Admitted International Graduate Students

1

Activate Your TU Email Account

To get started, simply activate your NetID. If you have difficulty with your account, please contact the Student Computing Services Desk at scs AT_TOWSON or 410-704-5151.

2

Order Your I-20/DS-2019

To request your I-20, you will need to submit a copy of your passport and financial documents (bank statement and statement of willingness or government financial guarantee) to the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO). Once your documents are verified and approved, the ISSO will produce your I-20 immigration document. To submit the required documents and information:

• Navigate to ISSO Portal (https://isso-portal.towson.edu/) .  Select forms. Login to ISSO Portal using Towson University username and password.  
• Select your admit term (for example fall 2022)
• Upload electronic/scanned copies of financial documents (bank statement, Statement of Willingness or government financial guarantee) and passport.

For students already in the U.S. as an F-1 student, on the new student request page:

• please complete the SEVIS Transfer-In request.
• You will need to enter the name and email address of your international student advisor (DSO) at your current school.

3

Request Shipment of Documents

Electronic I-20 will be uploaded to your ISSO Portal and sent to your Towson email. Please download and print the I-20 to use for visa interview and entrance into the U.S.

1

Review Immigration Documents

Review the documents included with your immigration package. Check for accuracy and contact the ISSO if you find errors. You will also need to:

• Schedule your visa appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
• Review the 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa

2

Book a Flight to the United States

The closest airport to Towson University is Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). You can arrive in the United States 30 days before the Program Start Date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. Make sure to confirm visa approval and check your program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019 before booking your flight.

1

Contact Your Program Director for Advising

Some graduate programs require students to meet (in-person, phone or email correspondence) with their adviser or program director prior to class registration. Please check your Towson Online Services account for registration dates. If there is an advising hold on your account, please contact your program director.

2

Complete Items on Your To-Do List

Complete all required tasks on your Enrolled International Graduate Student To-Do List. This list provides important orientation information that will help your transition to graduate life.

Spring term To-Do List tasks are updated by mid-October and fall term To-Do List tasks are updated by mid-March.