Acceptance Letter
The official offer of admission from your university. Required for the visa interview and to obtain the I-20.
Same day as admission decision
Free
Your university's applicant portal
What it is
A formal letter, usually emailed and also mailed, confirming you have been admitted to the university for a specific program and start date.
Why it matters
It triggers everything that follows: I-20 issuance, SEVIS payment, DS-160, and the visa interview. Without an acceptance letter, none of the visa pipeline can begin.
How to get it
- 1
Wait for the university's decision day. Decisions are typically released between December (Early Decision) and April (Regular Decision).
- 2
Log into your applicant portal to download the official acceptance letter PDF.
- 3
Accept the offer formally, by the date specified, through the portal.
- 4
Print and keep multiple copies — one for the visa interview, one for your records, one for your sponsor.
Tips & best practices
- •Save the PDF in at least 2 places — your email + a personal cloud drive. Lost acceptance letters are a real visa problem.
- •Read the entire letter, not just the headline. Some include conditional acceptance terms (e.g. "subject to final transcript").
Related documents
I-20 Form
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status — the document the university issues that allows you to apply for an F-1 visa. Same form for undergrad and grad.
DS-160 Confirmation Page
The online nonimmigrant visa application form. The confirmation page with barcode is required for the interview. Same form for undergrad and grad.
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