You will be able to apply for your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” now that you have been admitted to an eligible program.
To apply for your Form I-20, you will need to complete the I-20 Application
- Make sure the application is complete. Submit it and all supporting documents via Liquid Files.
- Once uploaded, your Designated School Official (DSO) will review your application within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
- Once your I-20 application is remarked as complete, you will receive your Form I-20 within the next 5 business days.
Once you receive your Form I-20, you will be able to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and proceed to apply for your F-1 visa at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Are you already maintaining F-1 status?
Upon admission to an eligible program, you will be able to initiate the transfer of your SEVIS record from your current SEVP-approved institution to Lehman College. You will need to work with the Designated School Official (DSO) at your current institution to discuss your eligibility for I-20 transfer and the transfer release timing.
Present the DSO at your current institution with your acceptance communication from Lehman College and your prepared I-20 Transfer Release Request Form. Inform both the DSO at your current institution and your new Lehman College DSO if you plan to travel outside of the U.S in between programs.
To apply and receive your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” in Transfer Pending Status from Lehman College:
- Complete the I-20 Application and submit your fully executed I-20 Transfer Release Request Form. Submit all forms and supporting documents via Liquid Files.
- Once uploaded, your Designated School Official (DSO) will review your application within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
- Once your I-20 application is remarked as complete, you will receive your Form I-20 from Lehman College within 5 business days following the Transfer Release Date.
Are you engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
You must resume classes at your transfer-in school (Lehman College) within 5 months of the transfer release date set by the school that recommended OPT or the date the OPT authorization ends, whichever is earlier.
Are you located in the U.S. and planning to apply for a Change of Status?
We recommend you consult with an experienced immigration lawyer first and retain their services if you decide to file the application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). International Student and Scholar Services at Lehman College will not be able to advise you on this process. If you are
eligible to apply for a Change of Status to F-1 and admitted to an eligible program of study, you may apply for your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
To apply and receive your Form I-20:
- Complete the I-20 Application. Submit it and all supporting documents via Liquid Files.
- Once uploaded, your Designated School Official (DSO) will review your application within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
- Once your I-20 application is remarked as complete, you will receive your Form I-20 within the next 5 business days.
Once you receive your Form I-20, you will be able to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and proceed with the other filing requirements. Unless your current visa status allows you to study, you will not be able to begin studying until your Change of Status application to F-1 has been approved by USCIS.