New Student I-20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. I just got admitted to Bowling Green State University. When will I get my I-20?

Graduate - The Office of International Programs and Partnerships will help you prepare the documents necessary for the form I-20 and guide you through the other parts of the immigration process.

In order to issue your immigration documents we require the following information:

• Copy of Passport Information Page
• Financial Statement and Supporting Evidence such as a copy of your (or your sponsors) Bank Statements and Affidavits of Support or Certificate of Loan
• If your program is Analytics, Economics, Full Time MBA, or Accountancy please use this Financial Statement.
• USA Visa (if you have one)
• US I-20 form (if you have one)

Please scan and email the above to iss@bgsu.edu.

For specific information about the tuition and expenses of BGSU, please see this graduate tuition calculator.

Undergraduate - The Office of International Programs and Partnerships will help you prepare the documents necessary for the form I-20 and guide you through the other parts of the immigration process.

In order to issue your immigration documents we require the following information:

• Copy of Passport Information Page
• Financial Statement and Supporting Evidence such as a copy of your (or your sponsors) Bank Statements and Affidavits of Support or Certificate of Loan
• USA Visa (if you have one)
• US I-20 form (if you have one)

Please scan and email the above to iss@bgsu.edu.

For specific information about the tuition and expenses of BGSU, please see this undergraduate tuition calculator.
 

2. I am at another United States’ educational institution. Do I need a new I-20?

If your current I-20 is in status at another United States’ educational institution, please submit the BGSU Transfer Eligibility Form and a copy of your admission letter from BGSU to your current educational institution. Once your SEVIS record is transferred, as long as International Student Services has received the required documents, our office will prepare an I-20 for you.
 

3. Since I am from another United States’ educational institution, will I need to pay another SEVIS fee?

No, as long as your record is eligible to be transferred.
 

4. I have an I-20 from another United States’ educational institution and I am on OPT. When can I get my new I-20 from Bowling Green State University?

Your record can be transferred at any time as long as you will begin classes within 5 months. Keep in mind that your OPT will end on the date your record is transferred. 
 

5. I have an I-20 from another United States’ education institution but I will not graduate and/or finish classes until later. When can I get my new I-20 from Bowling Green State University?

You will be able to get your BGSU I-20 after your current institution transfers your SEVIS Record. This usually happens after you graduate or classes for the current semester have concluded.
 

6. My SEVIS record has been terminated at another United States’ educational institution. Can I get a new I-20 from Bowling Green State University?

If your current I-20 is terminated BGSU does not accept terminated SEVIS records.  If you are admitted to BGSU a new SEVIS number will be created for you.
 

7. I need a new visa. Do I need to be issued a new I-20?

As long as continuing students have maintained student status and their SEVIS records are current a new I-20 is not required. (You are welcome to check with I.P.P. before you travel to make sure you are prepared)
 

8. I will be traveling outside the US. Do I need my I-20 signed?

You must have a valid travel signature on your I-20 to return to the U.S. after travel abroad.  

Each signature is valid for one year. (F1 students on OPT: the travel signature is valid for six months).
 

9. My I-20 will be expiring soon. Do I need a new I-20?

If you are unable to complete your course of study before the program end date noted on your I-20, you must request an extended I-20 before your current I-20 expires.  The following web page has the Extension of Program form.
 

10. I will be applying for OPT. When will I get my new I-20?

For information regarding OPT, please click here