I-20s and DS-2019s | International Student Services

Form I-20/DS-2019

All the information on your I-20/DS-2019 must be correct and up to date at all times. You must notify ISS if any of the information on your I-20/DS-2019 changes, such as your major, source of funding, level of study, etc.

If you graduate before the program end date indicated on your I-20/DS-2019, you are considered to have completed your program of study and your I-20/DS-2019 is no longer valid.

F-1 students who have completed their program of study have a 60-day grace period in which to leave the U.S., transfer to another U.S. school, apply for Optional Practical Training work permission, or change to another immigration status.
J-1 students who have completed their program of study have a 30-day grace period in which to leave the U.S., gain admission to a new program of study and obtain a new DS-2019, apply for a change of visa status, or apply for Post-completion or Post-doctoral Academic Training.

I-20/DS-2019 DOs and DON'Ts

DO:

Keep all of your I-20s/DS-2019s.

Check to make sure the travel signature is valid before leaving the U.S.
- **Signed within 12 months of re-entry
- **Signed within 6 months for students engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Contact ISS any time you have made a change to your situation (change of major, finances, etc.). You will need an updated I-20/DS-2019.

Give ISS copies of any new government documents you receive (passport, visa, etc.)

DON'T:

Lose your I-20s/DS-2019s.

Travel outside the U.S. without an up-to-date travel signature.

Wait until the last minute to request new documents or resolve problems.
You will be responsible for arranging express mailing of replacement I-20s/DS-2019s. The average charge for sending overseas by Federal Express is $60-$100.

Document processing takes time. Please plan ahead as much as possible.

I-20s
Designated School Officials (DSO) are the only people who can sign your I-20. Your I-20 form can be endorsed by the following staff members:

Anna Gilmore, ISS Associate Director
- 237 Kirby Student Center
TBA, ISS Program Coordinator
- 249 Kirby Student Center
Susana Pelayo Woodward, Director, Office of Cultural Diversity
- 233 Kirby Student Center

DS-2019s
Responsible Officers (ROs) or Alternative Responsible Officers (AROs) are the only people who can sign your DS-2019. Your DS-2019 can be endorsed by the following staff members:

Anna Gilmore, ISS Associate Director
- 237 Kirby Student Center