International Students: Deferring Admissions In The Us

International students in the US on an F1 visa who wish to defer their admission typically follow a standard process. They must contact the University admissions office or Graduate school to request a deferral, as well as the International Student Advisor or the DSO (Designated School Official) who issued their Form I-20. The DSO can adjust the student's start date in SEVIS and issue a new Form I-20, but this must be done before the student travels to the United States. Universities usually allow deferrals for the next term or within one year of the initial application, and some may charge a fee for reserving admission.

Deferring admission for international students in the US

Deferral process

International students in the US who need to defer their admission typically do so for around 6-12 months. The process usually involves contacting the relevant university departments and submitting a request for deferral, along with any required documentation.

Firstly, students should contact their University admission office or Graduate school to request a deferral of their application. They should also get in touch with the International Student Advisor or the DSO (Designated School Official) who issued their I-20 or DS-2019 form. The DSO is often part of the International Students Office or International Admissions Office, but this varies between institutions. It is important to check with the university in question, as some schools may require an additional fee to reserve the admission.

Next, students should email the following people:

• Admissions coordinator at the Graduate School about deferring admission.
• Admissions coordinator at the specific school the student applied to (e.g. School of Engineering, School of Business, etc.).
• International Student Advisor or DSO who sent the I-20.
• (If applicable) Email the International Students Office Coordinator or International Admissions Office Coordinator.

Students should then receive confirmation from a University official that their admission has been deferred for the next semester or Spring. They should also receive a new I-20 from the school, which will be required for any F1 Visa stamping processes. It is important to note that some universities may ask for the old I-20 form to be returned.

For J-1 visa students, a request for admission deferral must be made by the 11th day of classes in the original intended semester. For F1 visa holders, if the deferral is less than 5 months, then no new visa stamping is required. However, if the student changes schools, visa stamping may be necessary, and they should check with their new school about the process.

Emailing the correct department

When emailing the correct department, it's important to keep in mind that the process may vary slightly depending on the university. However, here is a general guide on who to contact and what to include in your email:

Firstly, you should identify the relevant department to contact, which is typically the International Students Office or the International Admissions Office. In some universities, this office also handles DSO (Designated School Official) responsibilities, but in other cases, the DSO may be separate. It is crucial to check with your specific university to ensure you are contacting the correct department.

Once you have identified the correct email address, draft your email clearly and concisely stating your request to defer admission. Include your full name, student ID or application number (if available), and any other relevant details that can help identify your application. It is important to be clear about the reason for your request and specify the semester or term for which you are seeking deferral.

Additionally, inquire about any necessary forms or documentation that you need to complete or provide. For instance, you may need to submit a new I-20 form, which is the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." This form is crucial for your student visa application and any related processes. Ask about the process for obtaining an updated I-20 form with the adjusted program start date.

It is also advisable to confirm the deadline for requesting a deferral, as universities may have specific timelines for processing such requests. Finally, remember to express your gratitude for their time and attention to your request, and provide your contact information for any further questions or follow-up.

Getting a new I20

To get a new I-20, international students in the US typically need to contact their university's admissions office or the International Students Office/International Admissions Office. It is important to note that some universities have a Designated School Official (DSO) who deals with these matters, while others keep this role within the International Students Office.

The DSO is responsible for processing and signing the I-20, which is produced by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This system collects the necessary financial support and identification documentation for admitted international students. The DSO can also make requests for changes or updates to the I-20 through SEVIS.

Students should receive confirmation of their deferred admission from a university official before obtaining a new I-20. They may also need to use the new I-20 for any F1 Visa stamping processes and present it at the port of entry. It is important to note that some universities may request the return of the old I-20.

Additionally, students must demonstrate that they can cover the expenses for the first academic year, including tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses. This may involve providing financial documents, such as bank statements or an SGA letter. It is recommended to refer to the "Guidelines for Demonstrating Financial Support" for detailed information on the required amount and acceptable forms of proof.

In the case of a campus change, the previous I-20 will be cancelled, and a new one will be issued with a different SEVIS ID. Students can request to transfer their I-901 fee payment to the new SEVIS record if they have already made this payment.

It is worth noting that the "completion date" on the I-20 is an estimated date for fulfilling all degree requirements. If a student needs an extension, they must request it from the relevant university department before the completion date expires.

Fee implications

International students in the US who wish to defer their admission are generally advised to contact the International Students Office or the International Admissions Office. This is usually done via email. The process may vary depending on the university, but it typically involves providing updated documentation and a written request for deferral.

Regarding fee implications, it is important to note that if an international student retains the same Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) number, they are typically not required to pay a new SEVIS fee. This can result in significant savings, as the SEVIS fee is a mandatory fee for F-1 and J-1 exchange visitors and can be quite costly. However, students may still be responsible for other fees associated with their deferred admission, such as updated documentation of financial support, which must be dated within the past six months according to the University of Arkansas Little Rock.

In addition, while not strictly a fee, it is worth mentioning that students may need to consider the cost of visa stamping when deferring their admission. If a student's visa has expired or will expire before their new start date, they may need to apply for a new visa and pay the associated fees. This process can vary in cost depending on the student's country of origin and the specific requirements of the US embassy or consulate where they are applying.

Another potential fee implication to consider is the cost of sending back the old I-20 form. While some universities may simply send a new I-20 without requiring the old one to be returned, others may request that the old form be returned, which could incur shipping or postage costs for the student.

Finally, it is important for international students to be mindful of any potential fees or financial implications that may be unique to their specific university or situation. These could include, but are not limited to, administrative fees, late fees, or updated bank statement fees. It is always advisable to clarify these details with the university's admissions or finance office to ensure a comprehensive understanding of any potential costs associated with deferring admission.

Visa stamping

International students in the US on an F1 visa can defer their admission to the next term or within one year of their application. To do this, they must contact the International Student Advisor or the DSO (Designated School Official) and the University admission office or Graduate school. They will then receive a new I20 from the school, which they will have to use for any F1 Visa stamping process.

A visa stamp is a physical sticker added to a page in your passport that is issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of the U.S. It indicates that you are eligible to apply for entry to the U.S. in a specific immigration category, such as F-1 or J-1 student status. The entire visa application process can sometimes be completed in 1-3 months, but it may take longer, and certain individuals may be subject to further screening or clearance, known as Administrative Processing.

To begin the process, you must complete the DS-160, an online application form. You will need to pay any Visa Issuance fees at this stage, as well as the SEVIS I-901 fee. Once you have the DS-160 confirmation, you can schedule your appointment and pay your visa issuance fee. You will need to prove to the consular officer that you do not intend to immigrate to the United States.

Required documents include:

• Passport (valid for at least six months after your planned stay)
• Certificate of Eligibility (for F-1 your I-20, for J-1 your DS-2019)
• Documentation of your Financial Support (bank statements, etc.)
• Proof of Admission to the university

Frequently asked questions