Requesting a Form I-20 or DS-2019
International Students admitted into a full-time academic program at Stony Brook University must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility to enter and/or reenter the U.S. in F-1 Student or J-1 Exchange Visitor status. This applies to new students and transfer students from another U.S. university, college or high school. Students returning from a leave of absence must also have a Form I-20 or DS-2019 to return/remain in the United States. The Certificate of Eligibility, or Form I-20 / DS-2019, is a government document issued by a U.S. institution, allowing the student to apply for an F-1 / J-1 Visa, enter or re-enter the U.S. to pursue an academic program and receive other immigration benefits. A new form I-20/DS-2019 is issued to the student each time there is a change to the student’s academic program, education level, financial sponsor, or when a work or academic authorization is granted. The procedures for requesting a Form I-20 / DS-2019 differs depending on academic level and Visa type, please read the following instructions carefully:
Undergraduate Students requesting a Form I-20:
- Step 1: Upon admission to the university pay your deposits and fee, and complete your New Student Preferences by logging on to Stony Brook's secure SOLAR System, using your Stony Brook ID number and password. Your ID number and your original password are printed on the upper right of your letter of admission.
- Step 2: Submission of the required deposits and fees matriculates as a Stony Brook student and will prompt Undergraduate International Admissions to process your Form I-20. Once complete the I-20 will be shipped via UPS Express to the address you have provided.
Note: Students already attending a school in the U.S. (high school or college) must be released from SEVIS by their advisor and submit the International Transfer Report before a Form I-20 can be issued.
* For more information please contact Undergraduate International Admissions directly at enrollintl@stonybrook.edu
Graduate Students requesting a Form I-20:
- Step 1: Upon admission into your academic program you will receive a SOLAR message prompting you to complete the electronic 'Request for I-20 / DS-2019' form.
- Step 2: Review and complete every tab of the online form (Person Data, U.S. Education, Finances, Uploads/Documents, and Submit)
- Step 3: Once the electronic form is completed, click the yellow "Submit" button within the "Submit" tab. Your request will then be reviewed by an international student advisor once you have been matriculated into an academic program at SBU.
- Step 4: If your request is approved your I-20 will be processed and you will receive a SOLAR message informing you that your I-20 is completed and will be mailed via UPS Express.
* For a step-by-step guide to completing the electronic SOLAR request form, Click here!
Exchange Students requesting a DS-2019:
- Step 1: Upon admission into your academic program you will receive a SOLAR message prompting you to complete the electronic 'Request for I-20 / DS-2019' form.
- Step 2: Review and complete every tab of the online form (Person Data, U.S. Education, Finances, Uploads/Documents, and Submit)
- Step 3: Once the electronic form is completed, click the yellow "Submit" button within the "Submit" tab. Your request will then be reviewed by an international student advisor once you have been matriculated into an academic program at SBU.
- Step 4: If your request is approved your Form DS-2019 will be processed and you will receive a SOLAR message informing you that your DS-2019 is completed and will be mailed via UPS Express.
* For a step-by-step guide to completing the electronic SOLAR request form, Click here!
