Student I-20 and DS-2019 Requests
International students attending Adelphi University must obtain a Form I-20 (F-1 students) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 students). These immigration documents allow you to register for classes, apply for your student visa and travel to the United States.
Understanding Student Visas
Which student visa is right for you?
- F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is the most common visa type for full-time international students in the U.S. and at Adelphi University.
- J-1 Visa: The J-1 visa is typically used for students participating in exchange programs or for degree-seeking students who receive most of their financial support from sources other than personal or family funds.
Not sure which status is right for you?
You can contact to International Services or review our guide on the Differences Between F-1 and J-1 Statuses.
Important Dates for I-20/DS-2019 Requests
To help ensure your visa is processed on time, please submit your request by:
- July 15 — Fall semester
- December 15 — Spring semester
- April 15 — Summer Term (select programs only)
Applying for Your I-20/DS-2019
How the Process Works
After you are admitted and pay your tuition deposit, you will receive an invitation to the International Services Portal (sent to your Adelphi email), where you will:
- Upload required documents
- Submit financial evidence
- Retrieve your issued I-20 or DS-2019 once processed
Financial Documentation Requirements
You must upload official documents that show:
- Funding to cover at least one year of the estimated cost of attendance
- Resources available for the full duration of your studies
Required Documents to Obtain Your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
To receive your immigration document, please upload the following items (All documents must be submitted in PDF format):
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Admission Letter (or Readmission letter)
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Valid Passport (biographical page showing the machine-readable strip)
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Financial Documents (from all funding sources)
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University Scholarship or Assistantship Award Letter (if applicable)
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Transfer Form (for SEVIS-eligible transfer students
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I-20 Request Form (AUI & UHUB programs only)
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Health Insurance Guarantee (J-1 students only)
Estimating Cost of Attendance
Prospective F-1 and J-1 students must provide proof that they have sufficient financial resources readily available to live and study in the United States before an immigration document can be issued.
The estimated cost includes:
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Direct Costs: tuition, fees, health insurance
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Indirect Costs: housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, personal expenses
Important: Students must demonstrate the same level of financial support regardless of whether they plan to live on campus or off campus.
Proof of Expenses (Estimated Annual Costs)
All amounts are estimates and subject to change annually.
Students and their financial sponsors should be prepared for annual increases in tuition and living expenses.
| Program of Study | I-20 Allocation | Tuition, Fees & Insurance | Living Expenses | Other Expenses | Proof of Funding Required |
| Undergraduate — All Academic Majors | 48 Months | $56,290 | $20,680 | $5,010 | $81,980 |
| Master’s — Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing and Psychology | 24 Months | $44,880 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $75,894 |
| Master’s — Flex MBA | 24 Months | $29,520 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $60,534 |
| Master’s — Education | 24 Months | $47,160 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $78,174 |
| Master’s — Social Work | 24 Months | $50,190 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $81,204 |
| Master’s — Communication Disorders | 24 Months | $46,160 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $77,174 |
| Doctoral — Audiology, AUD | 48 Months | $46,640 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $77,654 |
| Doctoral — Clinical Psychology, PhD | 72 Months | $69,540 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $100,554 |
| Doctoral — Learning Sciences, PhD | 60 Months | $34,680 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $65,694 |
| Doctoral — School Psychology, PSYD | 48 Months | $47,640 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $78,654 |
| Doctoral — Social Work, PhD | 60 Months | $45,600 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $76,614 |
| Doctoral — Speech Language Sciences, PhD | 60 Months | $49,560 | $26,004 | $5,010 | $80,574 |
Documentary Evidence Requirements
You may use multiple sponsors. All sponsors and funding amounts must be listed on the Affidavit of Support.
International Services may verify documents directly with financial institutions.
Acceptable Forms of Financial Evidence
- May come from you, your parents, or any sponsor
- Issued within the past 3 months
- Shows liquid funds (checking, savings, time deposits)
- Lists balance, currency type, account type, and account holder name
- Must be in English or include an official translation
- Must clearly list the financial institution’s name and contact information
Important Notes:
- Personal funds: You must show funding for your full academic program or provide evidence of ongoing income.
- Business/company funds: You may submit business account funds with the proper supporting documents. Since company income is not the same as the owner’s personal income, you must include an official statement showing the salary the company pays to the owner/sponsor or from the company CEO that funds can be withdrawn to cover the educational expenses of the applicant.
Must include:
- Type of award
- Exact award amount
- Academic period covered
Must include:
- Name of bank or lender
- Approved loan amount
- Confirmation of approval
- Academic period covered
To reduce required financial support, submit:
- Lease, deed, or rental agreement in sponsor’s name
- Letter confirming free housing
Housing credit:
- $14,335 (undergraduate students)
- $18,704 (graduate students)
Requesting a Deferral Form I-20
Students who cannot enter the U.S. by the program start date (e.g., due to visa delays) may request to defer admission and the Form I-20 to the next available term.
You may defer only if:
- You were issued an Initial Attendance I-20
- You have not entered the U.S. using that I-20
- You are readmitted for a future term and pay the deposit
- Admissions electronically confirms the updated term
- You submit all new I-20 requirements before the start date on your current I-20
Important Notes
- If you no longer plan to attend Adelphi, your I-20 will be cancelled for Student Not Attending.
- If the deferral request is not completed by the program start date, your I-20 will be cancelled.
- If you entered the U.S. with the original I-20 but do not enroll, your SEVIS record will be terminated for Failure to Enroll, and you must:
- Request a new Initial I-20, and
- Repay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Students who need to defer to the next available term in order to continue the visa process must complete all steps before the program start date listed on the currently issued Form I-20.
- Email International Admissions at intladmissions@adelphi.edu to request deferral.
- Submit the Deferral I-20 Request in the International Services Portal.
- Upload all required documents.
Late Arrival Authorization (Same Academic Term)
Students unable to arrive by the original program start date due to visa delays may request permission for a Late Start Authorization.
Your program start date on the I-20 is the latest date you may report to Adelphi.
You must:
- Obtain written approval from your academic department.
- Receive a newly issued Form I-20 with a revised start date.
A Late Start Authorization may be issued only if:
- The academic department approves late arrival
- International Services receives official written authorization
- The new start date is no more than one week after the original date
- You can still enroll in a full-time, in-person course load
To approve a late arrival, International Services must receive official written authorization from the appropriate academic authority confirming:
- The student’s full name and Adelphi student ID
- That the student is permitted to arrive late
- The revised program start date (typically no more than one week after the original start date)
- That the student will be able to enroll full-time in in-person coursework for the semester
AUI Pathway Students
Academic Director, AUI
View AUI Staff
andrew.erwin@adelphi-international.org
Undergraduate Students
Academic Services and Retention
View Academic Services Staff
Graduate Students
Program Director for your academic program
View Program Directors
International Services will issue a new Form I-20 with the updated start date.
You must defer to the next available term by:
- Working with your admissions counselor or educational consultant
- Submitting a Deferral I-20 Request before the program start date on your current Form I-20
