International Student Services

I-20/DS-2019 Forms and SEVIS (the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) web-based system that maintains accurate and current information on international students (F-1), exchange visitors (J-1) and their dependents (F-2/J-2).

SEVIS enables schools and program sponsors to transmit mandatory information and event notifications via the Internet to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State (DOS). Schools must report the student's and visitor scholar's status throughout their stay in the United States.

All students in an F-1 visa status must have a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” issued by an educational institution where they study. All exchange visitors in a J-1 visa must have a SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status” provided to the applicant by the program sponsor. The main requirements of the visa status are printed on page 2 of the form. The form I-20/DS-2019 must be valid during your stay here and reflect your current academic status. You must attend the school specified on this form.

All prospective students planning to come to the US on F-1/J-1 visas must obtain a SEVIS generated Form I-20/DS-2019 before applying to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. The I-20/DS-2019 must be submitted with the visa application. The consular officer will verify the I-20/DS-2019 record electronically through the SEVIS system. All students/exchange visitors entering the USA initially or applicants for changing status to F-1/J-1 must pay a SEVIS I-901 Fee to the Department of Homeland Security before their visa application is processed. See SEVIS-901 Fee for further information on the SEVIS Fee requirements and procedures.

For initial admission, students/exchange visitors must attend the school specified on the form I-20/DS-2019 and the visa stamp in the passport.

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