F-1 Summer Programs

The Office of International Services (OIS) provides F-1 immigration sponsorship for select short-term, in-person, full-time summer programs offered at Johns Hopkins University. International students admitted to the Engineering Innovation residential program or Summer at Hopkins programs – including Undergraduate summer study, Pre-College and Next Generation Scholars [residential or Homewood commuter] – must request F-1 sponsorship (I-20) and apply for an F-1 visa, unless they already hold a U.S. immigration status that permits full-time study. Under U.S. government regulations, B-1/B-2 visitor visa and the Visa Waiver Program are not intended for full-time academic study.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda are not required to obtain a F-1 visa stamp; however, they must still request an I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, and use these documents to enter the U.S. in F-1 status. 

F-1 students are required to follow specific immigration processes and regulations to ensure a successful summer program experience. OIS is here to support you through the immigration, pre-arrival and arrival process.

I-20 Request Process

Once you receive admission and pay any required deposits, OIS will email instructions for requesting an I-20. The I-20 request is submitted through iHopkins. As a part of your request, you will be required to upload the following:  

• Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your program start date  

• Financial Documentation: Your financial documents must demonstrate sufficient funding to cover the estimated program and living expenses. Exact program costs are listed within the I-20 request eForm for your program [JHU Engineering Innovations – Request for I-20 or the JHU Summer Programs – I-20 Request]. 
  • All financial documents must: 
    • Be issued within the past three months
    • Show liquid funds available for immediate withdrawal
    • Be in English or include an English translation
      • If using an unofficial translation, attach the Certification by Translator Form
    • Be an acceptable financial document type:  
      • Bank Statements [personal or family] 
      • Sponsorship letters from government or private organizations
        • Must clearly state the exact funding amount 
      • Time, term or fixed deposits
        • Must be available by the program start date
      • Investment or brokerage accounts [e.g., mutual funds, investment funds, stock market accounts]
        • Must be liquid and immediately accessible

• Transfer Students: If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, you must also upload your current I-20, I-94 and F-1 visa stamp   

After submission of the I-20 Request eForm:

• Your program advisor will confirm your program details with OIS
• OIS will review your request within 10 business days
• If your submission is complete, OIS will issue your Form I-20 and notify you by email when it is ready

Once you receive your I-20, please promptly complete the required arrival steps outlines below to prepare for your summer program at Johns Hopkins University.

Arrival Steps

Maintaining F-1 Status

It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the immigration requirements related to their status. Failure to maintain F-1 status can lead to the termination of your F-1 record and immediate loss of valid F-1 status. Following the guidelines below will help you to maintain your lawful F-1 Status while in the U.S. 

1. Maintain a valid passport
   Your passport must be valid for at least 6-months into the future unless exempt by country-specific agreements. Contact your country’s embassy in the U.S. for information about renewing or extending your passport while in the U.S. 
2. Carry documentation verifying F-1 status
   • Regulations require that you carry your I-94 at all times
     • Review your I-94 record each time you re-enter the U.S., ensuring it reflects the correct class of admission (“F-1”) and admit-until date (“D/S”). Retrieve your electronic I-94 here, print a copy, and carry it with your immigration documents, as required by immigration law. If your I-94 contains incorrect information, contact OIS for guidance on correcting it
     • Most individuals sponsored through Johns Hopkins for their nonimmigrant visa who have an I-94 should already meet the federal registration requirement and likely do not need to take any further steps. Some Canadian citizens and families with children or dependents who have turned 14 while in the U.S. may need to take action. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website has more information about these requirements
   • The I-20 instructions state that you should carry a copy of your I-20 at all times
3. Complete OIS Check-in by the deadline
   • Follow the instructions listed in Step 5 above immediately upon arrival in the U.S.
   • Provide OIS with a copy of your I-94 indicating F-1 status and your U.S. address. Notify OIS by email if that address changes during your stay.
4. Attend the school noted on your I-20
   Attend and complete your summer program. If you transfer from another school to Johns Hopkins, the transfer process must be completed before your academic program begins
5. Know your grace period after completion
   Students in F-1 status have a 60-day grace period following the end of their program. The 60-day period begins after your I-20 program end date. You may use the grace period to depart the U.S. or to continue studies via Change of Level or Transfer.
6. Work only with proper employment authorization
   Do not engage in any activity that could be considered work or employment without proper work authorization. Given the short duration of JHU summer programs, employment during the program is unlikely.
7. Request a Travel Endorsement, if traveling internationally during your JHU Summer Program
   Before your departure from the U.S., request a travel signature for re-entry from an OIS Advisor. The Advisor will sign page 2 of the I-20 for this purpose. A travel signature is only necessary if you depart the U.S. during your summer program and plan to return before your program end date.