What Is Form I-20?
Form I-20, officially titled "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is the foundational document for any international student planning to study in the United States on an F-1 student visa. It is issued by a SEVP-certified (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) school after the student has been admitted and has proven they can financially support their studies.
The I-20 is not a visa. It is the prerequisite document you need before you can apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, pay the mandatory SEVIS I-901 fee, schedule and attend your visa interview, enter the United States at a port of entry, and maintain your F-1 student status throughout your time in the U.S. Think of it as your "immigration enrollment certificate" — it ties your school enrollment to the U.S. immigration system through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Every I-20 contains a unique SEVIS ID number (starting with N) that stays with you throughout your time as an F-1 student, even if you transfer schools. Your SEVIS record tracks your enrollment status, program dates, employment authorization, and other immigration-related information.
How to Get Your I-20
Step 1: Apply to a SEVP-certified school. Only schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program can issue I-20s. Most accredited U.S. colleges, universities, language programs, and some K-12 schools are SEVP-certified. You can verify a school's certification on the Study in the States school search tool.
Step 2: Receive your acceptance letter. Once the school's admissions office accepts you, they will provide instructions on how to request your I-20 from the international student office.
Step 3: Submit financial documentation. This is the critical step many students underestimate. You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least the first year of study (and demonstrate a plan for funding subsequent years). Acceptable evidence includes bank statements (typically from the last 3-6 months), scholarship or fellowship award letters, sponsor affidavit of support with the sponsor's financial documents, government sponsorship letters, or loan approval letters from recognized financial institutions.
Step 4: Receive your I-20. Once the Designated School Official (DSO) verifies your financial documents, they will create your SEVIS record and generate your I-20. Schools may mail the physical I-20, send it by express courier, or provide electronic access depending on their policies.
Understanding the I-20: Section by Section
The I-20 contains several pages of important information. Here is what each key section contains and why it matters:
Section 1 — School Information: The school's name, SEVP certification number, and the DSO's contact information. This identifies which school issued the I-20 and who your immigration contact is at the school.
Section 2 — Student Information: Your full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, and SEVIS ID number. This information must exactly match your passport. Any discrepancy can cause serious problems at the visa interview or port of entry.
Section 3 — Program Information: Your program of study (degree level and major/field), the program start date, the program end date, the English proficiency requirement status, and the normal program length. The program end date is especially important — it determines how long your F-1 status is valid.
Section 4 — Financial Information: The estimated cost of attendance for one academic year (tuition, living expenses, dependents' expenses) and the sources of funding. This section reflects what you demonstrated during the financial documentation step.
Section 5 — School Certification: The DSO's signature certifying that the information is correct and that you meet the requirements for F-1 student status.
Section 6 — Student Certification: Your signature acknowledging that you understand the F-1 regulations and agree to comply with them. You must sign this section before your visa interview.
The SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before you can apply for an F-1 visa, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This is a one-time fee paid to the Department of Homeland Security to fund the SEVIS system. The current fee amount is listed at fmjfee.com — check there for the most up-to-date amount, as it can change.
Pay the fee online at fmjfee.com using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment method. You will need your SEVIS ID number from your I-20 to complete the payment. After payment, print the receipt — you must bring it to your visa interview and when you enter the United States. Payment must be made at least 3 business days before your visa interview to ensure the system has processed it.
Using Your I-20 for the F-1 Visa Application
Once you have your I-20 and have paid the SEVIS fee, you can apply for the F-1 visa. At the U.S. embassy or consulate, you will need to bring the original I-20 (signed by you in Section 6), the SEVIS fee payment receipt, your valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee receipt, passport-sized photos (per consulate specifications), and financial documents supporting the information on the I-20.
The consular officer will verify that the information on your I-20 matches what you present at the interview. Be prepared to explain your program of study, how you will fund your education, and your plans to return to your home country after completing your studies (demonstrating non-immigrant intent).
Maintaining Your I-20 and F-1 Status
Your I-20 is not a one-time document — it remains active throughout your time as an F-1 student and must be kept current. Key maintenance responsibilities include:
Keep your DSO informed: Report any address changes, changes in major or program level, or changes in funding sources to your DSO. These changes must be reflected on an updated I-20.
Full course load: F-1 students must maintain a full course of study each semester (typically 12 credit hours for undergraduates, 9 for graduate students). Dropping below a full load without DSO authorization violates your status.
Program extension: If you cannot complete your program by the end date on your I-20, you must request a program extension from your DSO before the current end date. The DSO will issue an updated I-20 with a new completion date if the extension is approved.
Travel signature: If you plan to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter, your I-20 must have a valid travel signature from your DSO on page 2. Travel signatures are typically valid for 6 months (12 months for F-1 students on OPT). Always get a fresh travel signature before international trips.
Employment authorization: Any on-campus employment, CPT (Curricular Practical Training), or OPT (Optional Practical Training) must be authorized through your DSO and reflected on your I-20. Working without proper authorization is a serious status violation.
Transferring Your I-20 to a New School
If you decide to transfer to a different SEVP-certified school, the process involves both your current and new school:
Step 1: Be accepted by the new school and confirm they will issue you an I-20.
Step 2: Inform your current school's DSO that you intend to transfer. The DSO will update your SEVIS record to indicate a transfer and release your record to the new school.
Step 3: The new school's DSO accesses your SEVIS record, issues a new I-20 with the new school's information, and becomes your new DSO contact.
Step 4: You must begin attendance at the new school by the program start date on the new I-20.
Your SEVIS ID number stays the same through transfers. You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again. You do not need to leave the country or apply for a new visa (though if you travel abroad, you may need a new visa stamp to re-enter if your current visa lists the old school).
Common I-20 Problems and Solutions
Name mismatch: If your name on the I-20 does not exactly match your passport, ask your DSO to correct it before your visa interview. Even minor discrepancies (missing middle name, different spelling) can cause problems.
Late I-20: If your school is slow to issue the I-20, contact the international student office directly and explain your visa interview timeline. Some schools can expedite the process.
Lost I-20: If you lose your I-20, contact your DSO immediately. They can reprint it from SEVIS. Keep a photocopy or scan of your I-20 as a backup.
Expired program end date: If you did not complete your program by the I-20 end date and did not request an extension, you may have fallen out of status. Contact your DSO immediately to discuss your options, which may include applying for reinstatement.
I-20 vs DS-2019: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Form I-20 | Form DS-2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 (Student) | J-1 (Exchange Visitor) |
| Issued by | SEVP-certified school (DSO) | Designated sponsor organization (RO/ARO) |
| System | SEVIS | SEVIS |
| Duration | Duration of status (D/S) | Specific program dates |
| Two-year rule | Does not apply | May apply (212(e) requirement) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Form I-20?
Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is a document issued by a SEVP-certified U.S. school to prospective international students after they have been accepted for enrollment. It is not a visa itself — it is the prerequisite document you need to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, pay the SEVIS fee, and enter the United States as a student.
How do I get an I-20?
You get an I-20 by applying to and being accepted by a SEVP-certified school in the United States. After acceptance, you must provide the school with proof of financial support showing you can cover tuition and living expenses. Once the school verifies your financial documentation, the Designated School Official (DSO) will create your SEVIS record and issue your I-20.
How long does it take to receive an I-20?
After you submit all required documents to your school, it typically takes 1 to 4 weeks for the school to issue and mail your I-20. Some schools can issue it faster, especially if they use electronic delivery. Processing time varies by school.
Can I enter the U.S. without my I-20?
No. You must have your I-20 when you arrive at a U.S. port of entry. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will ask to see it. Without it, you may be denied entry. Always carry your most current I-20 when traveling internationally.
What is the SEVIS fee and when do I pay it?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a mandatory fee that must be paid before you attend your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Check the current amount at fmjfee.com. Pay it online and bring the payment receipt to your visa interview.
Can I transfer my I-20 to a different school?
Yes. If you want to transfer to a different SEVP-certified school, you must work with the DSO at your current school to initiate the SEVIS transfer. The new school will issue you a new I-20. Your SEVIS ID number stays the same. You must be maintaining valid F-1 status to transfer.
Last verified: April 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.