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 have received 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. Please see the example here
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
E-Forms
*ALL E-FORMS ONCE SUBMITTED WILL BE PROCESSED IN 5 BUSINESS DAYS*
List of E-forms in iStart
F Student
- Academic Reduced Course Load
- Change of Degree Level
- Change of Major
- Financial Statement Update
- Program Extension
- Request Dependent SEVIS Document
- Intent to Depart the US/End I-20 Status
- Transfer Out Request
- Medical Reduced Course Load
- Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition Waiver Form
(decisions are made within 3 weeks of the application deadline) - International Student Leadership Award
- Pre and Post-Completion OPT Requests
- Travel Signature Request
- SSN Letter Request
- iStart Issue
J Student
- Request for Academic Training
- Financial Statement Upload
- Program Extension
- Academic Reduced Course Load
- Request for Dependents
- Change of Level/Matriculation
- Transfer Out
- International Student Leadership Award & Recommendation
- Medical Reduced Course Load
Department & HR Access
Go to iStart Department Portal
Request iStart access for Department and HR Administrators.
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
Department and HR Administrators How do I clear my Java cache?
Please see this pdf for instructions on clearing java cache
Can’t find the answer to your problem?
Email us at info@oie.gatech.edu
