Admitted F-1 and J-1 Students
The instructions on this website do not apply to the English Language Center or Law Center.
Request an F-1 or J-1 Immigration Document
Students admitted for full-time, in-person study at Georgetown are eligible for F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant student status. Most Georgetown international students use F-1 status. This F-1/J-1 Comparison Chart (PDF) details the requirements, restrictions, and benefits of F-1 student status and the J-1 Exchange Visitor program.
To study in the United States in F-1 or J-1 status, each student must obtain:
1. Form I-20 (F-1) or Form DS-2019 (J-1)
Students must upload their immigration document request to the Office of Global Services (OGS). OGS recommends requesting the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 soon after accepting admission and at least two months before studies begin. The final deadline to upload requirements is 30 days before the academic program’s mandatory arrival date. Students applying close to the final deadline have a reduced chance of completing all procedures in time to study for their intended semester.
Applications enter the queue for review after uploads in all required sections. Immigration documents are issued within three weeks of uploading requirements. Students should not seek an update on the status of their application during the normal processing window.
Please note: Students who will transfer their active F-1 or J-1 status to Georgetown from another school must request a Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 even if they do not need a new F-1 or J-1 visa in their passport.
2. F-1 or J-1 visa (if applicable)
Students can apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for an F-1 or J-1 student visa only after receiving their Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
Report Non-Georgetown J-1 Information
Students who receive a Form DS-2019 from a non-Georgetown sponsor (e.g. Fulbright, IIE, AMIDEAST, etc.) should share their information via the J-1 Report as an International Student Form.
Non-F/J International Students
Beyond F-1 and J-1 visas, Georgetown allows enrollment regardless of U.S. immigration status. Many non-U.S. citizens identify as international students but do not pursue F-1 or J-1 status because they hold another status in the United States.