How the I-20 is created
After a school completes their admissions process, the admitted students’ names and other biographic information are entered into a U.S. government database called SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
The SEVIS database processes the information and produces a “PDF” file of the I-20 that is sent back to the school via the internet.
The school official (called the Designated School Official or DSO) prints and signs the I-20 and then delivers it to the student. If a student needs to update or change information on the I-20, the DSO makes these requests through SEVIS and the document can be easily reproduced
How the I-20 is used by the student outside the U.S
After receiving an I-20 from their school, an international student must make an appointment to apply for the F-1 visa at the local U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. The visa is the document needed to be allowed entry into the U.S.. The student must present both the F-1 visa and the I-20 to a U.S. Immigration inspector upon arrival at the port-of-entry.
Traveling with the I-20
If you will be traveling abroad and then returning to the U.S. to resume your studies, you must take your I-20 with you. The I-20 is required to reapply for a visa if you need one and for re-entering the U.S. Before your departure from the U.S., make sure that you have an unexpired travel endorsement from an Adviser at Atlantis International y Office. This signature is valid for one year for multiple visits outside the U.S. In most cases, a travel endorsement can be done quickly and easily at the Atlantis University International Office.
Important Information on the I-20
Immigration regulations governing the F-1 status are listed on page 2 of the I-20. It is important that F-1 students read this page to understand the rules that apply to their stay in the U.S.
Your I-20 Completion Date
This is an estimate of time the University feels it may take you to fulfill all degree requirements. However, if you are not able to finish your program on that date, you must request an extension from the Atlantis International Office at least one month before the completion date expires. Your actual completion date may not necessarily be the day of your graduation ceremony or the date on your I-20 (In fact, many students actually finish their degree requirements before the completion date on their I-20).Undergraduate StudentsYour completion date is considered to be the last day of final exams of the semester your degree requirements are fulfilled.Graduate StudentsYour completion date is the day on which all degree requirements are fulfilled, such as filing the thesis or dissertation in the Graduate Division. If you do not have a research component to your degree program (such as in the MBA program or other professional schools), your completion date would be the last day of final exams of the semester your degree requirements are fulfilled.
The 60-day Grace Period
When you complete your study program, you are allowed a 60-day grace period to depart the U.S., request a school transfer or change your status. Note: Students who are interested in working in the U.S. following their program completion must apply for Optional Practical Training work authorization at least 90 days before the actual program completion date.