Students who are accepted to an undergraduate degree program and who intend to travel to the U.S. on a student visa, or to transfer from another U.S. institution to Purdue in a non-immigrant student status, are issued a Form I-20 or Form DS 2019.

Form I-20

• issued to students who are financially sponsored by family or personal funds
• used to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate

Form DS 2019

• issued to students sponsored by a government, company or international organization
• used to apply for a J-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate

Applying for a Student Visa
When making application for an F-1 or J-1 student visa, the following documents and information must be provided:

• SEVIS fee receipt 
• Form I-20 or Form DS 2019
• Valid passport
• Evidence of financial support
• Proof that the student´s stay in the US will be temporary (evidence of close social, family and economic ties to the student´s homeland must be demonstrated). This evidence is generally in verbal form during an interview.