Apply for Your Immigration Document

 

How to Receive the I-20 or DS-2019

Estimated Expenses for 2022-2023

Dependent Visas

Important Considerations

 

How to Receive the I-20 or DS-2019

Now that you are admitted, you will need either an I-20 or DS-2019 immigration document to obtain your student visa. After your admission notification, you will receive a series of emails with step-by-step instructions on how to move forward and how to obtain your immigration document. Admitted students must provide several financial documents (see below) showing that sufficient funds are available to cover at least one academic year of study (2 semesters), with the expectation that sufficient funds are available to cover the full duration of your studies.

All documents (1-4) listed below are required in order to obtain your immigration document.

  1. Affidavit.
  2. Passport Copy – Plus dependent passport copies if applicable.
  3. Bank Statement(s) – Official Transaction History statement for the Current* month and two months back (Total of 3-month transaction history).
  4. Current* Official Bank Letter** showing a “Certificate of Balance”. This can relate to a Checking account, Savings account, Fixed Deposit, or Money Market account. Fixed Deposit accounts also require a copy of the original fixed deposit certificate(s).

Please note:

  • * Current meaning the current month, not prior to the current month.
  • ** Bank Letters which are not in English must include an Official English-translated copy in addition to the original document.
  • Required financial documents may also include a government sponsorship, or graduate/research assistantship and/or a scholarship award.
  • The table below shows the required amount of funds you will need to show based on your educational level.

For I-20 questions, please contact i20@kent.edu.

For DS-2019 questions, please contact isss@kent.edu.

 

Transfer-in Students

If you are transferring into Kent from a U.S. high school or university with a current valid SEVIS ID (N00XXXXXXXX), then please review our Transfer In Guide or contact i20@kent.edu for further instructions on transferring your SEVIS record to Kent State University.

 

Current Visa Holders

If you are already on a U.S. visa (not F or J), then please contact isss@kent.edu for more information on your next steps.

 

International Undergraduate & ESL Only Students

First-year international students who are not transferring from another institution in the U.S. may be eligible for a scholarship. You must be admitted by the following date(s) to be eligible for the Global Scholarship:

  • Fall semester – Must be admitted by July 1
  • Spring semester – Must be admitted by November 1
  • Summer semester (Available to ESL Only) – Must be admitted by March 1

Any scholarships awarded will be listed in your FlashLine checklist.

It may take time for awards to show in FlashLine, so we recommend checking often because it is important to accept any scholarships that may be awarded as soon as they are made available.

 

Estimated Expenses for 2022-2023

The Estimated Cost of Attendance for one Academic Year, based on education level, is estimated to cover tuition/fees, living expenses, medical insurance, and books/supplies for one academic year of study. Please add $4,500 for the first dependent and $2,500 for each additional dependent, if any will accompany you.

 

International Undergraduate (12-18 credit hours)

International Graduate (9 credit hours)

ESL (tuition is based on the ESL website)

American Academy

Tuition and Fees (1 academic year or 2 semesters)

$21,579*

$22,523**

$10,756

$12,000

Living Expenses*

$12,676

$12,676

$12,676

$12,676

Other Costs such as Medical Insurance and Books/Supplies**

$8,161

$8,161

$3,642

$8,161

Total Estimate:

$42,416

$43,360

$27,074

$32,837

*Aeronautics with Flight Technology majors, please add approximately $20,000 in tuition costs.

**The Master of Architecture, Construction Management, Architecture & Environmental Design, Landscape & Architecture, Urban Design, and Healthcare Design programs typically add around $1,500 extra in tuition costs.

Living expenses are based on the housing and meal costs for on-campus living. Although this amount is required for the purpose of your I-20 or DS-2019, your actual costs may vary.

Medical insurance is required for all international students and is included in your fees when you register for classes.

 

Dependent Visas

If you are a new or currently active student who has set-up your International Student & Scholar Services account (see isss.kent.edu) and you want to add a dependent (spouse, child, or both) to your I-20, please visit the request center in your ISSS account, then select and complete the Dependent Information Create form.

Additional funding is required for each dependent as follows:

  • $4,500 for spouse or other first dependent, and
  • $2,500 for each additional dependent

If the proof of funds you submit for your I-20 request are not sufficient to cover the addition of a dependent(s) then additional financial documents showing proof of available funding is required.

If you are a new student who has not yet received instructions on how to set-up your ISSS account, please check your email for instructions on how to proceed with your account set-up and I-20 request.

 

Important Considerations

  • Do not schedule your visa appointment until you have your I-20 or DS-2019. You will not be able to obtain a visa without your I-20 or DS-2019.

  • We cannot expedite or “rush” an I-20 or DS-2019 to you if you have scheduled a visa appointment without an I-20 or DS-2019.

  • Never leave your Form I-20 or DS-2019 unattended. These forms are critical to your stay in the U.S.

DS-2019 Documents

Once all required documents have been received and verified with the banking institution, processing will begin. You will be notified by email when processing is fully complete and the document has been mailed.

Documents are mailed internationally using DHL, but (depending on where you live) it may take two to three weeks for your DS-2019 to arrive. Please be patient during this time, as we have no control over the international mailing system.

If you have not received your DS-2019 within four weeks after you were notified that your DS-2019 was mailed, please contact isss@kent.edu.

Are you from Iran?

We are currently unable to ship to Iran. Please let us know where you would like your DS-2019 shipped by contacting isss@kent.edu.

Should you have received your package already?

Your local DHL Center may try to contact you by phone when your DS-2019 arrives. If you have not received a call, check with your local DHL Center to see if your packet has arrived. 

I-20 Documents for New or Transfer in Students

Once all required documents have been received and verified with the banking institution, processing will begin. You will be notified by email when processing is fully complete, along with instructions on how to print the I-20 document. For any questions, please contact i20@kent.edu.