Late Arrival Information

Late arrival is not common and rarely approved. We expect students to arrive before orientation starts to prepare them for their academic programs. You can find your program start date on the I-20 form/DS-2019 form.

Circumstances Beyond Student’s Control

When we review a request for late arrival, we determine if the reason is extraordinary and beyond a student’s control. 

Request Process

  • If graduate student, get approval from Department Chair/Graduate Program Director/Graduate Program Coordinator prior to submitting Online Late Arrival form.
  • If study abroad student, get permission from Study Abroad and Global Engagement prior to submitting Online Late Arrival form.
  • Submit Online Late Arrival Request Form
  • ISS reviews request
  • ISS will reach out with further instructions (5-10 business days)

If Late Arrival Is Approved

When we approve a late arrival, we will issue an updated I-20/DS-2019 form and notify the student. The student will be able to download the new I-20/DS-2019 from iHawk. The new document will have the same SEVIS ID number, which means it can be used in the visa interview and no second SEVIS fee payment is required.

If Late Arrival is Not Approved

You need to arrive on time based on the I-20/DS-2019 start date or you need to consider deferring your admission.

  • Undergraduate Students
    • please contact the Office of Admissions to get instructions on how to defer your admissions.
  • Graduate Students

Circumstances to Keep In Mind

  • Students with a graduate assistant position must complete on-boarding by August 18, 2025 to receive the in-state tuition rates. A social security number is required to complete on-boarding, which will take a week or longer to be issued.
  • Graduate students often have additional orientation and check-in processes with their academic departments, which are often mandatory.
  • New students will have enrollment holds placed on account that prevent enrollment. Holds must be lifted to enroll. You must be able to complete the requirements to remove holds before classes start.
    • Enrollments holds include the ISS check-in/orientation & the Watkins Health Center screening.
    • Failure to enroll by first day of class will require a late enrollment petition to be approved by the university, and late enrollment fees to be assessed.
  • Any student who is granted late arrival permission and arrives after orientation will pay a late check-in fee.
  • Students coming to KU through Study Abroad and Global Engagement must first reach out to Study Abroad and Global Engagement.