Before International Student Services (ISS) can issue the LSU I-20 for F-1 status or the DS-2019 for J-1 status that admitted applicants will need for the student visa, entry to the United States, and/or continuation of the current F-1/J-1 student status, you must provide documentation that shows you have the required financial resources. Students must be able to show that they have proof of funding for the total estimated cost of attendance for at least the first year of study at LSU. This includes tuition, books, health insurance and living expenses.
Who Must Request an Initial (or Transfer) I-20 or DS-2019?
Officially and unconditionally admitted applicants who meet any of the criteria below will need to request an I-20 or DS-2019 from LSU:
- You are outside of the United States and will need to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa to begin your program.
- NOTE: Canadian citizens are visa exempt but must receive an I-20 or DS-2019 for entry to the U.S. as an F-1 or J-1 student.
- You are (or were recently) inside the U.S. in F-1 status and you plan to transfer your SEVIS record to LSU to begin your program.
- You are currently on a period of F-1 OPT and you plan to transition from full-time OPT back to full-time study to attend LSU.
- You are currently in a different non-immigrant status and you plan to acquire F-1 or J-1 student status to begin your program.
How Do I Request my I-20 or DS-2019?
All admitted students who need an Initial (or Transfer) LSU I-20 or DS-2019 will receive an email from ISS that includes a link to complete the LSU Initial I-20/DS-2019 Request form online. This request form collects the information and documents that ISS will need to review and process your request for an LSU I-20 or DS-2019.
What Do I need to Have Ready Before Requesting My I-20 or DS-2019?
You will need your LSU ID number and LSU email address to complete the form. (Graduate and undergraduate degree-seeking students can find these on the LSU application portal.)
You will also need copies of the following documents available as a jpeg or pdf to upload into your request.
- Copy of your official LSU admission letter (degree-seeking students) or your acceptance letter (exchange students).
- NOTE: Graduate and undergraduate degree-seeking students can access the letter on the LSU application portal.
- Passport ID page for you and all family members who will accompany you (spouse and dependent children under age 21).
- Proof of funding. (Please see the links in the source of funds section below for additional financial support information.)
- Letter of Permission must be provided and signed by account holder if the account is not in your name (see sample attached to this article)
If you are an F-1 or J-1 student with an active SEVIS record (currently or recently studying in the U.S. or you are on active post-completion practical training), you will also need copies of the following documents:
- Current I-20 or DS-2019.
- Most recent electronic I-94.
- Most recent F-1 or J-1 visa stamp and/or U.S. entry stamp.
What Is the Estimated Cost of Attendance?
The estimated cost depends on your program:
Additional items of note:
- Students who will come on an F-1 visa will need to show funding for the first year of the program.
- J-1 Students admitted to a degree program: If you plan to come as a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you must show funding for the entire duration of your program to receive a DS-2019 for the entire program duration. For example: If the program you have been admitted to is two years long, you will need to show two years' worth of funding in order to receive a document that is valid for a two-year period.
- J-1 Exchange Students: If you will participate in a one or two semester exchange program at LSU, you will need to provide a financial support document that covers the amount of all expenses minus tuition cost of your program.
What Can I Provide as My Source of Funds?
The Initial I-20/DS-2019 Request form will require you to upload copies of your acceptable source(s) of funding. All funding must be easily accessible to you as “liquid assets,” (e.g., funds that can be converted into cash in a short time, with little or no loss in value). Your source of funds must:
- be in English (or officially translated into English).
- be less than 6 months old from the date of issue.
- include the type of currency if not in U.S. Dollars.
Note: When selecting source(s) of funding documents to provide to ISS, be advised that you will need to provide the same evidence of your funding at your visa appointment and you may be asked to show the officer(s) at the U.S. Port of Entry.