I-20 Certificate

After a school admits a student to a full course of study, the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) must access the Student Visitor and Alien Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to create a record for the student and issue a Certificate of Eligibility. The student uses it to obtain an F-1 visa, acquire or extend F-1 nonimmigrant status, or apply for certain F-1 student benefits. For F-1 and M-1 students, the Certificate of Eligibility is designated as Form I-20. The data collected in the preparation and maintenance of a student’s SEVIS record and Certificate of Eligibility is the primary way in which DHS implements the monitoring and reporting requirements of IIRIRA 641 as amended [Section 641 of the Illegal Immigration and Immigrant Reform Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/].

Certificate of Eligibility

Documents Required to Submit a Certificate of Eligibility (As established by DHS regulations at 8 CFR 214.3 (k)):

  • Certification of admission to UPR – Mayagüez
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Financial evidence to support your studies during the first year.
    • Annual Expenses Chart
    • Financial Requirements for F-1 Student Visa

Arrival

Upon arrival in the United States, F-1 students must:

  • Enter the United States no more than 30 days before their program of study begins.
  • Immediately contact your designated school official (DSO) when you enter the United States.
  • When you arrive at school, you must contact your DSO again no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

Studies

While studying in the United States, both F and M students must:

  • Attend and pass all of their classes. If school is too difficult, talk to your DSO immediately.
  • If you believe you will not be able to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension.
  • You must take a full course of study each term; If you are unable to study full time, contact your DSO immediately.

Do not drop a class without first talking to your DSO.

IMPORTANT

While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F-1 student status. Your status relates to the purpose or reason for coming to the United States. The U.S. Department of State issues your visa based on your purpose. If the State Department issues you an F-1 student visa, this means that you are coming to the United States to study and you should not take any action that deviates from that purpose. Maintaining your status means:

  • Fulfilling the purpose for which the Department of State issued you your visa.
  • Following the regulations associated with that purpose.

Non-Immigrants: Who Can Study?