Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Student Status)
Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is the document a US school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program issues to an admitted international student. You need it to apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa and to enter the US as a student.
How it works
After admission, you show the school proof that you can pay tuition and living costs. The school's designated school official (DSO) creates your SEVIS record and issues the I-20, which lists your program, dates, estimated costs, and SEVIS ID.
You then pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160, and attend a visa interview. Keep the I-20 with your passport: you show it at entry and for travel signatures.
The DSO updates the I-20 for program extensions, CPT, OPT recommendations, and transfers. J-1 exchange visitors use Form DS-2019 instead. See our F-1 visa page.
Frequently asked questions
How early can I enter the US with my I-20?
F-1 students can usually enter up to 30 days before the program start date on the I-20.
Does the I-20 expire?
It shows a program end date. Travel signatures also have validity limits.
Can I change schools with the same I-20?
No. A transfer means the new school issues a new I-20.
Official sources
- DHS: Study in the Statesstudyinthestates.dhs.gov
- State Department: Student visatravel.state.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.