For New Students

The Certificate of Eligibility Center contains the necessary International Student Services forms and systems for international students planning to attend Texas A&M University.

The Certificate of Eligibility Center issues I-20s and DS-2019s to admitted international students.  (Note: The DS-2019 replaced the form IAP-66. The Department of State made this change effective September 1, 2002.) Many international students will need an I-20 or DS-2019 in order to receive a non-immigrant visa or to transfer to Texas A&M University from another university in the United States.  Students who will receive an F-1 visa or status needs a certificate of eligibility called an I-20 and students who will receive a J-1 visa or status needs a certificate of eligibility called an DS-2019.  Please beware of scams that try to misrepresent Texas A&M University.

In order to be issued a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019), please submit the following documents. You may scroll down to read about each one or click on the one you need to access.

    1.  Immigration Questionnaire

    2.  Financial Resources Documents

    3.  Transfer-In Form
         Only if you are currently attending another University in the United States

Texas A&M University will only issue an I-20 or DS-2019 once your Immigration Questionnaire is complete and financial resources are considered complete by International Student Services.

If you do not need an I-20 or DS-2019 from Texas A&M University, please complete the Immigration Questionnaire and submit legible photocopies of both sides of any U.S. immigration documents you have indicating your current status.  For example, these might include a US “Resident Alien card,” Department of Homeland Security or State Department notations or stamps in your passport, your I-94 card, I-20, DS-2019, Department of Homeland Security letters.  Please do not send original documents.  Send only photocopies.
 

Please complete the immigration questionnaire either by completing the paper version of the questionnaire or by submitting on-line.  You must be officially admitted to Texas A&M University by International Admissions before using this option. 

Immigration Questionnaire (On-Line Version)

*Please use the On-line Version. Please note that the on-line system is updated with admission data every Sunday and Wednesday night.  This means that if you are admitted on Monday, you cannot use the on-line system until Thursday morning.  

Immigration Questionnaire (Paper Version)

Return the Immigration Questionnaire to:
Certificate of Eligibility Center
TAMU 1226
1st Floor Bizzell Hall East
College Station, Texas 77843-1226

Fax: 979-862-4633

One full year of funding is required for graduate and undergraduate students estimates cost are located on the Estimated Expenses Sheet.
Estimated Expenses Sheet  

A worksheet is available for students to calculate the amount of funding needed.
Declaration and Certification of Finances Worksheet

Sources of Funding
Your funding can come from a variety of sources, such as private funds, university funds, sponsoring company/agency/government funds.

1. Private Funds:

Private funds can be provided by individuals such as the student, friends or family members. An individual on a nonimmigrant visa in the United States can provide the funding for issuance of a certificate of eligibility in certain circumstances.  For example, an F1 visa holder can support another F1 visa holder if the sponsoring F1 has enough funding for the entire duration of both F1's programs.  Anyone outside the United States, with adequate funding and documentation, can support the student. 

Funding from a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident
In addition to the bank letter and the personal support letter, an U.S. citizen or permanent resident should also submit the I-134 and supporting documents.  The I-134 must be notarized by a notary public and the original must be submitted. The document cannot be altered in any way. Please read the directions of the I-134 to learn what supporting documents are required.  The I-134 may be downloaded from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) web site: I-134, affidavit of support.

If you will be supported by private funds, please provide the following:

1. Bank Letter:

• Should be current.  The bank letter should be dated within one year of the term for which the student was admitted.

• Should be official.  The bank letter should be on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.  It is preferred that the letter be stamped and/or sealed with the bank seal; notary stamps are not acceptable.

• Should be legible.  Bank letters are requested and preferred. Legible copies may be mailed or faxed. Originals may be requested at Texas A&M University's discretion.

• Should contain the specific amount of money available.   The bank letter must show liquid assets such as cash deposits, certificates of deposit, saving accounts, etc.  Statements regarding property, jewelry, cars, and other non-liquid assets are not acceptable.

• Should contain the specific denomination and currency of the funds.  It is acceptable that the funds are in currencies other than US dollars

2. Personal Support Letter:

• Should state who is providing the funds, and the amount and duration of funding.

• Should be signed and dated by the person providing the funds.

* Please note that Texas A&M University will not accept Chartered Accountant statements.

2. University Funds

Texas A & M University provides various forms of funding to the students.  The main types of university funds are assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.  Please inquire the various university departments directly for information concerning university funds.

The University always issues written offer letters.  Usually, the department issuing the funding will send International Student Services a copy of the award and confirmation that the student has accepted the award.  If you have been offered an award from Texas A&M University and have accepted in writing, then that funding will be used on your I-20 or DS-2019.  If the university funding does not meet all your financial requirements, then you will need to show additional funding from another source.

3. Sponsoring Company/Agency/Government Funds

If your funding will come from a company, business, an agency, or a government entity, please contact Sponsored Student Programs at 979-845-2550 or fax 979-862-7170 or e-mail ssp@tamu.edu.  Contact Sponsored Student  Programs to get estimates of expense for sponsored students, http://ssp.tamu.edu/

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If you will be transferring from another university or school in the United States to Texas A&M University, please fill out page one of the Transfer In Form (TIF) and have your international student advisor complete page two of the TIF.

Transfer-In Form

International Non Degree or Special Program (NDS) sheet