The I-20 and SEVIS, Explained

What is Form I-20?

Form I-20, officially titled "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," is a document issued by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the United States. It confirms that you have been admitted to a full-time academic program and that the school has accepted you.

The I-20 is a central document in the F-1 student visa process. You typically cannot apply for an F-1 visa until you have a valid I-20, and the information on it must match your visa application exactly. The Designated School Official (DSO) at your university's international student office is responsible for creating and maintaining your I-20 in the SEVIS system.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database used to track international students and exchange visitors on F-1 and J-1 visas throughout their time in the United States.

Every international student is assigned a unique SEVIS identification number, which appears on their I-20. This number is also used on the DS-160 visa application form. Your SEVIS record is maintained by your school's DSO and must remain active throughout your studies.

The SEVIS fee: what it is and how to pay it

Before applying for an F-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate, you are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is paid directly to the US government — not to your university — through the official website FMJfee.com.

The amount and any applicable exemptions are set by DHS and can change. Always verify the current fee and payment process at the official site before proceeding. Keep your payment receipt, as it will be requested during your visa interview.

• Pay at the official DHS site: FMJfee.com
• Use your I-20 SEVIS ID number when completing the payment
• Save or print the confirmation receipt — bring it to your visa interview
• Verify the current fee amount and any country-specific exemptions at FMJfee.com before paying

Keeping your I-20 valid throughout your studies

Your I-20 has a program end date. If your studies take longer than expected (for example, due to a change of program, a leave of absence, or delays), your DSO can issue a program extension. If you travel outside the United States, your DSO must sign your I-20 within a specified period before you can use it to re-enter.

If your enrollment status changes — for example, if you drop below full-time enrollment or transfer to a different university — your DSO must update your SEVIS record. Failing to maintain a valid I-20 and active SEVIS record can affect your immigration status; contact your school's international student office for guidance on any changes to your situation.

Where to find official, current information

SEVIS regulations, I-20 requirements, and SEVIS fee amounts are set and updated by the US Department of Homeland Security. Always verify the most current rules and requirements directly from official sources — studyinthestates.dhs.gov and the FMJfee.com payment portal — before taking action. Rules change; this guide provides a structural overview only.