These are the basic steps for an application to a degree program for students who will hold an F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange visitor) visa. Your application materials are reviewed by both Graduate Studies and the Graduate Committee of your intended degree program.

For application information related to other visa types, contact Graduate Studies.

These steps, which are very similar to those for U.S. students, are expanded to cover international considerations such as degree equivalency, deadlines, financial resources, English proficiency, and immigration.

1. Submission of Application and Materials
   Submit materials required by Graduate Studies and by your department as described on your department's graduate program summary.
   
2. Preliminary Graduate Studies Review

   After we have your application, application processing fee, and official transcripts, an admissions evaluator will review your file. If additional information is needed for our preliminary review, we will contact you. Once the preliminary review is complete, we will notify you that your file has been forwarded to your academic department for further review. You can monitor your application's progress via What About Me (WAM).

   Once all materials have been received, allow 3 to 5 business days for this step.
3. Departmental Review

   Each department has a Graduate Admissions Committee that decides whether a student will be accepted into their program. Your application will be reviewed by the department only after you have submitted all materials they require. We recommend contacting your department to confirm receipt of materials before the department's stated deadline.

   The frequency of department graduate committee meetings varies; contact your academic department for information regarding your application status.
4. Final Graduate Studies Review

   As soon as the department notifies Graduate Studies of their admission recommendation, Graduate Admissions conducts a final review of your file, checking that all eligibility, English proficiency, and funding requirements have been met. If you will be self-funded, you will need to submit Part II of the Financial Resource Certification form with documentation.

   If all materials have been received, allow 2 to 3 business days for this step.
5. Admission
   If you are accepted into the degree program, Graduate Studies will notify you by email and ask you to verify information for the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. We will express mail your Certificate of Admission, your I-20 or DS-2019, and important information for new students. Meanwhile, our online resources — After You're Admitted, Life in Lincoln, and Arriving in the US — will also help you prepare for your journey.