{"id":425,"date":"2011-04-06T22:09:14","date_gmt":"2011-04-06T22:09:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.laverne.edu\/international-study-abroad-services\/?page_id=425"},"modified":"2026-03-27T12:24:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T19:24:30","slug":"getting-an-i-20","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/issa\/getting-an-i-20\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting an I-20 from La Verne"},"content":{"rendered":"

The I-20 form, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status<\/em>, allows all F students to study in the United States. It is an official document issued by the University of La Verne that confirms your eligibility and includes important details about your program of study, start date, and financial support.<\/p>\n

You will need your I-20 to apply for your student visa, pay the SEVIS fee, and enter the U.S. It is also a critical document you must keep valid throughout your studies to maintain your student status.<\/p>\n

On this page you will find information about the different types of I-20 forms and guidance on how to apply.<\/p>\n

Types of I-20 Forms<\/h3>\n

Initial I-20:<\/strong> For newly admitted students who need a University of La Verne I-20 to enter the U.S. in F-1 status. This is the most common type of I-20. You must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee<\/a> for this new Initial I-20.<\/p>\n

Transfer I-20:<\/strong> For students currently in the U.S. in F-1 status or on OPT at another school who will transfer their SEVIS record to the University of La Verne. Once your SEVIS record is released to La Verne, you will be issued a Transfer I-20. If your SEVIS record cannot be transferred, you may need an Initial I-20 instead.<\/p>\n

Change of Education Level (COEL) I-20:<\/strong> For current La Verne F-1 students moving to a new degree program at a higher level, such as from a bachelor\u2019s program to a master\u2019s program. This also applies if you are completing your current program or OPT based on your La Verne I-20.<\/p>\n

Change of Status (COS) I-20:<\/strong> For newly admitted students already in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status, such as H-1B or B-2, who plan to apply for a change to F-1 status from within the U.S. This is the least common type of I-20. Because change of status processing can take a long time and timelines are unpredictable, some students choose to leave the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa abroad using an Initial I-20 instead.<\/p>\n

Applying from Outside the U.S.<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Submit your application for admission.<\/li>\n
  2. Receive your admission decision letter.<\/li>\n
  3. Pay your confirmation deposit through your Admissions Portal.<\/li>\n
  4. Check your email for I-20 application instructions, including how to upload required documents (financial statement, passport, sponsor affidavit, etc.).\n
      \n
    1. Review the acceptable proof of funding<\/strong><\/a> guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
    2. International Services and Study Abroad will notify you by email once your I-20 is ready.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Applying within the U.S.<\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. Submit your application for admission.<\/li>\n
      2. Receive your admission decision letter.<\/li>\n
      3. Pay your confirmation deposit through your Admissions Portal.<\/li>\n
      4. Check your email for I-20 application instructions, including how to upload required documents (financial statement, passport, sponsor affidavit, copy of F-1 visa, etc.).\n
          \n
        1. \n
            \n
          1. Review the acceptable proof of funding<\/strong><\/a> guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
          2. International Services and Study Abroad will notify you by email once your I-20 is ready.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Additional Information<\/h3>\n