E-Form Processing Times
The International Student Services team is responsible for processing e-forms for over 5,000 F and J Hokies through the IntlHokies Portal. In our team advising approach, an E-form is assigned to an advisor based on their skillset and bandwidth. E-form requests are processed based on the timing of the submission and processing priority for the office.
Determining Processing Times
Processing times are updated as needed based on the volume of requests and may vary. The time starts when the ISS receives the form both complete and accurate.
Please find current estimated processing times measured in business days for ISS e-forms below. Please note the 1st business day is the first full day immediately following the submission of the e-form. Business days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. University holidays are not considered business days.
Example: Counting 10 business days
- E-form submitted on December 20, 2023 – Day 0
- December 21, 2023 – Day 1
- Winter Closing from December 23, 2023, to January 2, 2024 – remove from count
- January 11, 2024 – Day 10
Pending E-form Status Requests
Our priority is that all students receive excellent service. This goal requires advisors to spend significant time processing the thousands of forms we receive each year. We appreciate your patience in waiting for your requests to be completed.
The following actions will be taken when an E-form in our system exceeds the listed processing times:
- Within 1-2 business days, the case will be flagged as urgent, and if necessary, reassigned to an advisor who can prioritize it.
- After three business days, ISS Leadership will reach out to you to explain the status of your case.
If you find that your request is outside of processing times, you can report this to our office by emailing international@vt.edu. Please remember to utilize the Determining Processing Times information above to identify your E-forms processing time window.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to ensure accuracy in our reporting to SEVIS.
ISS General Form Processing Times
| E-form Title | Estimated Processing Time in Business Days |
| Authorized Early Withdrawal | 5-7 |
| New International Student Intake Form | 5-7 |
| New Student Dependent(s) Request | 5-7 |
| Passport Upload | 3-5 |
| Social Security Number Letter Request | 3-5 |
F-1 General Form Processing Times
| E-form Title | Estimated Processing Time in Business Days |
| Add Dependent(s) Request | 5-7 |
| + Change of Level Form I-20 Request | 10-15 |
| Concurrent Enrollment Request | 5-7 |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request | 10-15 |
| + Deferred Admission Form I-20 Request | 7-10 |
| Extend Curricular Practical Training | 5-7 |
| F-1 Reduced Course Load Request (Academic) | 10-15 |
| F-1 Reduced Course Load Request (Medical) | 10-15 |
| F-1 Travel Signature Request | * |
| F-1 Travel Signature Request (dependent only) | * |
| + Form I-20 Extension Request | 7-10 |
| Form I-20 Reprint Request | 3-5 |
| + Form I-20 Request (Returning Students) | 5-7 |
| Immigration Check-In for F-1 students | 5-7 |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request | 10-15 |
| Transfer Out Request | 5-7 |
| + Transfer to Virginia Tech (Returning Students Only) | 7-10 |
- * Travel signatures will be provided no later than 5 business days before a scheduled visa appointment or return date to the United States.
- + This form requires action from your department or other campus partner before processing, which can impact the range listed above.
F-1 OPT/STEM OPT Form Processing Times
| E-form Title | Estimated Processing Time in Business Days |
| 12-Month Validation Report | 3-5 |
| 18-Month Validation Report | 3-5 |
| 24-Month Validation Report | 3-5 |
| 6-Month Validation Report | 3-5 |
| Cap-Gap Form I-20 Request | 5-7 |
| Changes to Employment Status | 7-10 |
| Changes-Updates to Current Employment | 5-7 |
| DMV letter | 3-5 |
| Report EARLY Completion of OPT | 5-7 |
| Report EARLY Completion of STEM OPT | 5-7 |
| SEVP Portal Access Request | 3-5 |
| SEVP Portal Employment Update Request | 3-5 |
| STEM OPT Extension Request | 10-15 |
J-1 General Form Processing Times
| E-form Title | Estimated Processing Time in Business Days |
| Academic Training Authorization | 10-15 |
| Add Dependent(s) Request | 5-7 |
| + Change of Level DS-2019 Request | 10-15 |
| + Deferred Admission Form DS-2019 Request | 7-10 |
| Form DS-2019 Extension Request | 7-10 |
| Form DS-2019 Reprint Request | 3-5 |
| Immigration Check-In for J-1 students | 5-7 |
| J-1 Transfer Out Request | 5-7 |
| J-1 Travel Signature Request | * |
| Reduced Enrollment Request - Final Semester | 3-5 |
- * Travel signatures will be provided no later than 5 business days before a scheduled visa appointment or return date to the United States.
- + This form requires action from your department or other campus partner before processing, which can impact the range listed above.