Understanding Your I-20

How is the I-20 used?

Outside the U.S.: After receiving an I-20 from a school, an international student must make an appointment to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate (the visa is needed to be allowed entry into the United States in F-1 status). Students must present both the F-1 visa and the I-20 to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival at the U.S. port-of-entry.

Inside the U.S.: Once a student has arrived in the United States and passes through the border inspections process (either at an airport, seaport, or land border), the I-20 is used as identification and proof of legal and academic status. Typically, students must show their I-20 at the Social Security Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The I-20 is also shown to employers in the hiring process for employment. Off-campus employment information and/or authorization will be printed on page 2 of the I-20.

Do I need the I-20 for travel?

When traveling abroad, students must take their I-20 with them. The I-20 is required to reapply for a visa (if needed) and for re-entering the United States. Before departure from the United States, students should verify that they have a valid travel endorsement on page 2 of their I-20 from an adviser at Berkeley International Office. This signature is valid for one year for multiple visits outside the United States. In most cases, a travel endorsement can be done quickly and easily at Berkeley International Office, however students should plan ahead and get their travel endorsement several weeks before departing the United States to avoid the holiday rush.

Why do I have multiple I-20s?

New I-20s are issued to continuing students whenever there is a significant update to a student's record. This includes changes in biographical data, program dates, change of major, the addition of a work authorization, etc. These types of changes are typically prompted by student request, but Berkeley International Office will automatically produce a new I-20 when a student declares or changes their major. It is not necessary for students to request this new I-20. BIO will email the new Change of Major I-20 directly to you when it is ready.

What is the I-20 completion date?

The "completion date" is entered in the Program Start/End Date section of the I-20 based on a student's particular major and degree level. This is an estimate of time the University feels it may take to fulfill all degree requirements. However, if a student is not able to finish the program on that date, an extension must be requested from BIO at least one month before the completion date expires.

According to U.S. immigration regulations, the "completion date" is defined as the day final degree requirements are completed. The actual completion date may not necessarily be the day of the graduation ceremony or the date on the I-20. (In fact, many students actually finish degree requirements before the completion date on the I-20).

Undergraduate Students:

The completion date is considered to be the last day of final exams of the semester degree requirements are fulfilled.

Graduate Students:

The completion date is the day on which all degree requirements are fulfilled, such as filing the thesis or dissertation in the Graduate Division. If there is no research component to the degree program (such as in the MBA program or other professional schools), the completion date would be the last day of final exams of the semester degree requirements are fulfilled.

The 60-day Grace Period

When students complete a study program, they are allowed a 60-day grace period to either 1) depart the United States, 2) request a school transfer, or 3) change visa status.

Note: Students who are interested in working in the United States following their program completion must apply for Optional Practical Training work authorization before the expiration of the 60-day grace period.

What happens if I lose my I-20?

If you are a UC Berkeley F-1 student, please submit a Replacement Document request to internationaloffice@berkeley.edu to request a replacement I-20. Please note that if you are outside the United States, you must obtain the replacement I-20 before entering the U.S. to resume your studies. Allow sufficient time for processing and email or mail delivery, depending on your preference.

Should I keep all copies of my I-20s?

Yes. You may obtain several different versions of your I-20s while you are in the United States if there are changes to your program or other information. Keep all copies for future reference. Always use the most recently issued I-20 for travel, work, or other purposes. Which one is the most recent? Check the Date Issued under the School Attestation section. if you have multiple I-20s, always use the most recently issued I-20.

Do my family members need I-20s?

If you will be accompanied by your spouse and children, they will each need their own I-20 to obtain the F-2 dependent visas and to remain in the United States during your program and for travel purposes. See Inviting Family for more information.