I-20 Shipping/Sharing Information

Note: This information has been updated as of March 30 2020 to reflect new processes during COVID-19.

We are happy to prepare your I-20 for you and provide an electronic copy of the final, signed I-20.  However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic we cannot safely and reliable send international shipments at this time.  A signed electronic copy of your I-20 can be made available to you through your ISSS Portal using the directions below.

 

Here are the steps to take related to getting your signed electronic UMBC I-20 copy:
  1. UMBC’s ISSS team will contact you via email when your I-20 is ready.  The directions will ask you to view an uploaded draft I-20 in your ISSS Portal.  Please note, this draft I-20 will not be signed.
  2. Please review the uploaded I-20 to verify that your name and birthday are accurate.
  3. If the details are correct, email isss@umbc.edu to request a signed, final I-20 copy.  Please include your full name and/or UMBC campus ID.
  4. Our team will upload the signed I-20 to your ISSS Portal within a few business days of your request and notify you so you can access it.

 

Can I use this electronic copy of a signed I-20 to apply for a visa?

Yes, the electronic copy of the signed I-20 WILL be accepted for visa appointments, you can print the signed I-20 copy out to carry with you to your visa appointment.  You can also use it to enter the US.

All students that have been issued a UMBC I-20 electronically will also receive this letter to print and carry with you anytime you need to use the electronic I-20:

UMBC Electronic I-20 Statement

 

Can I schedule a visa appointment with this I-20?

Yes, you can!  The SEVIS ID on your I-20 is used to schedule your visa appointment, and will not change once we have issued you an I-20, even if you don’t have a hard copy document.  Once Embassies start scheduling appointments again, you are welcome to schedule an appointment right away with the information on your signed I-20 copy.

 

Can I enter the US with an electronic copy of a signed I-20?

Yes, the electronic copy of the signed I-20 WILL be accepted to enter the US. All students that have been issued a UMBC I-20 electronically will also receive this letter to print and carry with you anytime you need to use the electronic I-20:

UMBC Electronic I-20 Statement

 

If I defer my admission to a new semester, do I need a new I-20?  What if I will attend my first semester remotely from home?

Your I-20 has a program start date that must reflect the first semester you will be PHYSICALLY on UMBC’s campus.  If you have been issued an I-20 for Fall 2020 but will not physically come to UMBC’s campus until a later semester, please email isss@umbc.edu and we will work with you to adjust your I-20.