NIF Processing Stages

Below you will find definitions for the Processing Stages in the Nonimmigrant Information Form (NIF).

  • NIF is used by UC Berkeley degree-seeking students. For questions about NIF, email nif@berkeley.edu.

After you have submitted your NIF online, you can track the progress of your application by following these steps:

  1. Log back into the application. You will be automatically directed to your Submission Confirmation.
  2. At the top of the Submission Confirmation, you will see the Status of your application. Check back periodically to see which stage your application has reached. If your application is marked Incomplete or Awaiting Documentation, action from you is required.

Processing Stage Descriptions

Listed below are descriptions of what your processing stage really means and what you need to complete the process.

Started

You still have work to do! You have started the process, but have not yet completed and submitted it. In this stage, you are able to access the application and edit your information. Please complete all required sections and make sure to click Submit when finished.

Submitted to International Office

Your NIF application, including all required uploaded documents, has been received by our office. The BIO review team will soon check to make sure that all your uploaded documents are legible, accurate, and complete. If your application is not complete, you will be contacted by email and your processing status will be changed to Incomplete or Awaiting Documentation(see below). If your application is complete, your processing status will be changed to Processing (see below).

Incomplete/Awaiting Documentation

You still have work to do! You have received an email from our office describing exactly what information and/or documents are missing. We cannot proceed further until we receive this information; therefore, please read the instructions in the email carefully and respond as soon as possible. This may delay the processing of your I-20 or DS-2019.

Document Not Needed

It looks like you are not requesting an I-20 or DS-2019 from UC Berkeley at this time. No further action is needed.

Processing

Congratulations! Your application has been reviewed and seems complete! An International Student Adviser will soon do a final review and send it to SEVIS for processing. When you see your SEVIS ID, it means that your I-20 and DS-2019 document has been issued and will be mailed out shortly.

SEVIS Processing

Your application is complete and an International Student Adviser has sent your information to SEVIS for processing. When you see your SEVIS ID, it means that your I-20 or DS-2019 document has been issued and will be mailed out shortly.

Awaiting Transfer Release Date

Your NIF application is complete and your I-20 or DS-2019 will be processed within 15 business days of your SEVIS Transfer Release Date. Please note that we are unable to issue an I-20 or DS-2019 before the SEVIS Transfer Release Date.

Document Mailed Electronically

Your I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued! Your SEVIS ID can be found on the Submission Confirmation page. BIO will email you your I-20/DS-2019 by your NIF due date.