Understanding Your I-20 and SEVIS Record
Your I-20 is one of the most important documents you'll carry in the US. Here's what you need to know to keep it valid.
Last updated: March 1, 2026
The I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) is the document your school issues that proves your student status in the US. It's tied to your SEVIS record — a government database that tracks all international students and exchange visitors.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a DHS database. Every F-1 student has a SEVIS record with a unique ID number (starts with N). Your school's International Student Office (ISO) manages your SEVIS record and must report changes like address updates, major changes, or enrollment status.
Key things on your I-20
- Your SEVIS ID number (N00xxxxxxxx) — memorize this
- Program start and end dates
- Your school and program of study
- Estimated costs and funding sources
- Travel signature (page 2) — must be renewed every year
⚠️Always keep your I-20 valid and up to date. If you change your major, transfer schools, or need to extend your program, you MUST get a new I-20 BEFORE the change happens. Working with an expired or inaccurate I-20 can jeopardize your visa status.
When do you need your I-20?
- Re-entering the US after international travel
- Applying for OPT or CPT work authorization
- Transferring schools
- Applying for a driver's license (some states)
- Proving your legal status for banking, housing, etc.
💡Before traveling internationally, visit your ISO to get a fresh travel signature on page 2 of your I-20. Signatures are valid for one year. Without a valid signature, you may have trouble re-entering the US.
What to do if you lose your I-20
Your SEVIS record still exists electronically. The paper I-20 can be reprinted.
They can issue a replacement I-20 from the SEVIS system.
Always photograph or scan your I-20 and store it in cloud storage as a backup.
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