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The I-20 Certificate of Eligibility is used to apply for the F-1 student visa, and the form includes information about you, the school, your education level and major, and financial information.
To learn more about your LSU I-20, please view the attachments section of this article and select the resource for either undergraduate or graduate students.
Common Questions
Q: The major listed on my I-20 is different from what I was admitted to. Is my I-20 wrong?
A: LSU and SEVIS use the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for the field/programs of study. LSU assigns a 6-digit code for each program, and that is the number you see after the name under "Major 1" on your I-20. The name of the major in SEVIS and on the I-20 may be different from how LSU names its programs, but your major on the I-20 should be correct. If you have any concerns about the CIP code assigned to your program of study, please contact your LSU academic department for additional information.
Q: Why is my name not in the "passport name" field on my I-20?
A: The passport name field in SEVIS is not a required field, and LSU International Student Services (ISS) will leave it empty for the majority of students. ISS will use the "passport name" field on the I-20 only when the "Machine Readable Zone" (MRZ) does not have your full and complete name. See the Passport sample in the attachments for more information.
Q: How early can I enter the United States with an Initial I-20?
A: According to U.S. Immigration, students with an Initial I-20 can enter the U.S. in the F-1 status no more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on I-20. You can find the "Earliest Admission Date" in the "Program of Study" section of the I-20. See the Understanding Your I-20 document in the attachments for more information. Below is a chart to help you better understand the dates listed in this section of your I-20.
| Earliest Admission Date |
Program Start Date |
Start of Classes |
| The earliest date a new or Initial student can arrive to the United States. |
The date the new student must report to the school. Typically, this is the orientation date for your education level and/or program of study. |
The date classes begin for the first session for which the student is expected to enroll. |
| Student can use this time to get settled in a new time zone, find a place to live, etc. |
As an example: Undergraduate and Graduate students will have the date of the mandatory International Student Orientation program. |
Student is in classes or working on thesis/dissertation; enrolled as full-time student under F-1 regulations. |