Skip to content

International Student & Scholar Services

Office for Global Engagement

Main Navigation

A Brief Overview of the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility Sections

Learn what each section of your Form I-20 means and how it supports your F-1 student status.

Form I-20 Page 1

Each section of the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility contains essential information regarding your personal details, academic program, and financial support. Familiarity with the purpose of each part can assist you in preventing delays, maintaining your immigration status, and smoothly managing your student experience.

Image of Form I-20 Sample

SECTION 1 (RED)- SEVIS ID &  BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

This section contains your unique SEVIS ID number and your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport, including your full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and contact information.

  • Your SEVIS ID is your official immigration record number used by U.S. government agencies.
    • This will NOT include your admissions application number. 
  • It’s important that all information in this section matches your passport to avoid delays with your visa or travel.

SECTION 2 (YELLOW)- SCHOOL INFORMATION

This section identifies the University of Utah as your sponsoring institution. It includes the school name, campus location, and your assigned Designated School Official (DSO).

  • The school listed here is the only institution you are authorized to attend under this I-20.
  • Your DSO is your primary contact for immigration and SEVIS-related questions.

SECTION 3 (GREEN)- PROGRAM OF STUDY 

This section outlines your academic program details, including your major, degree level, and program start and end dates.

  • These dates define your authorized period of study in the U.S.
  • Maintaining enrollment in this program is required to keep your F-1 status active.
  • Changes (such as major, level, or timeline) must be reported to ISSS.

SECTION 4 (BLUE)- FINANCIALS

This section shows the estimated cost of attendance and the funding sources you have provided (personal funds, family support, scholarships, etc.).

  • U.S. regulations require proof that you can cover your educational and living expenses.
  • Funding must be liquid, recent, and clearly documented to issue the I-20.
  • This section reflects one academic year of funding, even if your program is longer.

SECTION 5 (PURPLE)- SCHOOL AND STUDENT ATTESTATION 

This section includes official signatures from both the school (DSO) and the student.

  • The DSO signature confirms the University has issued the I-20 in compliance with federal regulations.
  • Your signature confirms that you understand and agree to follow the terms of your F-1 status.
  • You must sign your I-20 before using it for your visa interview or travel.
  • Please be advised that a parent or guardian signature is only required if the student is a minor. 

FAQ Section

The program name listed on your I-20 may differ slightly from the program name used by the University of Utah. This is normal and expected.

U.S. immigration regulations require schools to use standardized, federally approved program names in SEVIS (the government system that generates your I-20). These names are designed to be consistent across all U.S. institutions.

The program name on your I-20 reflects the official federal classification that corresponds to the program to which you have been admitted at the University of Utah. Your admission, academic requirements, and degree program remain exactly as outlined in your university admission offer.

The program dates listed on your I-20 are determined based on your degree level (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate) and the academic term to which you were admitted (Fall, Spring, or Summer). These dates are set according to federal SEVIS guidelines and institutional policy, and cannot be adjusted to accommodate personal plans or individual program pacing.

At the University of Utah, standard program length authorizations are:

  • Bachelor’s programs: 48 months (or 47 months if beginning in Summer)
  • Master's programs: 24 months (or 23 months if beginning in Summer)
  • Doctoral programs: 64 months (or 63 months if beginning in Summer)
  • UAC:  24 months

Please note that these timeframes reflect the maximum period allowed on your initial I-20 and may not represent the exact time it takes to complete your degree.

Additionally, F-1 students are permitted to enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20. Planning travel outside of this window may result in denied entry.

The name on your I-20 will match how your name appears on the bottom portion of your passport.  

If you have not finalized your housing arrangements, you may use the University of Utah’s address for this section of the DS-160:

201 Presidents’ Circle
Salt Lake City, UT 84112

This is a common and acceptable approach for students who have not yet secured a U.S. residence. Once you arrive in the United States, you should ensure your current U.S. address is updated with International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) as required.

This is the Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Any information that that will be included on this document can be found on the I-20 that was issued to you.  

Please contact the SEVIS Specialist & DSO Team at immigrationdocs@utah.edu.

 

Last Updated: 5/1/26