Apply to FIU

Last Steps: Receiving your I-20 & admissions letter

FIU provides three options (below) for you to receive your I-20 and admissions letter. You may choose an option first on your declaration and certification form and follow up with the I-20 Delivery Preference Form. For international graduate students, this form is sent you once you are admitted and you have 7 days from the notification to select how you would like your documents before they will be shipped by regular airmail.

• Express Mail

  The I-20 is express mailed via eShip Global (eShip Global is a private mail service company and is not affiliated with FIU. This company makes arrangements with DHL or Federal Express to have your I-20 express mailed to you and requires an additional fee paid directly to eShip Global.)

  After completing the I-20 Delivery Preference Form, the student creates an account with eShip Global following the instructions below.

  Register and activate your account with eShip Global. Registration and activation of your account is free.

  • Click the “Receive” option.
  • Type “Florida” in the search box, or select it from the drop down list.
  • Select “Florida International University” and then “Continue.”
  • Select the specific university department and then “Continue.”
  • Complete the shipping form, use your Panther ID as the student ID number, and select “Ship/Quote.”

  Note: PO Box addresses are generally not preferred by express carriers. If entering a PO Box address, be sure you provide the complete physical address where the PO Box is located in order to avoid delays or missed deliveries.

  • On the confirmation page, check your shipment details.
  • On the same page, complete the credit card information form.
  • Select “Confirm” to advance to the shipment summary page.
  • Florida International University will automatically be notified by University Express Mail Services (eShipGlobal) that you have requested your documents to be shipped via express mail. You will receive a confirmation email from eShip Global with a tracking number so that you can track the shipment.
  • Receive your documents in 3-5 business days from the date of mailing.
• Pick-up

  A friend or family member picks up the I-20 from International Admissions located in SASC 440.

  Once admitted, students provide the name and telephone number of the friend or family member by first completing the I-20 Delivery Preference Form. International Admissions will contact the person when the document is ready for pick-up. (IMPORTANT: The person picking up the document must provide official photo identification to International Admissions.

• Regular Air Mail

  The I-20 is sent via regular Air-Mail service by International Admissions. Delivery times vary greatly and will likely take two or more weeks to be delivered.

  Once you receive your I-20 you need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and then schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate for the visa.

  If you are a newly admitted international student entering the U.S. for the first time and a first-time F-1/J-1 visa applicant, you must pay the SEVIS Fee.

  Once you receive your I-20, visit the Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVP) I-901 SEVIS Fee Processing website to pay or for information about other payment options. Print your receipt as proof of payment. Once you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. You will need to present these documents at your scheduled appointment.