Designated school officials (DSOs) must only issue F and M international students a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” for programs listed and approved on their school’s Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.”

If a DSO issues a Form I-20 for a program that is not approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the school may be found noncompliant and subject to administrative compliance action by SEVP.

Schools that wish to offer new programs to F and M international students must add those programs to the school’s Form I-17 in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), submitting the required evidence at the time of filing the update. After the programs are added, SEVP must adjudicate the changes before the school can accept international students into those programs.

Principal designated school officials (PDSOs) and DSOs must review their Form I-17 on a regular basis and keep it up to date. An updated and accurate Form I-17 will help ensure that your school remains compliant.

Do you need to add a new program or degree to your school’s Form I-17? Visit the SEVIS Help Hub for more information on the process to add programs. You can also visit Study in the States to learn more about updating your school’s Form I-17