- The Form I-20 is issued only by a Designated School Official (DSO) at your SEVP-certified school, not directly by the Department of Homeland Security
- All F and M students studying in the United States need one
- The I-901 SEVIS fee is USD 350 for F-1 students in 2026, paid at FMJfee.com using the SEVIS ID printed on your I-20.
Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, and getting there involves careful paperwork. One of the most important documents in that journey is the Form I-20. This guide explains what the I-20 is, who needs it, why it matters, how you receive it, and when a new one is issued.
What Is the I-20 Form?
The Form I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It is a document issued by a Designated School Official at a SEVP-certified school confirming that an F or M student has been admitted to a full-time program and has shown enough funds to study in the United States.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, oversees the SEVIS database that generates the I-20. However, only a Designated School Official (DSO) at your school can produce, sign, and issue the form. Third parties cannot issue it or have it sent directly to them.
How to study in the USA: a step-by-step guideRead →Who Needs an I-20 Form?
Every F and M student studying in the United States needs a Form I-20. F students pursue academic or language programs, while M students enroll in vocational courses. Dependents accompanying a student on F-2 or M-2 status also receive their own Form I-20 from the same SEVP-certified school.
- F students: those admitted to a U.S. university or college to pursue an academic or English-language training program.
- M students: those admitted to study a vocational or other recognized non-academic program.
- F-2 and M-2 dependents: the spouse and minor children of an F or M student, who each receive their own Form I-20.
Why Do You Need the I-20 Form?
You need the Form I-20 at several stages. It lets you pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa at a U.S. consulate, and enter the country, since border officers ask to see it. Schools also use it to record your enrollment in SEVIS.
The I-20 is a multi-purpose document you will use again and again throughout your time as a student.
- It is required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before your visa interview; the payment site asks for the SEVIS ID printed on the I-20.
- You must present it when you apply for your F-1 or M-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- You show it to a Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry each time you arrive in the United States.
- It supports later steps in the U.S., such as applying for a Social Security number or a driver's license.
| Fee / Document (2026) | Details |
|---|---|
| Form I-20 | Issued at no charge by your SEVP-certified school's DSO after admission |
| I-901 SEVIS fee | USD 350 for F-1 students; paid at FMJfee.com using the SEVIS ID on your I-20 |
How Do You Apply for the I-20 Form?
You do not apply for the Form I-20 directly. Instead, you apply and gain admission to a SEVP-certified school, and its Designated School Official issues the I-20 to you. After you receive it, sign the form by hand, pay the SEVIS fee, and book your visa appointment.
In short, admission comes first. Apply to SEVP-certified schools, submit the financial documents they request, and accept an offer. The school then creates your SEVIS record and prints the Form I-20, which the DSO signs before sending it to you to sign as well.
When Is a New I-20 Form Issued?
Your DSO issues a new or reprinted Form I-20 in several situations: if you lose or damage it, when you need a fresh travel endorsement signature, when your SEVIS status changes, or when key details change, such as your program of study, major, funding, or program dates.
- You lose, misplace, or damage the printed copy of the form.
- You need a new travel endorsement signature, which is generally valid up to one year, before re-entering the U.S.
- Your SEVIS status changes, for example from Initial to Active.
- Your student record changes, such as personal details, program of study, major, funding, or program dates.