university as well as UW-Madison's various resources for fostering your academic success.
International Student Orientation
ISO and ISS Check-in is a federal requirement for new F-1 and J-1 students who are beginning a program of study or returning on an “Initial Attendance” I-20 or DS-2019.
Health and Safety
Learn about campus health services and resources and how to avoid scams and stay safe during your studies.
Funding and Scholarships
Discover opportunities for scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans, and emergency financial assistance.
Common Immigration Terms
Is it ok if my visa expires? Visit this page to answer this important question and others you may have about your essential immigration documents as a F-1/J-1 student visa holder.
Global Badger Success Series
This is a holistic series that introduces you to many campus offices and resources for a successful transition to the University!
Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQs provide answers to various questions that are commonly asked by incoming international students.
Connect with us!
Facebook: @ISSatUW
Instagram: @uw_iss
YouTube: International Student Services at UW- Madison
Twitter: @UW_ISS