Understanding Your Form I-20

An F-1 student returning to the U.S. from a temporary absence of five months or less may be readmitted for attendance at a SEVP-approved educational institution if the student presents:

• A current SEVIS Form I-20 (properly endorsed by the DSO for reentry if there has been no substantive change to the most recent Form I-20 information).
• A new SEVIS Form I-20 if there has been a substantive change in the information on the student’s most recent Form I-20, such as if the student has changed the major area of study, intends to transfer to another SEVP-approved institution, or has advanced to a higher level of study.

If a student has completed his or her program of study, he or she has no basis for re-entry to the U.S. as an F-1 student unless he or she has either been admitted to a new program of study and has been issued the corresponding Form I-20, or he or she is returning to engage in authorized optional practical training after completion of studies.

Student visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the U.S. on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

Student visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student is currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or institution and in SEVIS. Continuing students may enter the U.S. at any time before classes start.

In order to reenter the U.S. after a temporary absence of five months or less, an F-1 student should have the following documents:

• A valid passport or travel document
• A valid F-1 visa (unless exempt from visa requirements)
• A Form I-20 properly endorsed for travel by the Designated School Official (DSO)

CBP also recommends that students have with them:

• Evidence of financial resources
• Evidence of student status (recent tuition receipts, transcripts)
• Name and contact information for the school’s DSO