The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) seeks public comment on draft policy guidance regarding the English proficiency field on the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” SEVP values feedback and input from the public to ensure SEVP policies consider all relevant information.

English Proficiency Field

The English proficiency field draft policy guidance, the second in a series of related guidance documents on pathways and bridge programs, addresses SEVP and Form I-20 regulations. This guidance will require a designated school official (DSO) to provide information on a school’s English proficiency requirement and if a prospective student meets these requirements. This field is important for DSOs to use because it directly relates to who is eligible for F-1 or M-1 student status. The draft guidance also clarifies for SEVP adjudicators how to interpret DSO usage of the English proficiency field on the Form I-20 in a manner consistent with SEVP regulations.

How to Comment on Draft Guidance

SEVP issues draft policy guidance for adjudicators to provide its stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on these policies. Visit SEVP Guidance for Comment to download the draft guidance. To comment on the guidance, email SEVPFeedback@ice.dhs.gov with the subject line “The Form I-20 and the English Proficiency Field.” SEVP will review feedback on this issue until Monday, Sept. 8.