Form I-20 is the official Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status in the United States. Issued by SEVP-certified schools through the SEVIS system and signed by a Designated School Official (DSO), it is required to apply for F-1 or M-1 student visas and to maintain lawful student status once in the US. Schools commonly provide I-20s as electronically signed PDFs; these are valid for visa, travel, and compliance purposes.
What this article is about: This guide explains the role of Form I-20, how it fits into the visa process (including the SEVIS I-901 fee and consular interview), what students must do to keep the I-20 valid, and how schools and employers should meet their compliance duties. It also includes answers to common questions and links to official resources.
Section A: What is Form I-20?
Form I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It is the document issued to international students by a US school that has been certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Without a valid I-20, it is not possible to apply for or maintain an F-1 or M-1 student visa.
The form is created electronically in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and then provided to the student, usually as an electronically signed PDF. The I-20 contains key information including:
- The student’s personal and biographical details
- The programme of study and expected duration
- The estimated cost of attendance and available funding sources
- The school’s SEVIS code and contact information
- Space for travel endorsements and employment authorisations
There are two main categories of Form I-20:
- F-1 Form I-20: issued for academic and language study programmes.
- M-1 Form I-20: issued for vocational and technical training programmes.
Dependants such as spouses or children joining the student under F-2 or M-2 status also receive their own I-20 linked to the principal student’s record.
It is important to note that issuance of an I-20 does not grant permission to enter the US. It certifies eligibility to apply for a visa, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, and attend a consular interview. The I-20 remains central to ongoing compliance during the student’s time in the United States.
Section Summary: Form I-20 confirms acceptance to a SEVP-certified institution and eligibility to apply for a US student visa. Created in SEVIS and issued by a Designated School Official, it contains critical details about the student’s programme and funding, and underpins the student’s immigration record throughout their studies.
Section B: How Form I-20 is Used in the Visa Process
Form I-20 is central to the US student visa application process. Once issued, it must be used by the student at several key stages before they can lawfully enter the United States and begin their studies.
The first step after receiving the I-20 is paying the SEVIS I-901 fee. The I-20 contains the SEVIS identification number, which is required to make this payment online. The fee must be paid before the visa interview, and the receipt is normally required at the consular appointment.
When applying for either an F-1 or M-1 visa, the I-20 must be submitted as part of the evidence to the US embassy or consulate. During the visa interview, the consular officer will review the information on the I-20, including programme dates, funding, and institution details, to confirm eligibility. Any discrepancies between the form and other application materials can result in delays or visa refusal.
The I-20 remains vital upon arrival in the United States. At a port of entry, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will request the student’s I-20 alongside their visa. The officer uses the form to confirm enrolment in SEVIS and verify the student’s admission purpose. A valid I-20 is therefore as essential as the visa itself.
Beyond entry, the I-20 also plays an ongoing role in immigration compliance. For example, when applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), students need an updated I-20 showing DSO authorisation. Likewise, international travel requires a current travel endorsement on page 2 of the I-20 before re-entry.
Section Summary: The I-20 is indispensable at every stage of the student visa process. It is needed to pay the SEVIS fee, required for the visa application and interview, must be presented when entering the US, and remains central to compliance for work and travel authorisations during a student’s programme.
Section C: Student Responsibilities with Form I-20
Form I-20 is not a document that can be issued and then set aside. For students, it carries ongoing responsibilities that are central to maintaining lawful immigration status while studying in the United States.
The most important responsibility is ensuring the I-20 remains valid throughout the programme of study. The form lists programme start and end dates, which must be accurate. If a student requires additional time to complete their course, they must apply for an extension before the end date listed. Failing to do so can result in a loss of status and potential removal from the United States.
Students are also required to notify their Designated School Official (DSO) of any material changes, such as:
- A change of address or contact information
- A change of major or education level
- A transfer to another SEVP-approved school
- Changes in funding sources or financial circumstances
- Authorised employment, including on-campus jobs, CPT, or OPT
The DSO will then update SEVIS and issue a new version of the I-20 reflecting the change. Only the latest version is considered valid, and students should keep it safe at all times.
International travel adds another responsibility. Students leaving and re-entering the US must obtain a travel endorsement signed by their DSO on page 2 of the I-20. This signature is typically valid for 12 months during study (or 6 months if on post-completion OPT). Without a current signature, re-entry may be refused.
Students must also avoid unauthorised employment. Engaging in any work not permitted by the I-20 or without DSO/USCIS authorisation results in immediate invalidation of the I-20 and termination of SEVIS status. This is one of the most common causes of status loss for international students.
If the I-20 is lost or damaged, the student must request a replacement promptly from the DSO. Delays can disrupt travel and employment applications.
Section Summary: Students must ensure their I-20 remains valid, accurate, and updated. This involves monitoring programme dates, reporting changes to the DSO, obtaining valid travel endorsements, and avoiding unauthorised employment. Failing to comply risks SEVIS termination and loss of lawful status.
Section D: School & Employer Compliance with Form I-20
Form I-20 does not only create responsibilities for students. Schools and, in certain cases, employers also have compliance obligations tied to the proper use and maintenance of this document.
For schools, compliance duties rest with the Designated School Official (DSO). DSOs are authorised staff members at SEVP-certified institutions responsible for creating, updating, and maintaining I-20 records in SEVIS. Their responsibilities include:
- Issuing I-20s only to admitted students who demonstrate sufficient financial resources
- Updating SEVIS promptly when students change programme details, transfer, or extend studies
- Reporting mandatory events such as failure to enrol, early withdrawal, or unauthorised reduced course load
- Authorising and signing I-20s for travel or employment when appropriate
- Maintaining accurate records to satisfy SEVP audits and compliance reviews
Failure by schools to comply with SEVP requirements can lead to serious consequences, including loss of certification and restrictions on issuing new I-20s. This may damage the institution’s ability to attract international students.
Employers also play a role in I-20 compliance when hiring international students. The I-20 itself is not a work permit, but it reflects authorisation for employment in some circumstances:
- CPT: The DSO authorises Curricular Practical Training (CPT) directly on the I-20. Employers should confirm that this authorisation is listed and current.
- OPT/STEM OPT: While the I-20 reflects DSO endorsement, actual work permission requires a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Employers should review both documents to ensure lawful employment.
Employers who disregard these requirements risk immigration penalties if found to employ students without proper authorisation. Students themselves also face severe consequences if they work without a properly endorsed I-20 or valid EAD.
Section Summary: Schools must ensure I-20 accuracy and timely SEVIS reporting, while employers must verify that students are properly authorised for CPT or OPT. Both institutions and employers face legal and reputational risks if compliance duties are ignored.
FAQs
What is the difference between Form I-20 and DS-2019?
Form I-20 is issued to students applying for F-1 or M-1 visas for academic or vocational study. DS-2019 is used for J-1 exchange visitor visas, which cover cultural and educational exchange programmes. The two forms are distinct and cannot be used interchangeably.
Can I study in the US without an I-20?
No. The I-20 is mandatory for applying for an F-1 or M-1 student visa. Without it, a visa application cannot proceed, and a student cannot be admitted to the US for academic or vocational study.
How long does it take to get an I-20?
Processing times vary by school. Once a student is admitted and has provided required financial documentation, the DSO can issue an I-20, often within a few weeks. However, additional SEVIS checks or administrative requirements may delay issuance in some cases.
Do I need a new I-20 if I change schools?
Yes. If a student transfers to another SEVP-certified school, the new institution must issue a new I-20. The old I-20 becomes invalid once the student’s SEVIS record is transferred.
What happens if my I-20 expires?
If the end date on the I-20 passes without extension, the student is considered out of status and the SEVIS record may be terminated. In some cases, reinstatement through USCIS may be possible, but it requires a formal application and approval. Students should always request extensions in advance to avoid lapses.
Conclusion
Form I-20 is the cornerstone of international student immigration compliance in the United States. From the moment it is issued, it serves as proof of admission to a SEVP-certified school and eligibility to apply for a student visa. It remains a living document that must be carefully maintained throughout the student’s stay in the US.
For students, the I-20 is the key to lawful status, travel, and employment authorisation. Any lapse in accuracy or validity can put studies and immigration status at risk. Unauthorised employment or failing to extend programme dates are common pitfalls that can lead to termination of SEVIS status.
For schools, strict management of I-20 records and timely SEVIS reporting is required to maintain certification and avoid penalties. Employers, too, must ensure compliance when hiring students on CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT extensions by verifying that work is properly authorised.
Ultimately, Form I-20 represents a compliance partnership between students, schools, employers, and the US government. When managed correctly, it enables international education to take place smoothly, lawfully, and to the benefit of all parties involved.
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Form I-20 | Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status issued by SEVP-certified schools for F-1 and M-1 students. |
| SEVIS | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, the federal database that records and monitors international student activity. |
| DSO | Designated School Official, a school administrator authorised to issue and update I-20s and maintain SEVIS compliance. |
| F-1 Visa | US nonimmigrant visa for academic study at SEVP-approved schools. |
| M-1 Visa | US nonimmigrant visa for vocational or technical study at SEVP-approved institutions. |
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| SEVP Form I-20 Overview | https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i20 |
| Pay I-901 SEVIS Fee | https://fmjfee.com |
| US Student Visa (F & M) | https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html |
| SEVP-certified Schools List | https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search |
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.