SEVIS is the database in which the U.S. government keeps information on all non-immigrant students. Your DSO uses SEVIS to create a unique I-20 for you and to update the U.S. government on your progress in your Program of Study. Your SEVIS ID is the number assigned to you and information about you. It begins with the letter N and is at the top of your I-20. This will be listed on your F-1 visa when it is issued.

This is what you are in the U.S. to do, what you are studying. If you are learning English, your Education Level will say "Language Training". If you are studying for a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, it will say your Education Level is Bachelor and your major is Chemistry. If you change your program, you receive a new I-20. If you change your major, you receive a new I-20. It should always be up-to-date with the actual courses you are taking.

This is the date you first begin classes in the U.S. You are allowed to enter the country up to 30 days before this date but you should report to your school that you have arrived in the U.S. even if you plan to travel first. Check-in and Orientation happen before the start of classes and both are required.

You should not arrive after Program Start Date or you may be denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

The Form I-20 is a contract between you and the United States of America. Page 3 of your Form I-20 contains some of the more important rules that the U.S. government wants you to know and follow. Read through.