UFIC is a separate department from the International Admissions Office. The evaluation of the admission application, transcripts, credentials, credits, and/or funding decisions is made exclusively by the Office of Admissions and the academic departments. UFIC works with international students once admission is granted. Undergraduate students with admissions-related questions may contact the Office of Admissions; graduate students may contact the academic department to which they applied.
Admission letters are not provided by UFIC.
Once the application for admission is approved and the admission is reflected in the University of Florida student records system, the admission letter will be provided directly to the student by either the Office of Admissions for undergraduate level students or by the Graduate Academic Department for graduate level students. The student will need this letter for the visa application process.
| Semester of Admission | I-20 Request Submission Deadline for Initial Students (Applying for F-1 Visa Status) | I-20 Request Submission Deadline for SEVIS Transfer-In Students (Already in the U.S. in F-1 Visa Status) |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | May 15 | June 15 |
| Spring | October 1 | November 1 |
| Summer A/C | February 1 | March 1 |
| Summer B | March 15 | April 15 |
Emails will be sent to the student’s email address on record, which is typically the same email address provided when applying for admission to UF. However, students should also check their GatorLink email account if they have already created one following admission. Be sure to check all folders, including inbox, spam, junk, etc., in both email accounts.
The initial email from UFIC will direct the student to complete the New International Student Request online through the ISSS Portal. This will include submitting the Sponsor Certification Form, proof of funds, and a copy of the passport photo page. This is required for all students, regardless of the source of financial support.
Generally, acceptable proof of funds includes liquid asset accounts (such as checking and savings accounts), education loans, scholarships, and assistantships/fellowships. Unacceptable sources include salary, credit cards, insurance policies, and non-liquid assets such as property.
The New International Student Request also requires additional information and address details through questionnaires. Each questionnaire has “Save” and “Submit” options. “Save” allows the student to return to that questionnaire and make updates as needed, while “Submit” locks the questionnaire and no longer allows modifications. However, neither option submits the entire I-20 application; it only submits the specific questionnaire. Still, the I-20 application does not yet enter UFIC’s review queue.
Once ready to submit the entire I-20 application, the student must click “Submit Application.” If a requirement has not been completed, the application cannot be submitted, and the student must return to the application to review what is missing. If all requirements have been completed, the student should see a confirmation message on screen.
UFIC will review the I-20 application once successfully submitted, and, if valid, issue the I-20 for the student and any accompanying dependents. The student will receive an email confirmation once the I-20 has been issued with instructions to download the I-20 from the ISSS Portal.
SEVIS Transfer Students: Students already in the United States in F-1 visa status, either attending another institution or on a period of OPT or STEM OPT employment authorization, must: 1) complete the UFIC I-20 application, and 2) arrange a SEVIS transfer to UF with the international student advisor/Designated School Official (DSO) at their current institution. The information which the student must provide to their DSO at the current institution is available in the UFIC I-20 application.
When the I-20 is ready, the student will be notified by email. The I-20 will be issued electronically, and instructions will be provided on how to download and print the I-20 from the ISSS Portal. The student will then use the I-20 for the F-1 visa application process via a designated U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad.
Once the student has the admission letter and I-20, they must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and then schedule an appointment with a designated U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad for the F-1 student visa application. More information about the Visa Process and U.S. port of Entry is available on our website.
The English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Florida offers English language programs for students who need to improve their English language skills. Some academic programs offer the possibility of admission on the condition that the student successfully completes an English language program at ELI and passes all required assessments prior to the start of the degree program at UF.
When admission to the University of Florida is conditional upon attendance at and completion of an ELI program, the academic department should coordinate with ELI, as the student will need to receive the I-20 directly from ELI for use in the F-1 visa application. Once the student meets the English language proficiency requirement and is ready to begin the academic program, the I-20 request and a SEVIS transfer must be initiated. After the SEVIS/I-20 record is transferred from ELI to UF, the I-20 for the academic program will be processed in the same manner as other SEVIS transfer students.