The Form I-20 is the primary document to show that you have been admitted to school in the United States and that you are authorized to apply for an F-1 visa. You must have your Form I-20 with you at all times, especially when you travel to and from the U.S. If you lose or damage your Form I-20, you must request a replacement from the Office of Global Engagement.
Form I-20 Page 1
Section 1 – SEVIS ID & Biographical Information
- Gives you your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ID number. Your SEVIS record and ID number is like a backpack – if you transfer schools or change your education level, your SEVIS record goes with you. Unless your record closes or your studies are interrupted, you will have the same SEVIS number for the duration of your studies in the U.S.
- Please review this section carefully to check for any discrepancies. The name on your I-20 should match the name that is listed in your passport.
- “Admissions Number” is always blank.
- Preferred name, passport name, and legacy name may be left blank – they are not required by USCIS.
Section 2 – School Information
This section includes the school name, address, and school official information. You can use the information in this section while filling out the DS-160.
School Address
Street: 1 Normal Avenue
City: Montclair
State: New Jersey
Zip Code: 07043
School Code: NEW214F01039000
Section 3 – Program of Study
- This section includes information about your level of education (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate), your major and corresponding CIP code, and the program start date and end date.
- If any of this information changes at any time (i.e. you change your major, need extra time to complete your program, etc.) you must contact the Office of Global Engagement to update your I-20.
What is a CIP code?
The Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code is defined by the U.S. Department of Education and will correspond with your major at Montclair State University.
PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes, the CIP code name is different from your Montclair State University major name because the CIP codes categorize majors at universities across the entire United States. It is OK if the major and CIP code on your I-20 doesn’t exactly match the name of your program. For example, the MS in Business Analytics at Montclair will appear as Management Science on the I-20 because the CIP code is 52.1301. This will not impact your ability to receive a visa.
You can find more information about CIP codes here: CIP Codes and Your Program of Study
Section 4 – Financials
The left-hand column has the breakdown of the cost for one year’s attendance at Montclair State University. The right-hand column lists the funding information that you provided to Montclair State University on your I-20 application. Your funding will always match the cost of attendance. For example, if your yearly cost of attendance is $50,000 USD, your funding will also be listed as $50,000 USD, even if your sponsor is promising more than that. Department of Homeland Security regulations state that a student only has to show proof of funding for the length of a single academic year.
For students who submit an affidavit of free room and board – we will list the person who is promising you free accommodation as another financial sponsor. We will list in the I-20 remarks section that this person will be providing free room and board. Costs that are listed on the I-20 are estimates, this is not necessarily the amount that you will be charged. We can never fully remove the cost of living from the expenses on the I-20. If you are not living on campus, the cost of living will not be on your University bill, but it must be listed on the I-20 as all students have to demonstrate to the Department of Homeland Security that they can afford to attend school and live in the U.S.
NOTE for students with multiple sponsors: Generally only one sponsor can be seen on the funding line of the I-20. Do not worry, all sponsors are listed, you just cannot see them. Anyone who looks in SEVIS (including a visa officer) will be able to see all sponsors. If a student has multiple sponsors, all sponsors will also be listed under the remarks section.
Section 5 – School and Student Attestation
- This section of the I-20 is required for validation of the document.
- The Designated School Official (DSO) who created the document must sign to verify that the student is attending the institution and maintaining their visa status.
- DSOs may electronically sign the I-20 and send it to the student electronically.
- Once you have reviewed and verified all the information on your I-20, you MUST print the document to sign and date the “Student Attestation” section in blue ink, which will validate the document for use.
- Your parent/guardian only needs to sign IF you are under 18 years of age.
Form I-20 Page 2
Section 6 – Employment Authorization
This section displays employment information ONLY if you have requested and been approved to work off-campus (CPT, Pre-OPT, Post-OPT, STEM Extension). If given employment authorization, this section will contain the type of work authorization granted to you including the status of your request, name and location of the company, and the length of the employment period.
Section 7 – Travel Endorsement
- This section contains all travel signature endorsements provided by a Designated School Official.
- Each signature is valid for one year from the date signed and attests that the student is attending the institution and maintaining their visa status.
Form I-20 Page 3
Page three of your I-20 are the terms and conditions you are agreeing to when you sign your I-20. This page has very important information regarding your status and policies which you must abide by including visa application, employment, extensions, transfers, and re-entry. We recommend you read this page very carefully before signing your I-20 on page 1.
