Welcome to iStart
iStart is a comprehensive data system for case management and compliance with SEVIS issues. It is the portal for F and J visa holders at Georgia Tech to make requests for updates to the I-20/DS-2019 as well as view basic SEVIS status information. Requests such as Program Extensions, Academic Reduced Course Loads, Change of Degree Level, are processed based on e-form requests available in iStart.
Student & Scholar iStart Access
Student / Scholar Access to iStart
You should receive your Georgia Tech username and temporary password with your admission letter if you are a GT student and from the HR administrator in your host unit if you are a scholar or student intern. To access iStart visit istart.gatech.edu. Click the blue log in button and use your Georgia Tech username & related password to log in. This is the same username and password you use to log into your Georgia Tech e-mail account and Buzzport.
If you do not have the Georgia Tech username or password for iStart, Buzzport and your Georgia Tech e-mail address you will need to contact the Office of Information Technology to get your username or reset your password.
Access to iStart via link in email
Occasionally an e-form will be started by a Department or OIE staff (an example is the creation of your I-20/DS-2019). In this case you will be sent an email with a link to complete your portion of the e-form. When you click on the link, your username and password should automatically populate. Login using the pre-populated information.
If you have been sent an e-mail with a link to access iStart and are having issues:
STEP#1. Cut and paste the the url into another browser
STEP#2. Use another computer to access the link
STEP#3. Access the link in a private or incognito browser
Troubleshooting iStart
I can’t login to iStart
Your login for iStart.gatech.edu is the same as your GT username/password combination (used for Buzzport, mail.gatech.edu, etc). If you do not remember your username/password, you may access passport.gatech.edu and follow the steps to reset your login. Once you have done this you should be able to login to iStart with this username/password combination.
If you do not have the Georgia Tech username or password for iStart, Buzzport and your Georgia Tech e-mail address you will need to contact the Office of Information Technology to get your username or reset your password.
The link you sent me is broken
If you have been sent an e-mail with a link to access iStart and are having issues:
STEP#1. Cut and paste the the url into another browser
STEP#2. Use another computer to access the link
STEP#3. Access the link using an incognito or private browser
I’m not able to Submit an E-form (Upload issue)
STEP #1: Make sure the file you are uploading is a PDF file
STEP #2: Make sure the file size of the PDF is under 1 MB
STEP #3: Upload the PDF file using a different browser
STEP #4: Upload the PDF file using a different computer
STEP #5: If you are still having trouble after completing STEPS #1 through #4 please email us at info@oie.gatech.edu
How do I clear my Java cache?
| Steps if you are using a Mac: | Steps if you are using a PC: |
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How do I clear my browser cache?
In Chrome
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More .
- Click More tools. Clear browsing data.
- At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
- Next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.
- Click Clear data.
In Firefox
- Click the menu button
and select Options. - Select the Privacy & Security panel.
- In the Cookies and Site Data section, click Clear Data…
Can’t find the answer to your problem? How do I clear my browser cache?
Email us at info@oie.gatech.edu with the subject line: iStart Issue
Department & HR Access
Go to iStart Department Portal
If you are a department administrator and would like to request access to iStart, please send an email to info@oie.gatech.edu with the subject line "iStart Access for Departmental User."
E-Forms
OIE provides important e-form services to more than 10,000 F and J visa holders sponsored by the institution utilizing Sunapsis software. Visa holders and academic departments submit e-form service requests through the Sunapsis iStart portal. OIE prioritizes e-form service requests based on timing of submission and order of processing priority for the office.
Processing times are updated as needed based on the volume of requests. Please find current estimated processing times measured in business days for OIE 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 and do not include Georgia Tech holidays. From February 18- February - February 21 the Sunapsis system will be down to upgrade to a new version.
From February 3-March 1 OIE will be experiencing a higher than normal volume of processing due to COVID related deferrals and OPT filing season. The team will also be involved in upgrading to the new Sunapsis 4.0 system. We appreciate your patience with adjusted processing times as we work diligently to balance student and recent graduate needs with the high quality of care required to ensure accuracy in SEVIS reporting.
E-Form Name | Estimated processing time in business days |
F-1 Graduate I-20/DS-2019 Request | 15 |
F-1 F Graduate I-20 Deferral Request | 15 |
F-1 Undergraduate Initial I-20/DS-2019 Request | 15 |
F-1 Change of Status to F-1 | 15 |
F-1 Student Check-In | 1 |
F-1 I-20 Request for Returning Students | 15 |
F-1 Academic Reduced Course Load | 10 |
F-1 Medical Reduced Course Load | 3 |
F-1 Graduate Change of Major | 13 |
F-1 Graduate Program Extension | 13 |
F-1 Change of Level | 13 |
F-1 COL Check-in | 3 |
F-1 Undergrad Change of Major | 13 |
F-1 Undergraduate Program Extension | 13 |
F-1 Grad CPT request | 10 |
F-1 Undergrad CPT | 10 |
F-1 Travel Signature Request | 3 |
F-1 Student Administrative Processing Visa Delay | 10 |
F-1 I-515A | 2 |
F-1 I-515A Resolution | 2 |
F-1 Request New Dependent SEVIS Document | 10 |
F-1 ITIN Letter Request for Primary Visa Holders | 10 |
F-1 On-Campus Employment | 5 |
F-1 Transfer Out Request | 3 |
F-1 F Student Immigration Document Update | 15 |
F-1 Intent to Depart the U.S./End I-20 Status | 10 |
F-1 Change of Status from F-1/F-2 | 15 |
F-1 OIE Hold Removal | 2 |
F-1 Post Completion OPT I-20 | 8 |
F-1 OPT Cap-Gap I-20 | 10 |
F-1 OPT Travel Signature | 4 |
F-1 Pre-Completion OPT | 8 |
F-1 OPT Employment/Contact Update | 13 |
F-1 OPT I-797 confirmation | 15 |
F-1 Post-OPT EAD | 15 |
F-1 End Post-Completion OPT | 13 |
F-1 STEM Extension request | 8 |
F-1 STEM RFE | 5 |
F-1 STEM 6 Month Verification #1 | 13 |
F-1 STEM 6 month #2 and 12 month evaluation | 13 |
F-1 STEM 6 Month Verification #3 | 13 |
F-1 STEM Final Evaluation | 13 |
F-1 STEM Minor Information Update | 13 |
F-1 Material Change to STEM Employment | 13 |
F-1 STEM Cap-Gap I-20 request | 13 |
F-1 Department iStart Accesss | 2 |
J-1 Scholar Dependent DS-2019 | 10 |
J-1 Scholar Dependent EAD | 10 |
J-1 Scholar J Scholar Travel | 3 |
J-1 Scholar Advisory Opinion | 15 |
J-1 Scholar Departmental Compliance Certification | 10 |
J-1 Scholar Extension Request | 15 |
J-1 Scholar Incidental Employment | 10 |
J-1 Scholar Update to DS-2019 | 10 |
J-1 Scholar English Language Proficiency | 10 |
J-1 Scholar Transfer Check In | 3 |
J-1 Scholar Visa Type Questionnaire | 10 |
J-1 Scholar J EV Pre-Arrival Notification | 5 |
J-1 Scholar Scholar Address Update | 10 |
J-1 Scholar Scholar Administrative Processing Delay | 10 |
J-1 Scholar Check In | 3 |
J-1 Scholar Dependent (J-2) Arrival/Check-in | 3 |
J-1 Scholar Immigration Document Update (e-form) | 15 |
