Frequently Asked Questions
I-20 Requests
The priority deadline to request an I-20 for Fall 2022 is May 15.
Visa wait times vary from days to months, depending on the location. Please check the Department of State website to find out the average wait time for a visa at your local embassy or consulate.
Normal processing time is 10 business days (Monday-Friday). We will send the electronically signed I-20 to your University of Arizona e-mail.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced that Designated School Officials (DSOs) may digitally sign and electronically send Form I-20s to students at the e-mail address listed in SEVIS. If you are a minor, this email address may belong to your parent or legal guardian.
The University of Arizona's SEVIS school code depends on which campus you will be enrolling on:
- Main Campus (Tucson): PHO214F20092000
- Chandler: PHO214F20092011
- Douglas: PHO214F20092003
- North Valley: PHO214F20092014
- Phoenix: PHO214F20092001
- Sierra Vista: PHO214F20092002
- Yuma: PHO214F20092015
Undergraduate Global Orientation
All new freshmen, transfers and exchange students admitted to the Tucson Main Campus for Fall 2022 must attend the Global Orientation program before registering for classes.
There is no Global Orientation program for readmitted students, graduate students or continuing students changing campus.
Orientation sessions can fill up quickly so we recommend signing up for orientation as soon as possible to reserve a spot in your desired session. You will not be able to register for classes until you have signed up for and attended orientation.
Your orientation will be a combination of online modules and live virtual sessions on Zoom:
- Complete your required pre-orientation tasks.
Log in to the Next Steps Center to:
- Pay the enrollment fee
- Sign up for Orientation
- Complete the Countdown to Orientation tile
- Complete placement exams
- Upload immunization records
- Send final transcripts
- Attend Orientation.
International students are required to attend 2 virtual orientation programs. During the Global Orientation program, you will learn about immigration requirements, cultural adjustment, and the international student experience. Your University of Arizona Orientation is where you’ll meet with advising staff, get your class schedule, learn all about life as a Wildcat, and meet your new classmates.
- Attend additional virtual sessions.
Before the semester starts, watch these informative sessions that address questions about your transition to the university.
Travel
You should print the following items to carry with your passport when you enter the U.S.:
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I-20 or DS-2019 (don't forget to sign!)
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Passport with a valid visa (if applicable)
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SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt
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Funding documents
The closest hotels to campus are the Marriott Tucson University Park, Aloft Tucson University and Graduate Hotel. With a variety of lodging and dining options, the Visit Tucson website is another good resource for finding accommodations. In general, hotels require guests to be at least 18 years old to reserve a room.
Updated 08/02/2021 As far as we are aware, as long as your F-1 visa is unexpired, you can use it with a new I-20, even if the SEVIS numbers do not match. You can read more about visa validity on the U.S. State Department website.
It is important to know that having a valid visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S. Even with valid documents, entry is always at the discretion of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port-of-entry.
Check-Ins
After entering the U.S.:
- Submit the Check-In e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In")
- Complete the Immigration Tutorial
Submit the Late Arrival Request e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In") to request approval to arrive after your I-20/DS-2019 start date.
Submit the Change of Plans e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In") by your I-20/DS-2019 start date.
I am a newly admitted student. What should I do if I want to defer my admission to a later semester?
I am a newly admitted student. What should I do if I want to defer my admission to a later semester?
If you received an I-20 or DS-2019, you must submit the Change of Plans e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In") by your I-20/DS-2019 start date.
You must also take the appropriate steps to update your admission term:
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If you are an undergraduate student, you can request to defer your admission in your Future Wildcat Account. If you miss the deferment deadline, you must cancel your admission and submit a new admissions application.
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If you are a graduate student, contact your program coordinator to discuss deferment options. If you are considering deferring your admission term, do not enroll until you have made a final decision for the term.
If you received an I-20 or DS-2019, you must submit the Change of Plans e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In") by your I-20/DS-2019 start date.
You must also take the appropriate steps so you can return to the university in the future:
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If you are an undergraduate student, review the Back2UA policy to find out if you will be eligible to return after your leave without reapplying. Meet with your academic advisor if you have questions.
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If you are a graduate student, you must file the Graduate Petition for a Leave of Absence.
If you have an Initial Attendance (new) I-20/DS-2019, your I-20/DS-2019 will be cancelled.
If you are a newly admitted student with a SEVIS transfer I-20, your record will be automatically terminated for the reason: No Show 60 days after the program start date. To avoid termination, ask the international student advisor at your previous school to request a data fix in SEVIS to cancel the transfer.
When you are ready to come to Tucson in the future, submit a new request for an I-20/DS-2019 in MyGlobal.
Other
If you do not complete your orientation & check-in requirements by your I-20/DS-2019 start date, a hold will be placed on your account.
Students Enrolling in the U.S.:
- Submit the Check-In e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In")
- Complete the Immigration Tutorial
Students Enrolling Remotely or Not Enrolling:
- Submit the Change of Plans e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In")
If you still have a hold after completing your orientation or check-in requirements, you may still need to submit required documents to a university office. If you have a Campus Health hold, submit your immunization records in Patient Link. If you have an ISS hold, call 520-621-4627 or email intl-new@email.arizona.edu.
Submit the Change of Plans e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In") to confirm you will enroll remotely. Once we review and approve your form (3-5 business days), we will update your visa type to a Distance Learner in UAccess and you will be exempted from these requirements.
The actual amount owed for tuition and fees will be posted to your account after you register for classes. You can use UAccess to pay for tuition, fees and related expenses. The Bursar’s Office will also mail you an account summary, but your UAccess account will provide the most updated information.
The deadline for tuition and fees depends on the date you register for classes. The earliest possible deadline is the first day of class, but may be later.
Newly admitted graduate students who are outside the country, have not yet obtained required visa documentation, and do not have an SSN, cannot be hired remotely.
Submit the Change of Plans e-form in MyGlobal (under "Orientation & Check-In") so we can take action on your I-20 and update your visa type to show that you are enrolling remotely as a distance learner. Next, submit the Attestation of International Lawful Presence and supporting documentation demonstrating lawful presence in your current country of residence in UAccess. Additional instructions are available on the Registrar's website.
While you're waiting for the VLP hold to be removed:
- Pay the remaining balance by the Tuition Payment Deadline
- After paying what you are responsible for, Office of Scholarship & Financial Aid (OSFA) can place a Financial Aid Notice (FPA) indicator on your account to prevent the Late Payment Charge from being assessed