International Graduate Student Services
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for International Students

I'm a new student, when can I get my I-20 or DS-2019 form?

If you are a new student, your I-20/DS-2019 will be issued and mailed to you after the Graduate School approves your acceptance and your file is complete, including official TOEFL scores and verification of sufficient funds.

How much money do I have to have before I can get an I-20 or DS-2019 form?

You have to have enough funds to cover your tuition and fees, room and board, and miscellaneous expenses for at least the first year of your studies. See financial requirements for details.

I lost my I-20 form. What should I do?

You need to request a new form from the international office in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown. Processing time is approximately 2-3 days.

I lost my passport and I-94 card. Can you replace it?

We cannot replace your passport or I-94. You will need to contact the embassy of your country in Washington, D.C. to report the loss and request a new passport. To replace your I-94 card, you will have to file form I-102 and send it to USCIS along with the appropriate filing fee.

If I change majors, do I need a new I-20 or DS-2019?

Yes, you do. Your form always has to reflect the program in which you are currently enrolled. This means, that you have to get a new form if you change your major or academic level.

Can I work on campus?

Yes, you can, if you are a J-1 or F-1 student. On campus employment is a benefit of your status, but you cannot work more than 20 hours when school is in session. You may work up to 40 hours during the summer and winter breaks. J-1 students whose program sponsor is an organization other than Virginia Tech (such as Fulbright, IIE, LASPAU, AMIDEAST, ISEP, etc) must secure permission from the program sponsor before accepting employment.

I lived in Virginia for over two years. Can I pay in-state tuition?

No, you can't. As long as you are in a "non-resident alien" status (F-1, J-1, F-2, J-2, etc), by definition you cannot be a resident of Virginia, thus you don't qualify for in-state tuition.

You have to make the $4,000 during the academic year (fall and spring) on assistantship to qualify for the out-of-state fee waiver.

No. Your out-of-state fee can be waived only during the same academic year when you earn the $4,000 on assistantship.

I want to bring my wife or children to stay with me in the U.S. What should I do?

Please contact International Graduate Student Services -- you will receive some initial information about your rights and responsibilities when bringing dependents to the U.S. You will complete a request form for dependents, which will be endorsed by a DSO. You will have to submit this form in our offices at the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown, along with proof that you will be able to support your dependents financially. The university requires proof of an additional $4,000 for a spouse, and $1,500 for each dependent child.

Can my parents be included in my I-20 or DS-2019 form?

No. Only spouses and dependent children can be added to your form

Can my wife/husband work?

Spouses in F-2 status cannot work under any circumstances. Spouses in J-2 status may work with USCIS permission.

Generally it takes 6-8 weeks. However, in the peak periods in December and May it may take as long as 12 weeks to receive authorization. We advise students to apply for the OPT 2-3 months in advance.

You must apply for OPT before your academic program ends or your I-20 expires, whichever comes first. However, your practical training may begin any time within the 60-day grace period following your program completion.

You have to renew it only if and when you travel outside the United States. See visa and travel information for further details.

No. Visas can be obtained and renewed only outside the U.S.

I have a valid visa in my old passport, but I have a new passport. Can I still use my visa?

Yes, you can use your valid visa in your old passport. When you travel, you will have to carry both your new passport, and the old one with the visa in it. If you have to return your old passport when you get a new one, you will lose your visa, and have to apply for a new one before you return to the U.S.