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Student Admissions & Orientation, & Faculty Info: Undergraduate Admissions

Obtaining the Visa Form I-20 or DS 2019

Congratulations on your acceptance to Tufts University! You will soon be a part of a vibrant, international community. But, before you arrive at Tufts, you will need to prepare the necessary documents to receive your immigration document (Form I-20 or DS 2019.)

As a newly accepted undergraduate, you will receive an acceptance packet sent to you by the Admissions Office that contains material from the International Center. In addition to a Welcome Letter from the International Center, you will receive an International Student Information form, as well as an Estimate of Expenses form. If you do not receive these materials, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office via email at admissions.inquiry@ase.tufts.edu.

Please remember to complete the International Student Information form and return it to the International Center as soon as possible. You may start by faxing us the completed International Student Information form, financial documents and letter of support from your sponsor at 1-617-627-6076. But, please be sure you SEND THE ORIGINALS TO US THROUGH THE MAIL.

Our mailing address is:

Tufts University
International Center
20 Sawyer Avenue
Medford, MA 02155

(Please note: the content of the financial documents and the letter of support from your sponsor will be fully described in the packet of information you receive.)

Once we receive all requested documents from you, we will send you the Form I-20 or DS 2019. You will then need to apply for the appropriate visa at the U.S. Embassy in your country.

For Fall admittance, please provide us with all original documents by June 1.

For Spring admittance, please provide us with all original documents by December 15.

In most cases, we use an express courier service to send out the visa paperwork. You will be asked if you are willing to incur these costs on the International Student Information form. We strongly encourage you to agree to use the courier service.

Visiting Boston:

If you are planning to visit the University, view a list of Boston area hotels.

Events, Clubs and Awards:

Important items to note:

  • Please remember not to pack your Form I-20 in your suitcase!
     
  • While you are on the plane, and before you land in America, you will be asked to complete a card known as an I-94 card. Remember to keep this card in a safe place because you will keep it with you while in the U.S. until you depart the country.
     
  • Once you land in the U.S., you will go through U.S. Customs and U.S. Immigration. While waiting in line, remember to have the above-listed documents ready and available to present to the Immigration Officer.
     
  • You should be sure that the Officer stamps your Form I-20 / DS 2019 and your I-94 card with an "F-1 or J-1 and D/S" notation. (N.B.: "D/S" means "Duration of Stay.")