Please choose the relevant topic below to obtain more information:
- Address Changes
- Advising Schedule
- Applying to Georgia Tech
- Dependents
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
- Health Insurance
- Housing
- Immigration Documents
- Legal Matters
- Money Matters
- Registration
- SEVIS
- What is the SEVIS fee?
- Must new students and EVs pay the fee?
- Must students and EVs who are currently here pay the fee?
- What if I want to change to F-1/ J-1 status in the U.S.?
- When must the fee be paid?
- How is the fee paid?
- What advice can be offered for those who must pay the SEVIS fee?
- SEVIS FEE HELPDESK
- Special Registration
- Transportation
- Travel
- VISA Renewals
Address Changes
All F-1 and J-1 students and scholars must maintain complete and current addresses in Oscar.
1. Log on to Oscar: oscar.gatech.edu
2. Choose "Update addresses and phones" from the personal information menu and create two new addresses:
SEVIS In country (SI): Your physical address where you live and receive mail in the US. This is not a PO Box! We need a physical address with a street name. Students in on-campus housing should put their “Georgia Tech Station” mailing address if their physical address and mailing address differ.
SEVIS Out of country (SO): This must be a foreign address.
Additional instructions can be found 
here
Please note that if an error screen appears, the first address must be deleted before you can add a new one in again.
Advising Schedule
There are a number of ways for you to contact an advisor at International Student and Scholar Services at Georgia Tech. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.
Telephone Calls and E-mail
An advisor will be available to take phone calls from 8am - 5pm. Telephone calls are a good way to get straight-forward general information, but you may be referred to come back for an appointment if you situation is more complicated. Questions may also be E-mailed using the office address: info@oie.gatech.edu.
Walk-In Advising
International Students may see an advisor for a 10 minute time slot on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:30am-4:30pm. These times are for students with routine inquiries and requests.
Advisor Appointments
Individual Appointments are scheduled at various times between 8:30am-4:30pm. You should call the Office of International Education at 404-894-7475 to schedule an appointment. You will be asked for some information on the reason for the appointment. This will allow us to give you an idea of the documents you may need to bring and it will help the advisor to prepare for your visit if necessary. If you are uncomfortable in giving your reason for the visit then you do not have to share this information.
Walk-in Advising or Appointment?Is your request more suited for walk-in advising or appointment advising?
Walk-in Advising:
Co-op
Travel Signatures
Extension of Stay
Transfer out to another School
Replacement of lost forms
Appointment:
OPT (after attending OPT session)
Change of Status
Reinstatement
Documents for Dependents
Before coming to OIE, please check that you have:
Completed all the necessary forms. Forms are available at: http://www.oie.gatech.edu/isss/forms/.
Brought your passport, I-94 and I-20s. Are there any other documents relevant to your situation?
If you are coming for walk-in advising, can your question be answered in 10 minutes?
Dependents
Bringing a Dependent (F-2) with you
To request an I-20 for your spouse or children to join you in the U.S., you have to verify that you have sufficient funds to cover your family's expenses. You will need to come to OIE and meet with an international student advisor to determine the amount necessary and to fill out the required documentation. OIE will provide you with the I-20 when evidence of financial support is presented. When OIE issues the I-20s to facilitate the F-2 visa application at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate, the decision to issue or deny visas is made solely by the consular officer. For more information, please read the OIE policy and instructions for "Inviting your Dependents (F-2)."
Resources for SpousesOIE provides resources for spouses of international students. For more information, please click here.
Visiting Family MembersOIE does not provide any supporting documentation for family members and friends who will be visiting you in the U.S. They will be coming to the U.S. on a B1/B2 visitor visa. Please see the Department of Homeland Security website or contact a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for more information on what is required for this type of visa status: www.travel.state.gov
Handout: Inviting Family Members to the United States
English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
Georgia Tech currently offers a number of courses for non-native speakers to study English as a Second Language on campus. These courses are intended for all members of the international community at Georgia Tech who would like to improve their English language skills. For Tech ESL programs, please see the Georgia Tech Language Institute Web site at: www.esl.gatech.edu.
Download a campus services brochure here: ESL Campus Newsletter
For more information about any of the Language Institute courses or programs, please go to www.esl.gatech.edu or call 404.894.2425.
OIE strongly encourages you to visit the Health Services site that has information on the plan sponsored by Pearce and Pearce and a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding eligibility, price, plan coverage, and instructions on how to apply for a waiver of the insurance.
The site is located at: www.health.gatech.edu
The waiver site is located at: www.studentinsurance.com
The waiver process is facilitated by Pearce and Pearce, so if you have questions, kindly contact the company directly.
The deadline to apply for a waiver for the Fall 2009 semester is September 5, 2009.
If you have questions about insurance claims, please contact:
Jennifer White, Medical Billing Supervisor, Student Health Services, at: jennifer.white@health.gatech.edu
Informational Presentation about Health Services and the Pearce and Pearce Student Insurance
J-1 Scholar insurance information: http://www.oie.gatech.edu/isss/scholars/procedures.html#2
Housing
On Campus
Georgia Tech offers a variety of on-campus housing options.
For Undergraduates: A new freshman or transfer student must be accepted to Georgia Tech to apply for on-campus housing. The application must be submitted by May 1 (prior to the upcoming school year) to receive a guaranteed residence hall space for fall semester. Students are assigned for spring semester to vacancies received through cancellations; therefore spring semester assignments are not guaranteed. Students must also make a prepayment at the time that they submit the application form.
Graduate students: The Graduate Living Center and Hemphill Avenue Apartments are designated graduate residential facilities. New graduate students are assigned to vacant graduate spaces based on the date of their application but are not guaranteed housing. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as you are accepted.
For more information and to download an application form, please visit the Housing Office website: www.housing.gatech.edu
If you have applied for on-campus housing, you will receive a housing contract in the mail at least two months prior to arrival. If you have not received your on-campus housing contract, please email: information@housing.gatech.edu. Please note that signing a residence hall contract requires you to live in the residence hall system for the entire semester. If you want to move out of your residence hall early and terminate your contact early, you will incur a significant financial loss. Be sure to think carefully about the circumstances of life in a residence hall before singing the contract. Some of these circumstances may include sharing a room with another student of the same gender and the absence of food preparation facilities.
Off-CampusGeorgia Tech is located in Midtown, an area north of Downtown Atlanta. Many apartments or other housing options are available within walking distance of campus and/or on the GT shuttle routes or city bus/railway routes. Neighborhoods adjacent to Georgia Tech campus are:
Downtown
Downtown Atlanta is the first and largest of the three financial districts in the city of Atlanta. Downtown Atlanta is the location of many corporate or regional headquarters, city, county, state and federal government facilities, sporting facilities, and is the central tourist attraction of the city.
Downtown Atlanta is also home to Georgia State University. This area is a less common option for off-campus student housing for Georgia Tech students. Downtown Atlanta includes several hotels, restaurants and other attractions (including Centennial Olympic Park) as well as some residential neighborhoods. Safety may be a concern, depending on where you are.
Midtown
Georgia Tech is in Midtown Atlanta, which is situated between Downtown to the south and Buckhead to the north. Midtown includes high-rise condos, apartments, hotels, skyscrapers with office space and busy shopping areas. It is also home to quiet residential neighborhoods, and Midtown's focal point is the expansive green space of Piedmont Park. Midtown Atlanta is a very popular place for students to live because of its convenient location. Midtown's proximity to Georgia Tech allows one to walk, bike or take the Tech Trolley to campus. Grocery stores, shops, hotels, restaurants, bars/nightclubs, and the large Piedmont Park are all easily accessible in Midtown. Midtown is generally a safe place to live.
Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is a large redevelopment project at the northwestern edge of Midtown Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlantic Station is a new residential and shopping community and is located approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) from Georgia Tech, one could walk (although it is a bit far), bike, or take a shuttle bus to campus. The nearby Target Department Store, Publix Grocery Store, and IKEA offer great convenience to students, along with extensive shops and restaurants. Atlantic Station is an attractive, comfortable, and fairly safe place to live, but can be a bit pricey.
Home Park
Home Park is a neighborhood in Atlanta, north of Georgia Tech roughly between 10th Street, Northside Drive, 16th Street, and I-75/85 (the Downtown Connector).
Home Park is a community of houses and a large number of students live in this area and walk or bike to campus. Although the houses in Home Park are often older, they are usually a less expensive and practical option for college students (students typically rent a house together and pay per room). Safety can be an issue in some parts of Home Park but is generally okay.
Buckhead
Buckhead is an uptown district within the city of Atlanta, Georgia, comprising over 100,000 residents and approximately the northern one-fifth of the city. It is an upscale residential and commercial district with internationally renowned shopping and dining. Located approximately 9.6 km (6 miles) from Georgia Tech, Buckhead is somewhat far from campus and thus requres using public transportation (MARTA) or having a car. Buckhead features shopping centers and malls, hotels, restaurants, bars/nightclubs, and high-rise office buildings and condominiums. Buckhead is nicknamed "Beverly Hills East" in reference to Beverly Hills, California, an area to which it is often compared.
Please visit the website of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information on Atlanta. The website also contains a Map of Atlanta.
Top Commercial Student Living Options near Georgia Tech
Property Name |
Location |
Address |
Bedrooms |
Price Range |
Lease Term |
Distance from GT |
| Midtown |
2 and 4 |
$699-$898/month (per student) |
9-12 months |
1.6 km (1 mile) |
||
| Furnished |
Parking $80/month |
|||||
| Includes All Utilites |
||||||
100 Midtown is made specifically for student living and is a very popular housing option for international students. Its location just off Georgia Tech campus (East) makes getting there easy by walking or taking the Tech Trolley. There is a Publix grocery store right across the street and a Marta station just 2 blocks away. 100 Midtown is decently priced for its central and convenient location. |
||||||
| West Midtown |
2 and 4 |
$680-$790/month (per student) |
3-12 months |
1.6 km (1 mile) |
||
| Furnished |
(+$75/month for less than 12 months) |
Parking Included |
||||
| Includes Cable & Internet |
||||||
Metropointe Lofts is close to Georgia Tech campus (West) and provides a regular shuttle service to Georgia Tech, other nearby universities, and Marta. Metropointe Lofts is specifically for students but not extremely popular as an off-campus housing option because its location is a bit isolated from stores or restaurants, so walking places is not as easy. |
||||||
| Midtown |
Studio, 1 to 3 |
$799-$1600/month |
3-12 months |
1.2 km (0.75 mile) |
||
| Unfurnished |
(+$100/month for 3,4,5 months) |
Community Parking Available |
||||
| Does Not Include Utilities |
||||||
M Street Apartments is just off Georgia Tech campus (West), so walking to campus is very easy. Some shops and restaurants are in the community. Rent does not include furniture or utilites, which could be inconvenient and/or costly to students. The variety and quality of options available at M Street Apartments is nonetheless appealing. |
||||||
| Atlantic Station | 450 16th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30363 http://atlanticstationapartments.com |
2 and 4 |
$740-$999/month (per student) | 12 months | 2.7 km (1.7 miles) | |
| Furnished | Parking Included | |||||
| Includes Water, Cable, Internet | ||||||
The Flats at Atlantic Station is not too far from Georgia Tech (shuttle service to campus and Marta provided). Its location in Atlantic Station is ideal, with a Target and IKEA right across the street and extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment close by. The Flats at Atlantic Station is specifically for students and is a safe and comfortable choice. |
||||||
For a full list of off-campus housing options, see the Off-Campus Housing Directory at the Georgia Tech Housing website.
Please note: The chart and directory above represents housing options provided for your convenience. Neither Georgia Tech nor OIE is able to recommend or directly promote any of these options.
The information provided here consists of general information about apartment complexes, however other less commercial options are also available. You can look for smaller rental properties, rent a room directly from another individual or share a house with other individuals. These options can often be less expensive and may provide more furnished options. Here are some locations to help in your search:
- Check Classifieds at AJCExchange, CraigsList Atlanta, Creative Loafing Atlanta, or Sublet.com
- Stay in temporary housing and walk or drive around neighborhoods near campus looking for “For Rent” or “For Lease” signs.
Some Helpful Tips to Assist You in Your Housing Search:
- If you are arriving early and need a place to stay during your search for housing, you can stay at a hotel or at the Atlanta International Hostel.
- Many International Student Organizations at Georgia Tech assist students in finding long-term housing in Atlanta. To find out if there is a student organization that represents your home country or region, consult Georgia Tech Student Organizations with the Office of Student Involvement.
- You can stay with an American host family using Atlanta Homestays.
- Contact an Apartment Locator Service (apartments are usually rented in person, but apartment locator services may assist you before you arrive). e.g. Apartment Guide
- Refer to the GT Parking & Transportation website for maps/schedules of campus shuttles and for information on alternative transportation, including MARTA.
Immigration Documents
Should I carry my immigration documents (for example, I-94, I-20 and Passport) with me at all times?
You are required to carry your original immigration documents with you at all times. It is required that you take them with you when traveling, even domestically, or when going to any kind of government office, such as Social Security Administration or Driver’s License office. However, it is your decision whether to carry the original documents or copies with you during the course of a normal day.
Legal Matters
OIE offers immigration advising relating to F-1 and J-1 visa holders. In some cases, students have questions regarding more complex immigration matters. In these cases, OIE recommends that students seek the advice of immigration attorneys who specialize in legal matters. Below are resources that students may want to contact regarding legal matters.
Free Legal Advice: The Student Government Association sponsors free legal advice sessions offered by attorneys in the area. An attorney specializing in immigration is available Thursdays at 3:00pm. For more information, please contact:
Georgia Braxton
Tel: 404-894-2814
Email: Georgia.Braxton@sga.gatech.edu.
Money Matters
Bank Account
There are many banks in the local area which are very willing to have you as a customer. All of these institutions offer several types of savings and checking accounts. Some things to ask before selecting a bank are:
- What are the fees for wiring money from overseas?
- What is the minimum balance required, and is there a penalty if my balance goes below that minimum?
- Will my checking account earn any interest?
- What will I pay in monthly service charges?
- Are there branches or ATM machines near Georgia Tech and near where I live?
There are several major banks in the Georgia Tech area:
In order to open a bank account, you will need to bring the following information:
- Georgia Tech ID (Buzzcard)
- I-20 (for F-1 visa holders) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visa holders)
- Passport and I-94
- You may be asked for a social security number, but it is not necessary in order to open an account.
An updated list of Georgia Tech tuition and fees is available from the Bursar's Office. Each semester, Georgia Tech provides a student invoice statement available online at Oscar. This statement will list all the tuition and fees owed by the student for that particular semester. Students must pay tuition and fees by the stated registration deadline.
Georgia Tech charges tuition based on your status as in-state (residents of the state of Georgia) and out-of-state (non-residents). International students are subject to the out-of-state tuition fees.
Scholarships and LoansInternational students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid programs.
Undergraduate students: Georgia Tech offers guidance to international undergraduate students who experience financial constraints. Please contact OIE for more information.
Graduate students: Graduate students should speak with the Graduate Coordinator in your department for funding opportunities.
A variety of privately funded loan programs are available to international students. Georgia Tech recommends CitiAssist program. The office of Financial Aid coordinates these loan programs. Please visit the Georgia Tech CitiAssist website for more information: GT CitiAssist
For more information, contact:
Office of Student Financial Planning and Services
225 North Avenue
Tel: 404-894-4160
Email: finaid@gatech.edu
Web: www.finaid.gatech.edu
Many organizations outside of Georgia Tech also offer scholarship and loans for international students. Below is a brief list of resources available to international students:
International Education Finance Corp
American Association of University Women
EduPass
MacArthur Foundation
Registration
Full-time Enrollment
In order to maintain F-1 status, students must be enrolled full-time. Full-time enrollment at Georgia Tech is 12 credit hours per semester (Fall, Spring or Summer terms). You can enroll for on-line/distance learning classes, but no more than 3 credit hours per semester. The rest of your credit hours must be taken at Georgia Tech. F-1 students must maintain full-time student status each semester until they receive their degrees.
Students who work as a GRA/GTA/GSA should be familiar with their specific registration requirements which can be found at http://www.grad.gatech.edu/admin/hrload.html. Failure to follow these requirements can lead to loss of funding.
VacationBeginning with the academic year 2005-2006, the official vacation period for F-1 and J-1 visa holders will be the summer semester. This means that all F-1s and J-1s (who are in the US) must be full-time enrolled for fall and spring semesters starting in fall, 2005. Starting in summer, 2006, the international student has the choice to not enroll at all (and stay in the US), enroll part-time or full-time.
Reduced Course LoadStudents who enroll for less than 12 credit hours must complete the Reduced Course Load form in order to maintain status. For more information, click here
SEVIS
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a government, computerized system that maintains and manages data about international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the U.S.
For more information, visit the U.S. Immigrant and Customs Enforcement website
What is the SEVIS fee?From the time it was originally mandated in 1996, SEVIS, the international student tracking system, was required to be financed by a fee levied on international students. For F-1 students the fee is $200. For J-1 students & exchange visitors (EV), the fee is $180.
Must new students and EVs pay the fee?All new F-1/J-1s whose SEVIS record was created on or after September 1, 2004 must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for a visa, or entering the U.S. in the case of students/ EVs from Canada or Bermuda, who do not require F-1 or J-1 visas.
Must students and EVs who are currently here pay the fee?If they maintain their legal status and remain in the U.S. other than for short (less than 5 months) trips abroad, F-1/J-1s who are currently here do not need to pay the fee.
F-1/J-1s would need to pay the fee in the following situations:
- After leaving the U.S. for more than 5 months (F-1).
- If applying for reinstatement after being out-of-status for more than 5 months (F-1) or 121 days (J-1).
- If entering the U.S. with a new I-20 (with a new SEVIS number) because of a break in status.
You must pay the fee before submitting the application. You should include the receipt with the change of status application.
When must the fee be paid?(1) If a visa is required:
The fee must be paid and processed at least three business days before going to the consulate to get a visa.
(2) If a visa is NOT required because (i) the student/ EV is a national of Canada or Bermuda, or (ii) the student/ EV has a current visa but has had a break in their status as described above:
The fee must be paid before attempting to enter the U.S.
Georgia Tech recommends you pay the fee on-line at www.FMJFee.com
What advice can be offered for those who must pay the SEVIS fee?
- Pay the fee on the I-20 from the school you will attend.
- Pay the fee on-line if possible, and print out the receipt.
- Take a paper receipt of the fee to the consulate and port-of-entry.
- Pay the fee as soon as possible.
- DO NOT apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa if you are subject to the SEVIS fee and you have not paid the fee.
If you have a problem paying the SEVIS fee, you can e-mail the Student and Exchange Vistor Program to resolve the issue: fmjfee.SEVIS@dhs.gov
Special Registration
Special Registration (also known as NSEERS) is a process by which certain visitors to the U.S. must follow certain procedures in exiting the country. Special Registrants can be identified by the immigration officer writing “FINS #” followed by an eight-digit number on the I-94.
Each time you plan to travel outside the U.S., you must register before your depart. You must appear in person before an inspecting officer at a designated port of departure and leave that port on the same day. If you are leaving from Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, you must go to the Information Desk at Concourse E. Ask to speak with an immigration officer in order to register before you depart.
Tel: 404-763-7816, Hours of operation: 6:00am-11:00pm
If you plan to depart from another location (such as the Canadian or Mexican border via car), you can download the port of entry locations and instructions: Click here
For more information on Special Registration, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website
Transportation
Buying a Car
Buying a car is a serious financial matter. You are advised to be careful when purchasing any car, especially a used car. While most car dealers are reputable, some try to deceive customers by selling defective cars. You may want to find a friend who knows a lot about automobiles, or read a magazine like Consumer Reports, to help you decide which model of car will be best for you. It is wise to test drive the car and to have a mechanic inspect it before you buy it to ensure that there are no major defects. Once you have negotiated a buying price, make sure that you receive the title certificate for the car and that the seller has signed over the car's ownership to you. If you are buying a used car, it is important to realize that when you pay your money and sign all the papers the vehicle is yours and you have NO right to return the vehicle and ask for your money back if you find something wrong.
Owning and operating a car is no simple matter. Besides the cost of buying the car, there are other costs involved:
- Georgia state law requires that all cars have automobile insurance. Check the yellow pages of the telephone directory (under "Insurance") for names of insurance companies, or ask friends and colleagues to recommend companies.
- Gasoline, regular motor oil changes, and other car maintenance and repair costs.
- Annual emissions inspections, registration and ad valorem taxes. Each year you must pay ad valorem (a Latin term meaning "by value") taxes for the appraised value of your car and also register it with the tax commissioner's office of the county in which you live.
- If you plan to drive to campus, you will need to pay for a parking permit for your vehicle. You can find out more about Georgia Tech parking permits on the Parking website.
Below are the websites for several major rental car companies in Atlanta. These are just a few of the many companies available. For a complete listing you can check the yellow pages of the telephone directory under "rental cars."
ZIP Car is a private company that provides short-term rental vehicles with multiple pick-up and drop-off locations on or near campus. Generally, once you are a member, this service is a more quick and convenient method for renting a car than the traditional car rental companies. Further information can be found by visiting the ZIP Car website: www.zipcar.com/atlanta/find-cars
To be eligible for ZIP Car, you must meet the following criteria (taken from the ZIP Car Website and is subject to change):
If you are under 21:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid driver's license and have been licensed for at least one year
- Have had NO (0) "incidents" (moving violations PLUS accidents)
- Have had NO major violations in the past three years
- Have had NO alcohol related violations
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid driver's license (from any country) and have been licensed for at least one year
- Have had no more than two "incidents" (moving violations PLUS accidents) in the past three years and no more than one incident in the past 18 months
- Have had no major violations in the past three years
- Have had no alcohol violations in the past seven years
If you have a non-US Driver's license only, you will need to provide documentation from your country regarding your driving history. Information on how to do this can be found on the ZIP Car website.
Please note: This information is provided as a service only – please do not contact OIE with questions regarding ZIP Cars.
For complete information on how and where to apply for a Georgia driver's license, please visit the Department of Driver Services . This site also includes the driving manual so that you can study the Georgia laws before taking the examination.
You need to get the following documentation in order to apply for a driver's license:
- Proof of identification (original or certified copy of birth certificate or valid passport)
- Proof of immigration status (I-20 or DS-2019)
- Proof of valid residence address (utility bill, bank statement, rental contract, employee verification, or Georgia license issued to parent or spouse)
- Social Security Number: You need your social security number in order to apply. If you do not have a social security number, then you obtain a Form SSAL676 from a local Social Security Administration office before applying for a driver's license.
- You may have to go through the several tests when you arrive (such as vision test, road sign test, ect.) For more information, visit the DDS website.
- $15 cash
To find the nearest location to apply for a driver's license, visit the DDS website
Please Note: It is best not to take your International Driver's License with you since it may be taken from you when you apply for a Georgia Driver's License
MARTAThe Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the rail system for Atlanta. MARTA offers rail and bus service throughout metropolitan Atlanta. MARTA costs $1.75 for one-way fare. MARTA also offers weekly cards, monthly cards, and student discount passes. Visit the Student Center box office for information on discount passes ($40). The nearest rail station to Georgia Tech is NORTH AVENUE on the north-south line. Several buses also provide service near campus (bus routes 12,13,37,98). The rail system and buses run from 5:00am to 1:30am during Monday through Friday and 5:30am to 12:30am on weekends and holidays.
For more information, visit the MARTA website.
To print out a rail and bus schedule and map, visit this page.
ParkingThe Parking and Transportation office provides information on parking on-campus, shuttle services, and alternative transportation. For more information, visit the GT Parking website.
Travel
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., please make sure that you do the following:
Obtain a signature on the I-20/DS-2019 from an advisor at OIE before leaving the U.S. The travel signature is valid for one year and multiple entries.
Consult the embassy of the country that you are visiting to see if you need a visitor's visa for that particular country. For a list of embassies, visit the State Department's Travel website.
Make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond the date on which you plan to re-enter the U.S.
Make sure you have a valid visa. If the visa is valid for one entry, or has expired, a new visa can be obtained from the U.S. consulate in the country you are visiting. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for a new visa. For more information, click here.
**Exceptions to this rule are for visits to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands for less than 30 days, during which time you do not go to a US Embassy or Consulate. For such trips, you will only need your passport, endorsed I-20/DS-2019, and a current Form I-94. This rule does not apply to nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria.
To view the Code of Federal Regulations regarding Automatic Revalidation of Visa, click here.
VISA Renewals
VISA Renewal and Application Process
Procedures and requirements for visas can vary slightly between countries and are often subject to change. As such, reviewing the visa requirements on the website for the appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulate is the best way to prepare yourself for the visa application process.
VISA Renewal
In order to renew your VISA, you will need to do the following:
1) Obtain a signature from an OIE advisor on your I-20 (for F-1 visa holders) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visa holders). The travel signature is valid for one year and multiple entries.
2) Visit the website: www.travel.state.gov to determine the procedures for applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in the country you plan to travel to. Please be aware that some embassies require you to make an appointment in advance in order to apply for visa renewal.
If your funding has changed, you will need to meet with an OIE advisor to obtain an updated I-20 or DS-2019.
Suggested Background Documentation
In addition to the documentation required by the Consulate/Embassy Visa Processing section, you should prepare and have available certain background information.
I. For Currently Enrolled Students
- Description of your degree program from the Georgia Tech catalog
- Complete resume and list of publications (if any)
- Proof of Funding: Letter from your department stating the amount of stipend that you are receiving and/or original bank statements.
- Official Transcript and Enrollment Verification Letter: (obtain from Registrar's Office)
- Proof of "binding ties" to your home country. The visa officer wants you to return to your home country after graduation.
- If you are subject to paying the SEVIS fee take the receipt with you to the consulate.
II. For Newly Admitted Students
- Letter of Acceptance from Georgia Tech
- Description of your degree program from the Georgia Tech catalog
- Complete resume and list of publications (if any)
- Proof of Funding: Letter from your department stating the amount of stipend that you are receiving and/or original bank statements.
- Proof of "binding ties" to your home country. The visa officer wants you to return to your home country after graduation.
- Receipt showing payment of the SEVIS fee. The fee must be paid at least three days prior to applying for the visa. It can be paid by credit card at: www.fmjfee.com.
When is a Security Advisory Opinion (SAO) requested? An SAO may be required of a visa applicant for a number of reasons: a "hit" during a name-check; being a "national" of certain countries; studying or researching an academic field on the Technology Alert List (TAL); or, based on the "intuition" of the interviewing officer.
If you are subject to an SAO, unfortunately, there is nothing that Georgia Tech can do to expedite the process. If you are a current graduate student at Georgia Tech and subject to an SAO, please inform your academic department so that they are aware of the delay. This is especially imporant if you are a GRA/GTA. Therefore, you must wait until the check is complete, which can be anywhere from 2 weeks to several months.
- Name check: Every applicant for any visa must undergo a name-check through the Consolidated Consular Database (CCD). If the applicant's name matches a name on the database as a 'problem', an SAO is required.
- Nationality: Being a "national" of certain countries is all that is needed in order to require an SAO. "National" may mean that the individual has dual citizenship, once was a citizen of one of those countries, OR was born in one of those countries. The only way to avoid this is if proof of renunciation of that citizenship is in writing (whether in fact the applicant was ever a citizen of the country).
- Technology Alert List (TAL): Many of the fields of study listed on the TAL are very broadly stated which results in a number of SAOs. Detailed (but not lengthy!) explanations of the specific research that the applicant is engaged in may obviate the need for an SAO, if the research is clearly not of strategic importance.
- Intuition: Consular officers are asked to use their own impressions to request an SAO if they are at all unsure of whether it is necessary or not.
This information was compiled by the Office of International Education with assistance from NAFSA: Association of International Educators as a way to help Georgia Tech students better understand visa delays. These are recommendations only. (March 15, 2004)