Can I have I-20s from two schools and choose later?

It is common for students applying for an F-1 visa to be accepted by more than one institution and receive more than one I-20 form. However, the United States immigration system requires you to maintain only one active record in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

This means that even if you initially obtain I-20s from two schools, you will eventually need to choose one to proceed with your visa, and the corresponding record must indicate only the institution where you will actually enroll.

When making your decision, it is important to inform the school you will not attend so that the I-20 can be canceled, thus avoiding possible conflicts or complications with your immigration status. Each institution is responsible for updating your record in SEVIS, and maintaining two active records can raise questions during the visa interview or even later if immigration authorities conduct a verification.

Always remember the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and seeking information from reliable sources. It is crucial to avoid falling for promises of easy or guaranteed solutions, especially those promoted by marketing campaigns that lack transparency about the legal procedures.

In case of doubts, it is worth consulting professionals or institutions specialized in immigration to receive safe and up-to-date guidance without compromising compliance with current regulations.

In summary, although you may receive I-20s from two institutions, the ideal is to choose the school that best aligns with your goals and communicate your decision to both parties to ensure that your SEVIS record is correct and to avoid problems with United States immigration authorities.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.