I-20 (form)

U. S. Department of Homeland Security form

The Form I 20 (also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F 1) Student Status For Academic and Language Students) is a United States Department of Homeland Security, specifically ICE and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), document issued by SEVP certified schools (colleges, universities, and vocational schools) that provides supporting information on a student's F or M status. Since the introduction of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) run by SEVP, the form also includes the student tracking number (SEVIS ID number) and school code. The Form I 20 is only for F 1, F 2, M 1, and M 2 statuses. J 1 and J 2 status holders have an equivalent Form DS 2019 which is issued by a United States Department of State designated J exchange visitor program.

The Form I 20 is issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at the institution (college, university, or vocational school). Only institutions that are SEVP certified can issue Form I 20s. An institution can acquire SEVP certification by filing Form I 17 with U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (this is a one time process). Note that an institution can be SEVP certified despite not holding national or regional accreditation.

Once the prospective student has accepted the institution's offer of admission, the institution issues a Form I 20 to the student. while the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign uses the term "Declaration & Certification of Finances for I 20/DS 2019 Application". After receiving information from the student and institution regarding the program length and end date, the international office creates the student's SEVIS record, gets a SEVIS number for the student, and issues a Form I 20. A physical copy of the form may be mailed to the student overseas. In the case that the student has a SEVIS record from previous student status, the existing SEVIS record should be transferred. The international office may refuse to issue a Form I 20 if the student is unable to demonstrate how he or she plans to cover expenses for the first year.

The Form I 20 serves as evidence of the legality of the student's current presence in the United States. Note that a valid visa is not necessary for being in lawful student status; a valid visa is only needed when entering or re entering the United States.

The Form I 20 may be used to demonstrate student status when applying for United States government documents and benefits such as Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and Social Security Number. It is also required to demonstrate authorization to work for students on Curricular Practical Training.

In general, whenever there are changes to the information in Form I 20, a new Form I 20 is issued.