Skip to main content
International Student Services

Understanding Your I-20

The Certificate of Eligibility is a federal form, created in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), by either the authorized DSO or ARO at your university. The certificate of eligibility is also known as the I-20, for F students. It serves many functions. One function is its crucial role in the visa application process. You must have this document, issued, and signed in blue ink by your ISS advisor prior to applying for your U.S. visa.

The I-20 has the following necessary information:

  1. Your SEVIS ID number.
  2. The name of your school (or site of activity).
  3. Your degree level or exchange visitor category.
  4. Your program of study.
  5. The program start and estimated completion date.
  6. Any practical training authorizations or endorsements.
  7. Travel signatures.
  8. Other valuable information used by federal officials either at the consulate or port of entry. 

If you decide to leave the U.S. for a brief period during your program, you will need to receive a travel signature from your ISS advisor to re-enter the country. Note that travel signatures are only valid for up to one year. If the travel signature on your document has expired, please see your ISS advisor for a new one.

The certificate of eligibility will also serve as proof of authorization if you decide to pursue academic or practical training during your time here in the states.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your I-20 is a necessary federal form that serves as proof of your student status in the United States. It is the form that allows you to apply for the F visa and enter the United States to attend university under a degree-seeking program.

  • After admission into a SEVP approved school, the DSO at the university will create your I-20 document, provided you have given the necessary proof (i.e.. passport, proof of finances, etc.). The creation of this document is done in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, which is a government database that holds and manages all the records for nonimmigrant students in the U.S.

  • The I-20 is used for multiple purposes. Here is a list, to name a few:

    • Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee.
    • Applying for a nonimmigrant visa. 
    • Entering the United States.
    • Changing status (if you are already in the United States).
    • Applying for benefits (i.e. driver’s license or a social security number).

    Please read “Instructions to students” on page 2 of your Form I-20 to understand the purpose and regulations that come with your status as an international student.

  • Absolutely. Your Form I-20 serves as proof of your status in the United States. We recommend that you always have it with you while traveling within the United States. Do not pack it away in your suitcase. It should always be with you while travelling. If you plan to leave the United States and return, you will need to have a travel endorsement signature from the PDSO or a DSO at your university.

  • Whenever there is a notable change to a continuing student’s record, a new I-20 is issued. For example, if the student changes their major, receives approval for practical training, changes their program date.

  • Yes. You should keep all your I-20s. Your most recent I-20 will be the one you will present to any federal official upon request. It will also be used for travel, work, or other purposes.

  • If you lose your I-20, please contact our office to request a replacement. If you are outside the United States, you must have the replacement before attempting to re-enter. If you are off island, you will be responsible for any delivery fees necessary to send the document. Please allow sufficient time for processing and mail delivery.

  • The completion date is the estimated day that a student will complete all their degree requirements. It is located on item 5 of the Form I-20. This date was calculated based on the number of credit hours the student has been awarded, as well as the average time it takes to complete the program. If you will not be able to complete your degree by the date.

  • When F-students complete their program, they are allowed a 60-day grace period to 1) depart the United States, 2) Complete a SEVIS transfer request, or 3) change status.

    If you are planning to pursue optional practical training, you must apply for OPT work authorization prior to the expiration of the 60-day grace period.