When welcoming international students to your institution, it’s important to ensure that all student documentation is authentic and valid before signing the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” for F and M students.

By taking the necessary precautions to verify student documents, designated school officials (DSOs) help maintain compliance and support the academic journeys of international students. A careful verification process protects your school and supports the students you serve.

Verifying Documents

When verifying international student documents, here are some helpful tips:

• Carefully examine each document for uniqueness and originality. Check for any inconsistencies in formatting.
• Use the phone numbers listed on the documents to reach out to banks, academic institutions and other relevant organizations to confirm the legitimacy of these institutions and the documents provided.
• Ensure that all information on the Form I-20 matches exactly with the student's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record. Discrepancies can lead to complications in the student’s visa status.

Reporting Fraudulent Documents

If you encounter any sign of fraudulent documents, it’s your responsibility to report it. School officials can take the following actions:

• Contact your assigned SEVP field representative. They can provide guidance on the next steps.
• Notify the SEVP Response Center (SRC). The SRC operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, excluding federal holidays.
• Use the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tip Line by calling 1-877-4-HSI-TIP or visiting HSI.gov.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on handling student records and verification processes, refer to the Student Records page in the SEVIS Help Hub.