I-20 Information

You may request an updated I-20 when you:

• Change your major
• Lost your I-20
• Updated employer information (OPT and STEM OPT only)
• Receive CapGap Extension

Updated I-20 Request Form 

Request a Travel Signature

• You will need to request an Initial Attendance I-20 if:
  • You left the U.S. for less than 3 semesters, and plan to return to SFSU to continue
  • You are out of status and plan to regain F-1 status by travel/reentry
  • You plan to change your current non-immigrant status to F-1 student status
     
• You will need to request a Transfer Pending I-20 if  You transferred your SEVIS record to another U.S. school for no more than three semesters and plan to continue your studies at SFSU.
• You will need to request a Change of Status I-20 if you plan to change your current non-immigrant status to F-1 student status in the U.S.
• You will need to request a Reinstatement I-20 You are out of status and plan to regain F-1 status by filing reinstatement in the U.S.
• You will need to request Dependent I-20(s) if your spouse and children want to come to the U.S. as your F-2 dependents.

Before submitting request, clear all registration holds, including the International Student Health Insurance Hold and Campus Financial Obligation Hold. We cannot issue your I-20 until all holds have been removed and you are eligible to register for the upcoming semester.

To request an initial I-20 or transfer pending I-20 (returning SFSU students only), email the following documents to f1@sfsu.edu:

• A signed New I-20 Request Form (PDF, 209 KB)
• A signed Financial Affidavit Form (PDF, 296 KB)
  • This form will allow students' sponsor(s) to verify the specific amount they will sponsor for their studies at SFSU.
• Proof of Finances
  • You or your financial sponsor(s) must prove that you have the financial ability to pay for school costs plus living expenses for one academic year.
    • See page 1 of the Financial Affidavit Form for the minimum amount of funds they must have.
    • If you have financial sponsor(s), your sponsor(s) must provide a support letter signed by the sponsor(s). See Sample_Financial_Sponsor_Letter (Microsoft Word, 12 KB) 
    • Acceptable types of proof: balance verification issued by the bank or financial guarantee/award letters issued by the scholarship organization.
    • The proof must be issued within the past 6 months.
       
• Additional required documents if you are a returning student, applying for change of status or reinstatement, or adding dependents. 

If you have left the U.S. and plan to return to SFSU to resume your studies:

• Request an initial attendance I-20.
• Pay the SEVIS fee after you receive the I-20.
• If you have a valid F-1 visa, you do not need to apply for another one. If you don't have a valid F-1 visa, use the I-20 to apply for a new one.
• Enter the U.S. using your new I-20.You may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.
• It is highly recommended that you enroll full-time even before coming to the U.S.

If you transferred SEVIS record to another U.S. school for no more than three semesters and plan to return to SFSU:

• Request a transfer pending I-20 if your SEVIS record is still active. 
  • Please only submit your request AFTER you notify your current DSO to release your SEVIS record to San Francsico State University (SFSU) school code: SFR214F00630000
• You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again.
• If you travel, enter the U.S. using your transfer pending I-20 because your intention is to attend SFSU
• You may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.

If you are filing I-539 for change of status or reinstatement, you must also email a signed letter of explanation:

Change of status: 

• Write a one-page letter explaining why you want to change to F-1 status while staying in the United States.
• Provide as much detail as possible. This letter will be your primary opportunity to explain your situation to USCIS.
• See Sample_Change_of_Status_Explanation_Letter (Microsoft Word, 14 KB).

Reinstatement: 

• Write a one-page letter that explains in detail the circumstances or reasons that caused you to violate your F-1 student status. The letter should state evidence supporting your case, if possible. Your letter should include the following points:
  • Your current degree program, major, and expected graduation semester and year.
  • How the status violation resulted from circumstances beyond your control.
  • Why denial of reinstatement would cause you extreme hardship.
  • Confirmation that you have not engaged in unauthorized off-campus employment or violated any other immigration regulations.
  • Confirmation that you are currently enrolled full time and/or plan to pursue a full course of study in the next semester.
  • Provide as much detail as possible. This letter will be your primary opportunity to explain your situation to USCIS.
  • See Sample_Reinstatement_Explanation_Letter (Word, 14KB).

If you are requesting I-20s for your dependents, please email the following documents:

• Proof of additional funding: You must provide proof of an additional $5,000 in available funding for each dependent you plan to bring to the U.S.
  • For example, if the estimated annual expenses for a graduate student are $50,677 and you plan to bring your spouse and one child, you must demonstrate a total of $60,677 in funding ($50,677 + $5,000 + $5,000).
• A copy of each dependent's passport
• A copy of each dependent's current I-94 record, if they have entered the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status
• Your marriage certificate (in English or accompanied by a certified English translation)
• Your children's birth certificates (in English or accompanied by a certified English translation)

The above documents are considered level 1 confidential data by SFSU. Please encrypt these files before emailing them. 
*7Zip (https://www.7-zip.org/)is a free encryption tool. 

Things to consider

• Before requesting F-2 dependent I-20s, consider the financial, health insurance, and living expenses associated with supporting your family in the U.S. 
• You should also be familiar with the limitations of F-2 status, including restrictions on employment and study. Careful planning can help ensure that your dependents have a smooth transition and a successful stay in the U.S. while you pursue your studies at SFSU.

Alien registration requirement for F-2 dependents

Most F-2 dependents who were 14 years of age or older likely completed the alien registration requirement and received an I-94 record when they entered the U.S. Beginning April 11, 2025, F-2 dependents who are under 14 years of age, or who turn 14 while in the U.S., may be required to complete the alien registration process.

As an F-1 student, you are responsible for ensuring that your F-2 dependents meet this requirement.

• If your F-2 dependent is under 14 years of age and has not been registered, you must complete the registration process within 30 days.
• If your F-2 dependent was previously registered and later turns 14 while in the U.S., you must complete the registration process again within 30 days of the dependent's 14th birthday.

To complete the alien registration requirement, submit Form G-325R online. For instructions and additional information, visit the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement webpage.

Important: We cannot provide legal advice regarding alien registration requirements. If you have questions about your obligations or your dependent's eligibility, consult a qualified immigration attorney.

• You must pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee after receiving an initial I-20 with a new SEVIS ID.
• If you have already paid the SEVIS fee to the same SEVIS ID, you do not need to pay again unless you are filing reinstatement 5 months after the SEVIS termination.
• You can check if you have paid the SEVIS fee at check I-901 status page.

If you are unable to complete your degree program by the program end date listed on your I-20, you may request an I-20 extension. The length of the extension is based on your academic advisor's recommendation and documented academic need. Extensions may be approved for up to one year.

You may be eligible for an I-20 extension if:

• You have been making normal academic progress toward your degree.
• You have continuously maintained full-time enrollment and valid F-1 status.
• You need additional time to complete your program due to compelling academic reasons or documented medical reasons.

Please note: Delays caused by academic probation, suspension, or failure to make satisfactory academic progress are not valid reasons for an I-20 extension.

Submit your I-20 extension request at least six weeks before the program end date listed on your I-20 to allow sufficient time for processing.

Email the following documents to f1@sfsu.edu. Please include your full name and SFSU student IDs in your email. 

• A signed I-20 Extension Form (PDF, 209 KB)
• A signed Financial Affidavit Form (PDF, 296 KB)
  • This form will allow students' sponsor(s) to verify the specific amount they will sponsor for their studies at SFSU.
• Proof of Finances
  • You or your financial sponsor(s) must prove that you have the financial ability to pay for school costs plus living expenses for one academic year.
    • See page 1 of the Financial Affidavit Form for the minimum amount of funds they must have.
    • If you have financial sponsor(s), your sponsor(s) must provide a support letter signed by the sponsor(s). See Sample_Financial_Sponsor_Letter (Microsoft Word, 12 KB) 
    • Acceptable types of proof: balance verification issued by the bank or financial guarantee/award letters issued by the scholarship organization.
    • The proof must be issued within the past 6 months.
• If you have received an I-20 extension before, you must submit an additional letter from your academic advisor or graduate coordinator. The letter must be printed on official department letterhead and should:
  • Explain the reason(s) for the delay in completing your degree requirements.
  • Confirm that you have been making normal academic progress.
  • Provide your updated expected graduation date.
  • Please note: This letter is required in addition to all other I-20 extension documentation.

You will need a Change of Education Level I-20 if you plan to continue your studies at SFSU in a new degree program, such as:

• Completing a bachelor's degree and starting a master's degree at SFSU.
• Completing a bachelor's degree and starting a second bachelor's degree at SFSU.
• Completing a master's degree and starting another graduate degree program at SFSU.

Change of Education Level I-20s are issued by the Division of Graduate Studies. If you decide to continue your studies in a graduate program at SFSU, it is your responsibility to contact the Division of Graduate Studies to request a Change of Education Level I-20.

• You must receive your Change of Education Level I-20 within your 60-day grace period or within 15 days of the start of your new program at SFSU, whichever comes first.
• If you are on OPT and your new program starts before your OPT end date, your OPT ends when you receive the Change of Education Level I-20, so be sure to plan accordingly.