Electronic Issuance of I-20 From US Universities for Fall 20 Intake!

Due to COVID-19, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement department has permitted US Universities to electronically send Forms I-20 to student’s email addresses listed on SEVIS. In Case of minor students, the email address may belong to a parent or a legal guardian.  SEVP has lifted the restriction on mailing physical Form I-20s and is allowing schools to email I-20s directly to the students temporarily. The emailed Form I-20 will now be considered official for the purpose of applying for the visa. This means, as of today, students should no longer pay shipping fees until further notice. 

An electronically received I-20 can be

• A scanned version of a physically signed form I-20, or

• A digitally signed form I-20 using electronic signature software, or

• A digitally signed form I-20 that contains a digitally reproduced copy of a physical signature.  

This is good news for our students and students are requested to pay their I-901 fees now so that when the embassies reopen soon, they will be first in line for their visa appointments.