Step 1: Request Visa Sponsorship

Obtain admission to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and request your visa sponsorship document (I-20 or DS-2019).

All Bachelor and Master level I-20s/DS-2019s are issued for a 4 year duration and all Doctorate level I-20s/DS-2019s are issued for a 6 year duration at the time of admission.

Canadian Citizens do not need to apply for a visa. Be prepared with your SEVIS fee receipt, signed I-20 or DS-2019, and passport at your port of entry. 


Step 2: Complete Canvas Pre-arrival Orientation Requirements

Complete the International Student Orientation requirements. We will contact you at your UMass email address starting in April for Fall admitted students. Typically, orientation is held during the week prior to the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.


Step 3: Plan for Next Step

If you decide to:

Next Step

Remain in the U.S. before starting your studies at UMass Amherst.
  • You may travel within the U.S.
  • Go to Step 6. If your plans change, please refer back to this checklist.

Depart and re-enter the U.S.

You are permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30-days prior to the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

  • If you have a valid visa for your re-entry into the U.S., you may use your current F-1 or J-1 visa issued by your previous school. Go to Step 5.
  • If your visa is expired by the time you plan to re-enter the U.S., you must renew your visa stamp. To renew your visa stamp, schedule your visa appointment for a non-immigrant visa at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate with your UMass I-20 or DS-2019. Fees will apply. After scheduling an appointment, go to Step 4.
    • Important Tips:
      • Expand your search radius if there are no visa appointments near you. Visa applications submitted to U.S. embassies located outside of your home country may not be accepted. Contact your U.S. Embassy directly for more information.
      • If there are visa appointments available but the appointment date is after your I-20 or DS-2019 program start date, you should still book that appointment. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate is likely to reach out to you to reschedule the appointment for an earlier date.
      • You may list the Designated School Official (DSO) on your I-20 or DS-2019 as your U.S. Point of Contact on the DS-160.

Step 4: Prepare Documents

Gather all required documents for your visa appointment. Visa fees may apply.

  • Your UMass I-20 or DS-2019, remember that you must print the I-20 or DS-2019 in color and sign the form manually. Only the DSO or ARO may sign and transmit the I-20 or DS-2019 electronically.
  • Valid Passport
  • UMass Admission Offer or Re-enrollment approval letter
  • Financial support documents (the same financial documents used in your I-20 or DS-2019 request)
  • Proof that you have close ties to your country (such as ownership of properties, businesses, etc.)
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • Other documents as requested by the Embassy.

Step 5: Prepare for your travel abroad

  • Double check your visa stamp for the F-1 or J-1 visa classification and verify that your personal information is correct.
  • You are permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.
  • Gather your documents for U.S. entry: your original I-20 or DS-2019 form, passport with F-1 or J-1 visa stamp, the same financial documents you used to apply for your I-20 or DS-2019, and the SEVIS fee receipt. Travel with all these documents in your carry-on luggage.
  • A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port of entry will review your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, and F-1 or J-1 visa stamp to determine your admissibility to the United States. Several days following your entry, check that your entry has been properly documented under your Most Recent I-94 record. You should do this upon every entry on your F-1 or J-1 status.

Step 6: Complete E-Form

After your arrival in the U.S., complete the New Student Check In E-Form. Details will be available in the Canvas Orientation Course. This will fulfill all reporting requirements. You are not required to report in person to our office.