Reminder: All F and M Students Must Have the Redesigned Form I-20 by July 1, 2016
All F and M international students and their dependents must work with their designated school official (DSO) to ensure they have the redesigned Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student,” by July 1, 2016.
Changes to the Form I-20 include a more visible SEVIS identification number, inclusion of the student’s school and program of study, better separation of the student’s information from dependent(s) information and other general design improvements.
F and M students who received a Form I-20 from their DSO on or after June 26, 2015 were automatically issued the redesigned form. However, any student who received their form before June 26, 2015 and has not already worked with their DSO to get a redesigned form should do so immediately.
The new version of the form does not have a bar code. After July 1, 2016, any Form I-20 that has a bar code will no longer be accepted. As a reminder, all F and M students need the Form I-20 to:
- Enter the United States.
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.
- Apply for a benefit, such as a Social Security number or driver’s license.
- Apply to receive employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Apply for an F or M student visa.
Download the Redesigned Form I-20 SEVIS Fact Sheet to learn more about important changes to the form. Share this information with others on social media using the hashtag #StudyintheStates.