Admission comes before immigration documents
For an F-1 or J-1 student route, first receive admission to an eligible ASU programme and confirm the campus and start term. ASU’s international process asks students to provide the documents needed to issue a Form I-20 for F-1 status or Form DS-2019 for J-1 exchange status. International graduate applicants must submit a financial guarantee dated within the preceding six months, signed by an authorized bank representative or recognized sponsoring agency, before ASU processes the immigration document. Check that your name, programme and dates are accurate when the document arrives. Dependents in F-2 or J-2 status need their own documents. This university process is separate from a visa decision: ASU issues school documents, while a U.S. consular officer decides whether to grant the visa.
Source: International graduate student
ASU’s published fall 2027 processing schedule
ASU’s I-20 page lists fall 2027 dates: processing to issue I-20/DS-2019 begins Sept. 1, 2026; the final date to issue a document to a student outside the United States is July 16, 2027; mandatory SEVIS check-in is listed for July 20 through Aug. 19, 2027; and the first day of classes and final transfer-student document date is Aug. 19, 2027. Undergraduate deferral deadline is Aug. 5, 2027 and graduate deferral deadline is Sept. 1, 2027. These are ASU’s published immigration processing and check-in dates for the fall 2027 semester, not the graduate programme application deadline. An academic department may require an earlier application. Follow later ASU notices if the dates change.
Source: I-20 Process
SEVIS, DS-160 and visa interview
After receiving an I-20 or DS-2019, ASU instructs students to use the SEVIS identification number to pay the I-901 fee before applying for a student visa. The U.S. Department of State’s student-visa guidance describes the usual documents: passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo and the school-issued I-20 for F-1 or DS-2019 for J-1 status. The Department currently lists the visa application fee as USD 185; a separate issuance fee may depend on nationality. Students should use the embassy or consulate instructions for the country where they apply because appointment and payment procedures vary. The State Department says new student visas can be issued up to 365 days before the course begins, but a new student cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before the start date.
Source: Student Visa
Prepare for an interview and financial review
A consular officer may ask for evidence of academic preparation, the intent to depart after the course of study and the ability to pay tuition, living and travel costs. Keep academic transcripts, degree records, test scores, ASU admission notice, financial guarantee and proof of funding organized. ASU’s financial guarantee is a school document requirement; it does not assure visa approval. Visa appointments can have different waiting times by consulate, season and category, so the Department of State advises applicants to apply early. Do not purchase nonrefundable travel before checking current embassy guidance and your visa status. If your admission, programme or financial circumstances change, consult ASU’s international student office about whether the I-20 needs an update. Avoid relying on old social media instructions for government fees or forms.
Source: Student Visa
Arrival, orientation and maintaining status
ASU expects international students to attend International Welcome at their campus. The welcome programme provides information, dates and checklists; registered Spring 2027 students may receive a complimentary ride from Phoenix Sky Harbor if they register early enough to receive the email. That offer is tied to the published event registration and should not be assumed for another term. Review the pre-departure checklist, travel with the documents ASU identifies, arrive within the permitted entry window and complete the required SEVIS check-in. Once enrolled, read the I-20 instructions carefully, maintain the required full-time course load and contact the International Students and Scholars Center before dropping below it, taking leave or changing programme. Failure to meet the relevant status rules can have serious consequences.
Source: Arrival and Welcome Events Information
Keep the admission, visa and travel calendars separate
Three timelines affect an incoming international student: the degree application deadline, the university’s document processing deadline and the government’s visa/consular process. A programme may stop reviewing applications before ASU’s last I-20 issuance date; the consulate may have limited interview appointments; and the term start date sets the entry window. Track these in a single calendar with the responsible office next to each date. For Fall 2027, ASU’s current I-20 schedule includes the dates above, Graduate and first-year routes use separate deadline schedules, so check the exact degree page and intended term rather than carrying Spring 2027 dates into Fall 2027. Allow time for each stage. Check the exact degree page, your admission portal, ASU’s immigration instructions and the appropriate embassy. A school-issued document is necessary for the visa process but does not guarantee admission to the United States.
Source: I-20 Process