Help

May F or M nonimmigrant dependents work?

No, the dependents of an F or M student may not work (i.e., have employment) in the United States.

Is there a resource list of employers who are enrolled in the E-Verify program?

No, unfortunately there is no such list. Speak with your DSO for local information.

I am an F student, can I volunteer?

You may volunteer as long as you do not receive any form of taxable income. If the volunteer position is one for which an employer would officially hire someone, you cannot work there, even as a volunteer, without a work authorization. Sometimes volunteer positions may count as employment for OPT or CPT. Speak with your DSO for more information.

How does off-campus work authorization differ from on-campus employment at an off-campus location?

Your school may have “on-campus” employment opportunities that do not occur at the school’s location. While regulations define it as “on-campus” employment, it happens at an off-campus location. The difference is that on-campus employment, regardless of its location, is available to all F-1 students, except border commuter students, and has DSO authorization.

Different regulations define “off-campus” employment, and it always requires DSO recommendation and USCIS work authorization.

What do I need to do if I have financial difficulties and think I may be qualified to work off-campus because of severe economic hardship?

Speak with your DSO to see if you may qualify. To qualify you must do the following:

• Enroll in a full course of study for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing before you can work off-campus.
• Receive your DSO’s recommendation on you Form I-20, submit a Form I-765 and pay a fee to USCIS. Submit the application within 30 days of your DSO entering the recommendation on your Form I-20. If you receive authorization from USCIS, you will get an EAD and can begin working.

• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment – if it is not your fault
• Large increases in tuition or living costs
• Substantial decrease in the relative value of the currency you depend upon to pay expenses
• Unexpected changes in the financial conditions for your sources of financial support
• Unexpectedly large medical bills not covered by insurance
• Unavailability of on-campus employment, or the pay from it is not enough to meet your financial needs
• Other substantial or unexpected expenses

Authorization for off-campus employment is good for one year. If you need to continue working off-campus, you must re-apply.

What kinds of employment am I eligible for as a border-commuter student?

You are limited to CPT and post-completion OPT.

See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(18)

I am an M student and would like to work. What are the basic rules I need to follow?

As an M or vocational student you may only be authorized for optional practical training and only after you have completed your studies. Your work authorization is limited to a total of six months, one month for each four months of study.

• Before accepting employment for practical training, you must file a Form I-765 with USCIS.
• Please read the Form I-765 instructions carefully and make sure to include all the required documents in your application. Your application should include the Form I-20 endorsed by your school’s DSO.
• Your DSO can let you know if you also need to file for an extension past your program end date and the departure date on your Form I-94. Submit your post-completion OPT application before your program end date but no more than 90 days before your program end date.
• When you receive approval from USCIS, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Do not start working until you have this card in your possession.

 Please see Working in the United States for more information.

What type of employment is available to F students?

You must first have work authorization before you begin to work. Your DSO can authorize some employment, and some requires USCIS authorization. Work options for F-1 students can include the following:

• On-campus employment, if available, with DSO authorization
• Internships with a recognized international organization with DSO certification of eligibility and authorization from USCIS
• Off-campus employment authorization with DSO recommendation if you experience severe economic hardship (after first academic year as an F student) with USCIS authorization
• CPT if authorized by your DSO and an integral part of an established curriculum
• OPT if recommended by your DSO, authorized by USCIS and directly related to your major field of study

Working without permission or working more hours than your DSO authorized is a violation of the terms of your status and your SEVIS record can be terminated. Talk with your DSO to determine the number of hours you may work.

What types of employment are available to F students?

There are several types of employment available to F students. For all of them, you must first have work authorization before you begin to work. Your DSO can approve some, and others require approval by USCIS by filing a Form I-765. Work options for F students include the following:

• On-campus employment, if available, with DSO approval
• Internships with a recognized international organization with DSO approval and authorization from USCIS
• Off-campus employment with a DSO's recommendation if you experience severe economic hardship (after your first year as an F student and with an application to USCIS)
• CPT if approved by your DSO and an integral part of an established curriculum
• OPT if recommended by your DSO, authorized by USCIS, and directly related to your major field of study

Working without authorization or working too many hours is a violation of the terms of your nonimmigrant status and can result in the loss of your nonimmigrant status in the United States, the termination of your SEVIS record, and the possibility of incurring unlawful presence in the United States. Talk with your DSO to determine the number of hours you may work. Please see Working in the United States for more information.

What happens if I have unauthorized employment?

Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of status. Your DSO may terminate your student status if this happens.

What is E-Verify?

This is a database that employers use to guarantee that a potential employee has the legal right to work in the United States. For example, if you are interested in OPT at IBM, they would conduct a search in E-Verify to see if you are eligible to work before offering you a job.

I am a student in Active status and have work authorization. May I still work if I must submit a Form I-515A?

When you enter the United States as a student in Active status and receive a Form I-515A, you may still work and retain any other benefits previously given to you.

May I participate in a study abroad program?

If you are an F student, you may participate in study abroad programs or international research while you are involved in your dissertation/thesis preparation. Talk with your DSO about the class requirements for the time in which you would enroll in the study abroad program.

In order to maintain student status during study abroad, you will still need to enroll for the equivalent and necessary number of credits for a full course of study at the school which issued your Form I-20. If you do not enroll in the school that issued your Form I-20 during the period of study abroad, you could complete the study abroad while on an annual vacation term or authorized as a leave of absence. School policies will decide the transfer of credits.

Can an F student attend a public school from kindergarten through the 8th grade (K-8)?

No, F students in kindergarten through 8th grade may only attend private, SEVP-certified schools. Minor children who are F-2 or M-2 dependents may attend public or private schools.

May I change schools as an initial F student after arriving in the United States?

That is possible but requires that you remember these points:

• You must first contact the DSO at the school whose Form I-20 you used to enter the United States. You can do this in person or by phone or email. Tell the DSO that you have arrived and that you plan to transfer immediately to another SEVP-certified school. Talk with your DSO of the school that issued your initial Form I-20 about your wish to transfer, and show proof that you received acceptance to the other school.
• Maintain status through the transfer process. You must be able to begin class within 30 days of entering the United States.
• If you meet all of these requirements, officials at your school should not refuse your request to transfer.

What is a full course of study for an F-1 student?

A full course of study means that you are studying full-time. The school you attend and your academic level, as well as whether you attend a school that offers classes in a semester, trimester, quarter, or clock hour system, determine a full course of study.

The various full-time status criteria are as follows:

• Full-time for an F-1 student in an undergraduate program is 12 credit hours per academic term.
• Most graduate programs are usually six to nine credit hours or clock hours per academic term. Officials at the school that you attend determine full-time for an F-1 student in such a program. Please check with your academic advisor or DSO.
• Full-time for an F-1 student in an ESL or other non-vocational program is 18 clock hours per week if most of the course is classroom instruction or 22 clock hours per week if most of the course is laboratory instruction.
• During your final semester, your DSO can authorize less than a full course of study if it you only have to take one or two classes to finish your program.

I am an M student. How long may I stay in the United States?

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will admit you to the United States until a certain date, which will be on the Form I-94 that you receive. CBP bases the determination of that certain date on the following:

• Your initial duration of stay is limited to one calendar year.
• There is an option to extend your stay for up to two additional years (in one year increments) by applying for an extension with USCIS.
• Your total stay is limited to a total of three years during which you must meet the following conditions: 
  • You have enrolled in and are attending classes full time, and
  • You are progressing in your studies by passing your classes, and are otherwise maintaining status
• You are eligible to apply for OPT after completing your program of study. Your DSO may grant one month of OPT authorization for every four months of full time study, not to exceed a total of six months of OPT. You must conclude your OPT within the three-year period.
• You may have an additional 30 days to depart after your program of study ends or after you have completed your authorized optional practical training.

I am an F student. How long can I stay in the United States?

CBP admits academic students for D/S or duration of status, the time it takes you to complete your program of study. CBP bases this determination on the following:

• You may stay in the United States as long as you enroll in and attend classes full time, are progressing in your studies by passing your classes, and are otherwise maintaining status. If you have approval for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you may remain in the United States for 12 months; if you are eligible for a STEM extension, you may remain for an additional 17 months.
• If you are not participating in OPT, you may remain in the United States up to 60 days after your program end date listed on your Form I-20 in order to prepare for departure.
• If you are participating in OPT, you can remain in the United States until the OPT expiration date on your EAD plus 60 days.

How early may I enter the United States before my program start date?

You may only enter the United States 30 days before to the start date of your program as listed on your Form I-20.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

SEVIS is an Internet-based system that maintains information on SEVP-certified schools and the nonimmigrants in F or M status admitted and/or attending such schools. SEVIS also maintains information on Department of State certified exchange visitor programs and the exchange visitors in J status participating in such programs. SEVIS maintains information on student and exchange visitor dependents with F-2, M-2, or J-2 status.

How do I become an exchange visitor?

The Department of State administers this visa and can best advise you how to become an exchange visitor. An exchange visitor visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs. Specifically, a J-1 exchange visitor would be the best choice for someone interested in a work-study or teaching program.

If you still need help with studying in the United States, try this great resource from the Department of State called EducationUSA.

Is it important that all of my official forms and documents have the same spelling and information?

Yes, it is very important. Differences in the spelling of your name or other basic information, such as your birthday, can delay your ability to apply for benefits, (e.g., employment benefits or a driver’s license). Always check your documents for errors when you receive them. It is easier to correct errors at that time. Always check your Form I-20 against your name and date of birth from your passport. Make sure your Form I-901 receipt, visa, and Form I-94 reflect your correctly spelled name, date of birth, gender, and correct visa classification.

I am an F Student. What should I do if I want to travel outside of the United States with a pending adjustment of status to permanent resident (green card)?

You should submit a Form I-131 to receive advance parole authorization for returning to the United States. If you travel without advance parole authorization, USCIS can determine that you have abandoned your application to become a permanent resident. Please contact USCIS for further information.

If you return to the United States using an advance parole, you have changed status to “applicant for adjustment of status” and are no longer in F-1 status. You will receive a Form I-94 indicating this new status.

May I leave the U.S. on an annual vacation?

If you are an F student, you may take one term as vacation after completing a full academic year. An academic year is a period that begins on the first day of classes and ends on the last day of classes or examinations. Vacation is most frequently taken during the summer. Each academic year after that you may take one term of vacation.

For example, if your annual vacation is in the fall, you would then have to enroll in a full course of study for spring and summer on a semester system. During breaks when the school is not open (such as a winter break in December and January), you are free to take time off without counting it as the annual vacation. You need to consult your DSO about scheduling a period of vacation. You should not take a break without permission.

You are welcome to travel inside and outside the United States during your vacation. If you follow these directions, you will still be maintaining student status.

I have an emergency, and I need to leave the United States early. May I leave before I finished my classes for the term?

Yes, if you are an F student, you may ask your DSO for an authorized early withdrawal. This rule does not apply to M students or J exchange visitors. If the DSO allows you to withdraw from school or take a leave of absence, you will be allowed a 15-day period for departure from the United States. When you plan to return after the emergency, contact your DSO to obtain a current Form I-20.

What documents do I need to carry when re-entering the United States after traveling abroad?

Before traveling always speak with your DSO to make sure you have not missed an important point. At a minimum, you will need the following:

• A Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO within the last 12 months
• A current passport valid for at least six months after your re-entry date.
• A valid, current visa or visa stamp in your passport.
• Financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Your Form I-94
• This makes re-entry through a land port of entry easier.
• If you are flying, the airline will collect your Form I-94 prior to departure from the United States and you will complete a new one upon re-entry.

You may need to show proof that you have been out of the United States and/or out of status for fewer than five months and that you are currently in status. Please also refer to this Department of State website.

What will happen to my documents when I arrive in the United States?

When you get clearance for entry, the CBP officer will stamp the Form I-20 and the Form I-94. On both forms, the officer will handwrite your class of admission. You should be sure that the class of admission CBP grants you matches the one on your visa and your Form I-20. It is best to have errors fixed immediately by the CBP officer before you leave the port of entry.

What do I do if I experience problems at the port of entry?

There are a number of reasons you may have problems at a port of entry. Here are some tips to keep in mind if this happens or to keep it from happening again:

• If CBP escorts you to secondary inspection, do not panic. The officers will escort you to a location where they will try to resolve the problem they have identified. Sometimes they will try to contact your DSO for further information.

• If you are missing any of the documents that you need to enter, CBP can issue you a Form I-515A that allows you to enter the United States for thirty (30) days. You will have to send the missing documents to SEVP so that they can provide you with a correct Form I-94.

• If you receive a Form I-515A, immediately contact your DSO when you arrive at school.

• You may want to contact the DSO at your current or former school and follow the instructions to submit your original documents to SEVP within the 30-day time limit.

How do I apply for a replacement U.S. visa?

A nonimmigrant cannot get a replacement for a lost or stolen U.S. visa while in the United States. For a visa replacement, you must apply in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. When applying for visa replacement, you must provide a written account explaining the loss of your passport and visa and include a copy of the police report.

Remember, you do not need to replace a visa to remain in the United States.  You only have to replace a visa when you leave the United States and plan to return.

What is automatic visa revalidation?

In most cases, you can usually revalidate an expired visa automatically when returning from a visit of less than thirty days to Canada, Mexico, or one of the islands adjacent to the United States (other than Cuba) – if you have a valid Form I-20 and a valid, unexpired Form I-94.

Note: If you meet any of following criteria, you cannot automatically revalidate your visa.

• You applied for a new visa, and the Department of State has not issued it.
• You applied for a new visa, and Department of State has denied your request.
• You have a terminated SEVIS record indicating that you are out of status.
• You have been out the United States for more than thirty days.
• You are a citizen of Cuba, Iran, Syria or Sudan.

For more information, read this CBP fact sheet.

What is the Five Month Rule?

Sometimes a personal or family event interrupts your studies and requires you to take a break from your studies and return home. Before you just leave school, talk to your DSO so that your SEVIS record reflects that this was an authorized early withdrawal.

When you are away from classes and not in status in SEVIS for more than five months, your SEVIS record may be terminated.

Note: For more detailed information regarding visa renewal, visit the Department of State's website.To determine whether the five months applies to you, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you would renew your visa, to inquire whether you need to do so.

May I stay in the United States with an expired F or M visa?

Yes. If you are a student in good standing and you have not violated your status, you may legally remain in the United States with an expired F or M visa. If you are an M student, you may stay in the United States only until the date indicated on your Form I-94 by which you must depart the United States.

If you have an expired F-1 or M-1 visa, you should plan ahead if you need to leave and re-enter, since you would need to renew your visa before re-entering the United States. While planning, you should consider benefits applications, the timing of breaks, vacations, program end date, grace period, etc. Discuss your plans with your DSO. You may also wish to contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in advance to make sure you’ll be able to renew your visa there.

How do I change my status from a J-1 to an F-1 or M-1?

If you have already applied to and received acceptance from an SEVP-certified school, follow these steps:

1. Remain in the United States and file a Form I-539 while you are still a J-1 exchange visitor.

• The school’s DSO must provide you with a new Form I-20 issued for change of status.
• Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and submit the Form I-20 and the Form I-539 to USCIS. You can find the Form I-539 and filing instructions on the USCIS website under Forms.

2. Leave the United States, file for an F-1 or M-1 visa and return to the United States to begin your course of study when you complete that process.

• Some exchange visitors are subject to a two-year home residence requirement. Your Form DS-2019 should indicate if this requirement applies to you.

• If you wish to change your status, see the Department of State website for further instructions for obtaining a waiver.

May I change my visa from a B-1 or B-2 to an F-1 or M-1?

Yes, if you are in the United States on a B visa, you may file a Form I-539 with USCIS for a change of status to M-1 or F-1 while remaining in the United States. You also have the choice to leave the United States, receive a new Form I-20 from the school that accepted you and begin the steps to apply for a new visa. You may not change your status if you have not maintained status in the first place.

You may not enroll in a full course of study or degree/certificate program until USCIS has approved the change of status.

May I change status from F-1 to H-1B?

Your prospective employer must sponsor your status change from F student to H-1B status. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, such as scientists, engineers or computer programmers.

Current regulations allow certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions to remain in F-1 status during the period of time when an F-1 student’s status and work authorization would otherwise expire through the start date of their approved H-1B employment period. This is filling the cap gap, meaning the regulations provide a way of filling the “gap” between the end of F-1 status and the beginning of H-1B status that might otherwise occur if USCIS does not extend F-1 status for qualifying students. Additional information about change of status to H-1B is available on H-1B status page.

May I change status from F-1 to M-1?

Yes, as an F student, you may apply with USCIS for a change of status to M-1 while you are in the United States. For this to happen, follow these steps:

1. Apply for a change of status from F-1 to M-1 after acceptance for enrollment at a school that is SEVP-certified to accept M students. A DSO at that school must create a new Form I-20 for you.

2. File the Form I-539 with USCIS according to the form instructions. For more information, visit the USCIS website.

• The DSO at your transfer-in school should mark “change of status requested” in your SEVIS record. For this type of change of status, you will still be eligible for a change of status if you have already enrolled in the M school. You may enroll in and begin the M program of study while your change of status is pending.
• Maintain status if you want to change status. Until you have applied for a change of status to M-1, you must maintain your F status.
• Another way to change your status is by leaving the United States, receiving a new initial Form I-20 and applying for a new visa.

If I filed a permanent residence application, do I have to maintain my F-1 status?

Use this to help you remember the rule: To change status, you must be in status. That means that if you apply for permanent residence, which is a change of your immigration status, you must be a valid student at the time you file the application.

You may stay legally in the United States while waiting for Form I-485 adjudication. Continue your studies during this time to make sure that if USCIS denies your application you have valid F-1 student status to remain in the United States. If you have not only applied but have received a visa number, you have the choice of maintaining student status while you wait for a decision, but you do not have to maintain student status. Please contact your DSO for more information.

My visa has some incorrect information. Do I need to have it corrected to remain in the United States?

No. Visas are for entry into the United States. If you find discrepancies while in the United States, you can have them corrected when you travel home. See the Department of State website for details.

• You need a valid visa to enter the United States but not to remain as an F or M student. This also applies to dependents as long as the primary student is maintaining status.
• You may have your visas corrected at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but it may be best to make changes to visas in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country. If a Department of State official is not able to verify eligibility from an application or correction, though, CBP will not allow you back into the United States.
• Students from visa exempt countries do not need a visa but will apply for admission to the United States at a port of entry.

What is the difference between an F-1 visa and an M-1 visa?

F-1 visas - are for students who would like an academic education:

• Bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree
• English language training
• Private primary and secondary school
• Public high school for one academic year
• Flight programs

M-1 visas - are for students who would like to pursue a non-academic, or vocational education:

• Some examples include specific types of flight training, cosmetology, or IT training.

Do I need a visa to study in the United States?

Most non-U.S. citizens who want to study in the United States will need to apply for a visa. The three most common are the F-1, the M-1, and J-1:

F-1 Nonimmigrant Visa

• To study at a U.S.college, university, seminary, or fine arts institution
• To study English in a language training program.
• To attend a private primary or secondary school.
• To attend public high school for one academic year

M-1 Nonimmigrant Visa

• For non-academic vocational study or training.

J-1 Exchange Visitor

The Department of State administers this visa. This is an exchange visitor visa and is for educational and cultural exchange programs.

What happens if my visa, passport, or Form I-94 is lost or stolen?

If you lose your U.S. visa, you can remain for the duration of your authorized stay, as shown on your Form I-94. You will need a valid passport to depart the United States and to enter another country. You will need your Form I-94 as you depart the United States to document that you are leaving by the required date.

If your passport with your Form I-94 are lost or stolen, you must get them replaced immediately. There are a number of steps you need to take. To find out more about the steps to take in order to replace your passport with your I-94 click here.

May I bring my son, daughter, or spouse to the U.S.?

Yes. Your spouse and minor children are eligible to apply for admission to the United States in F-2 or M-2 status based on your status as an F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant or as a J-1 exchange visitor. Your spouse and minor children may enter the United States with a Form I-20 and, if required, an F-2 or M-2 visa. For more information click here.

What is SEVP?

SEVP is the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This program monitors school and exchange visitor programs, and the nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors, as well as their dependents, admitted and attending such schools and programs.

SEVP always works closely with the following:

• The schools that enroll foreign students by certifying them to admit nonimmigrant students
• CBP officers, who oversee foreign student admissions
• USCIS officers, who process foreign student benefit applications
• Department of State consular officers, who issue foreign student visas
• Department of State Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, which administers the exchange visitor program

Do I need to speak English before entering the United States?

SEVP does not require proficiency in English to qualify to become an F or M student. The school or program to which you are applying may have its own requirements, though. Please be sure to know all the requirements of your school and program.

What should I do to prepare for entry into the United States?

Check all your documents carefully before leaving to make sure all your data is correct.

• Does the correct spelling of your name appear on all of your documents?
• Does your visa and Form I-20 match?
• Did you receive the right classification of visa?
• Have you left copies of your documents at home with a trusted family member or friend?

Hand-carry all immigration documents because you cannot get your checked luggage before arrival processing. You will need to present these documents at the port of entry.

Without documentation, you may have delays in immigration processing or be prevented from entering the United States. If this happens, CBP will issue you a Form I-515 and allow you to enter the United States for 30 days while you obtain the necessary documentation and send it to SEVP for processing. Talk to your DSO immediately upon arrival at school if CBP issues you a Form I-515.

To be safe, it is a good idea to make multiple copies of your paperwork. Leave one set with someone at home, if possible, and give another copy to your DSO once you get to your school.

What is the proper format for dates on my forms?

You must be very careful when entering dates. It is very important that all of your forms have the correct date of birth in the U.S. format.

The U.S. standard for dates is to use numbers in this order: month/day/year or mm/dd/yyyy, while most other countries use numbers in this order: day/month/year or dd/mm/yyyy. However, not all of the U.S. government forms follow the U.S. standard, so please pay attention.

SEVP, USCIS, and SSA forms use the U.S. standard, mm/dd/yyyy. The Form I-94, as well as passports and birth certificates from most countries, use the dd/mm/yyyy format. The Form DS-160 uses a combination of numbers and letters: dd/mmm/yyyy. The month should be the three-letter English abbreviation, not numbers. For example, “08/Mar/2012.” To minimize mistakes, you should use the e-version of the Form DS-160. This form has convenient drop down menus to make things easier.

I received a Form I-515A when I arrived in the United States. How will this affect my standing as a student?

Submitting a Form I-515A will not have a negative impact on your nonimmigrant status if you comply with the documents request within 30 days of receiving the form.

If you do not submit the required forms in your first 30 days in the United States, SEVP will terminate your SEVIS record on the 31^st day. If this happens, you have two choices:

• Apply for reinstatement with USCIS. This requires filing a Form I-539 and paying a fee. While USCIS processes this, you must continue your studies to maintain your student status.
• Depart the country immediately.

Prevention is best. Carry your documents with you as you prepare to enter the United States.

If you do receive a Form I-515A, contact your DSO immediately to submit the necessary documents to SEVP.

May I still attend classes while SEVP processes my Form I-515A?

Yes, you must attend classes while waiting for SEVP to process your Form I-515A. In fact, if you do not go to class, you will be out of status.

When will SEVP return my Form I-515A paperwork to me?

If you submit your Form I-515A within the required 30 days, SEVP tries to return it to you within 10-15 business days.

Submit the completed Form I-515A, the original Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 signed by a DSO and the original Form I-94 to avoid a delay in processing and the return of your paperwork and to avoid automatically being out of status 31 days after receiving the Form I-515A.

A delay in paperwork return does not make you ineligible to remain in the United States and/or apply for authorized benefits.

What is a Form I-515A, and why do I need one?

A Form I-515A is a Notice to Student or Exchange Visitor. CBP will give you this document if you arrive at your port of entry and do not have one of your required documents. For example, if you arrive at an airport and you do not have your Form I-20 or DS-2019, which you need to enter the United States, the CBP officer will give you a Form I-515A. This gives you 30 days to get your paperwork in order.

A Form I-515A gives you entry to the United States for 30 days so that you can compile and submit the documents to SEVP.

What is the Form I-94, and why is it important?

A Form I-94 shows your arrival date in the United States and the "Admitted Until" date, which is the date when your authorized period of stay expires. It is evidence of your legal admission into the United States, your class of admission, and your authorized period of stay. To learn more about the importance of an I-94 click here.

May a school charge me a fee to issue the Form I-20?

No. Some schools may have an application processing fee for international students. If you feel that your school is charging you a fee for a Form I-20, it may be a violation. Please contact SEVP’s response center at 703-603-3400 if you have questions about this issue.

Please remember that some schools charge the SEVIS I-901 fee as part of the tuition/deposit. As long as school officials use this money to pay the fee for you, this is not a violation. If this happens, make sure to get documentation that this occurs. You may also go online to check the status of your payment.

What is a Form I-20?

A Form I-20 is a very important document for F and M students. It is an official U.S. government form that is issued by the designated school official when you have been accepted to an SEVP-certified school. It has information from your SEVIS record about you and your host school. This is a very important document that you will need when paying your SEVIS I-901 Fee and when entering the United States.

Can a school charge me a fee to issue the Form I-20?

No. Some schools may have an application processing fee for international students. If you feel that your school is charging you a fee to issue you a Form I-20, this may be a violation. Please contact the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400 if you have questions about this issue.

Please remember that some schools charge the I-901 SEVIS Fee as part of the tuition/deposit. As long as school officials use this money to pay the fee for you, this is not a violation. If this happens, make sure to get documentation that this occurs. You may also go online to check the status of your payment.

My name is spelled incorrectly on my Form I-20. What should I do?

Contact your designated school official to correct your record and send you a new Form I-20. Your name in your SEVIS record must be the same as on all official travel documents such as your passport and visa. The earliest official document sets the standard.

Please Note: Having several records with your name spelled differently can cause significant problems for you, so please be very careful!

What should I do if the information on my Form I-20 is wrong?

Carefully review your Form I-20 immediately after your designated school official (DSO) gives it to you. You are responsible for the accuracy of your records and for checking your travel and admission forms when you receive them. Immediately correcting mistakes is faster than delaying; it may also prevent confusion at the port of entry.

If the Form I-20 is wrong, contact your DSO at your school for a new Form I-20 with the correct information. If you have a passport, the information in the passport should match the information on the Form I-20. If you do not have a passport, you should make sure that your passport application has the same information as the Form I-20.

How do I correct errors in a Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record"?

 To correct errors in a Form I-94 you should first find a CBP location near you at an airport or a designated deferred inspection location. You may need to make an appointment. Bring your Form I-94 with the errors. Also, bring any proof you have that supports your claim that the form is incorrect. For example, bring your passport and visa to justify that CBP admitted you in an incorrect class of admission. You could also show an approved request supporting an incorrect admission period. CBP will not charge for this service. To find more information regarding this process, visit What is the Form I-94, and why is it important?

What should be the country of origin (birth) and country of citizenship on my Form I-20?

The country of origin (birth) is the country that issued your birth certificate. It should be the name of the country at the time of your birth – even if that country no longer exists or has a different name. The country of citizenship is the country that issued (or will issue) your passport. Your country of citizenship must currently exist.

What is the process for submitting a Form I-515A?

The CBP officer will give you a Form I-515A if you arrive without all of your necessary documents. You may only stay in the United States for 30 days with the Form I-515A. During your first 30 days in the United States, you must send certain original documents to the address provided on the Form I-515A. To find out more about this process, visit our What is a Form I-515A?page.

Why does SEVP want my original documents for the Form I-515A and not copies?

SEVP needs the original documents for two reasons:

• To verify your identity
• Because the documents need official stamps and will require changes

SEVP cannot make these changes on copies but will return your original documents to your school or program official when finished.

What is the deadline to submit my Form I-515A?

After you arrive in the United States, you have 30 days to submit the Form I-515A and all other required documents.

If you do not submit the documentation within 30 days, SEVP will terminate your SEVIS record. If you are an F or M student, you have two choices:

• Depart the United States.
• Apply to USCIS for reinstatement. This requires an application and fee.

May I still attend classes until SEVP processes my Form I-515A?

Yes, you must attend classes while waiting for SEVP to process your Form I-515A. If you do not go to class, you will be out of status.