The Form I-20 or DS-2019 is required for a student to apply for the F-1 or J-1 visa stamp at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad and to request admission into the U.S.
These forms are issued through the U.S. government’s SEVIS database (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and are created by ISSS for study at UNC-CH once a student has been admitted and submitted all other required documents. The Form I-20 or DS-2019 along with the I-94, are the documents that indicate an individual has been lawfully admitted into the U.S. or has been approved for a change of status within the U.S. They document the amount of time it normally takes to complete the course of study to which they have been admitted. Students who have not completed their course of study by the date indicated on Form I-20 or DS-2019 must apply for an extension prior to the current date of expiration. Form I-20 and DS-2019 also indicate a student’s level and field of study so if any of this information changes the form must be amended.