I-20 Certificate of Eligibility

Sample I-20

Your I-20 is an important document for your F-1 status.

The I-20 provides the U.S. government with information about your:

• admission to the University of Washington
• degree type
• major or intended major
• estimated length of time you will need to be in the U.S. to compete your degree
• ability to pay for your educational costs

The I-20 is reviewed by U.S. consulate officials when they are deciding to issue student visas, and is reviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Officers when they are deciding to approve entry to the U.S.

Keep all I-20s, and make digital copies for safekeeping.

Note your SEVIS number in the top left corner–the 10-digit number beginning with the letter “N.” SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which is an online database that keeps individual records for every student in F-1 status. The I-20 is a printout from your electronic record.