There are a variety of forms that F and M students need to study in the United States, and one of the most important is the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." Students need this form for many reasons, including:

• Paying your I-901 SEVIS fee,
• Applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate,
• Entering the United States at a port of entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and
• Applying for a driver's license or Social Security number.

Once you accept your admittance to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school and provide evidence of financial support, your designated school official (DSO) will send you your Form I-20. You should hand-carry this form when you travel to the United States and keep it in a safe place when you are at school. If you ever depart the United States and plan to return, like after an annual vacation, you need to take your Form I-20 with you so you can present it to CBP when you arrive at the point of entry for inspection.

If you have any questions about your Form I-20, talk to your DSO.