F-1 & J-1 Document Process

F-1/J-1 Immigration Document Process

The Georgetown MBA Program is proud of its international students and the diverse perspectives that you add to our community. As an international student, you have access to several resources to help ease your transition to life as a student in the United States. Please make sure to review the information below thoroughly.

Admitted non-U.S. citizens who require F-1 or J-1 status must go through an immigration document request process with the Office of Global Services (OGS). 

Please note, the MBA Admissions Office must receive your initial enrollment deposit before you will be invited to begin the process with OGS.

Who should complete this process?

Students requesting a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 from Georgetown University.

What do I need to submit as part of this process?

You must submit additional supporting documentation, including financial materials that demonstrate your ability to meet the expense estimate for the program. Expense estimates for the 2025-2026 academic year will be posted on February 3, 2025.

If you will be studying in J-1 status, but will not be sponsored by Georgetown University, you must still complete a form online. You will not need to upload any documents – those documents should go to your sponsoring organization (e.g. Fulbright).

When can I begin this process?

You may begin the immigration document request process within one week after submitting your initial enrollment deposit. The deadline for submitting your paperwork is June 29, 2025.

Please make note of the following:

• Beginning on February 3, 2025, OGS will invite you to the International Student and Scholar Portal one week after submitting your Intent to Enroll Form and initial enrollment deposit 

• OGS will not begin to process your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 application until you have completed and uploaded all required documentation. Submitting incorrect or incomplete documentation delays the issuance of your immigration document.

• OGS provides updates on your Form I-20 and Form DS-2019 application submission through the International Student and Scholar Portal. It is normal to receive feedback 2-3 weeks after you submit your application for review. Please do not request an update on the status of your application if your application has been pending for less time than OGS’s advertised processing time.

• Students should monitor U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites regularly for visa interview appointment availability and request an appointment as soon as possible after receiving the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and completing the Form DS-160 visa application. If the next available visa interview appointment conflicts with your program start date, review your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate’s website for procedures to request an expedited appointment.

• Please allow a minimum of 8 weeks to complete the process of obtaining the Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 and applying for the F-1 or J-1 visa. Plan approximately 3-4 weeks to get the Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, then 1-5 weeks to apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa. Additional time may depend on your embassy or consulate to obtain the appropriate visa appointment and stamp. Students are strongly encouraged to begin the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 application as soon as possible.

• The final deadline to complete the requirements for the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 is thirty days before the mandatory arrival date of July 29, 2025; however, applying close to the deadline reduces the likelihood of fulfilling immigration requirements in time to attend the semester.

• You may enter the United States with your Georgetown Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your document.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
Please review the step-by-step immigration document request instructions. If you still have concerns regarding your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 you may contact the Office of Global Services at newinternational@georgetown.edu.

To accept your offer of admission and secure your place in the entering class, follow the instructions outlined in your admission letter. We must receive your initial enrollment deposit before the Office of Global Services will send out your invitation email to request Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.