Once you decide to study in the United States, the next step is to begin the school search process. In the United States, many large public schools adopt the university system concept. This means that a college or university may have several campuses, or instructional sites, in different geographical locations. 

 

It may be confusing to determine if a certain instructional site is a university’s main campus or one of its branch campuses. To help with your search and ensure the school and specific instructional site is right for you, visit the school’s website or speak with the admissions office. These resources will help answer your questions about the specific school locations and offerings. 

 

However, it is important to remember that only Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified instructional sites are able to accept and enroll international students. A designated school official will not issue a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status" unless the instructional site to which you are applying is SEVP-certified. Please remember that SEVP does not certify an entire university system, but individual instructional sites. Therefore, we encourage you to use our school search page to ensure that the specific campus that you wish to apply to has an SEVP certification.

 

If you have questions about a specific school certification, you can contact the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, except holidays.