Express Mail Service
Express Mail Delivery
Updated on 12/21/2023: The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has authorized schools to deliver Form I-20 to F-1 students and F-2 dependents electronically, on an indefinite basis. As a result, it is no longer necessary to ship paper versions of Form I-20. Upon receiving an electronic PDF copy of their I-20, however, students should still print out a paper version when applying for visas or traveling to the US.
Similarly, the US Department of State (DoS) has authorized schools to deliver Form DS-2019 to J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents electronically, on an indefinite basis. As a result, it is no longer necessary to ship paper versions of DS-2019. Upon receiving an electronic PDF copy of their Ds-2019, however, exchange visitors should still print out a paper version when applying for visas or traveling to the US.
The International Center uses UEMS e-Ship Global express mail delivery service for all domestic and international express mail requests. (See more details about the International Center's mailing policy at the bottom of this page.) This service allows you to select and pre-pay for express mail shipment using a shipping service (e.g., Federal Express, UPS, DHL). Once you submit your request using UEMS e-Ship Global, the International Center will receive a voucher allowing us to send your documents to you by express mail.
To get started with UEMS:
- Go to the UEMS site and register to create an account
- IMPORTANT: Follow instructions for selecting "Tufts University" as your school and "International Center" as the department
- Select your preferred shipping service (e.g., Federal Express, DHL, UPS) and enter your address and contact information
- Pay the required shipping fee
- Log out
Alternative Delivery Methods
Pick-Up. You can pick up your documents at the International Center office location responsible for providing service to you. In general, International Center locations are open 9am - 5pm from Monday - Friday. Please bring your University ID card or other official identification when picking up documents. See our Guide to Getting Things Done with the International Center for walk-in hours.
International Center Document Mailing Policy
The International Center requires express mail when asked to ship any US government travel documents (e.g., Form I-20, DS-2019, etc.) to an international destination, including Canadian addresses. This is to ensure that delivery tracking is available and documents arrive in a timely manner. Students and scholars are required to submit an express mail request through UEMS e-Ship Global and assume the cost of the express mail shipment.
You may request either regular first class US Postal Service mail or express mail for documents being delivered to a domestic address within the US. Please let your International Center advisor know if you would like your documents mailed to you by regular mail or domestic express mail.
First class mail will be sent free of charge. However, it does not provide delivery tracking or guaranteed delivery times.
If you would like to request express mail must submit a request using UEMS e-ship Global delivery service. You are responsible for paying the cost of the express mail shipment. The International Center will assume the cost of express mail delivery only in exceptional circumstances, to accommodate unanticipated processing delays beyond the normal two-week period processing time for most applications and requests.