PLEASE NOTE: The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) ended its Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) guidance on May 11, 2023, consistent with the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. As a result, all related statements, guidance and FAQs previously released by SEVP also terminated on May 11, 2023, and this content may be outdated. Learn more. 

Due to COVID-19, designated school officials (DSO) and principal designated school officials can submit electronic signatures for school petitions that require a signed Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.” This includes DSO updates.

How to Sign the Form I-17 Electronically: 

• Email a digitally signed Form I-17 that contains a digitally reproduced copy of a physical signature or uses electronic signature software.
• DSOs may also continue to scan a Form I-17 containing an original wet signature and send it as an email attachment to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Response Center (SRC).

For specific questions about your school’s petition, contact the SRC or your assigned field representative. Please note that the SRC is experiencing a high volume of calls and emails and is working to respond as quickly as possible to stakeholder inquiries.

Visit ICE.gov/coronavirus for additional guidance from SEVP.