Questions from Designated School Officials is a blog series on Study in the States for designated school officials (DSOs). Each month, we will answer a question that will help you advise your F and/or M students. If you are a DSO and would like to submit a question, you can email us or ask us via social media, your Field Representative or the SEVP Response Center. We may edit questions for clarity and consistency and may not feature all submissions on Study in the States.

Question: When does an F-1 student need to submit a transcript to a school?

Answer: School officials must receive and evaluate a student’s transcripts and records before the DSO may issue a Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status.”

SEVP has no requirement for an F-1 student to submit an original transcript. Some schools require original transcripts while others will accept copies.