It is summer time and the rush of student applications for the fall term is at its height. As you prepare to sign the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students,” and send it to students, be sure to read the School Attestation statement on the first page the Form I-20 and understand your responsibilities as a designated school official (DSO).

By signing the School Attestation statement, you are certifying, under the penalty of perjury, the following:

• All of the information you provided was entered before signing the form and is true and correct.
• The Form I-20 was created in the United States.
• You or other school officials reviewed the student’s application, proof of financial responsibility, and transcripts or other academic records.
• Your school can provide a full course of study to the student.

The guidelines for this attestation statement come directly from the Code of Federal Regulations, 8 CFR 214.3(k).

Make sure you also understand the requirements to comply with federal regulations for your school and international students. Page three of the Form I-20 provides a very brief and basic overview of some of the requirements to help you understand your reporting requirements and help F and M students maintain their status. Students are also required to sign the Form I-20.

For more information about your role with the Form I-20, visit the DSOs and the Form I-20 page.