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:
- 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.
- Please review the uploaded I-20 to verify that your name and birthday are accurate.
- 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.
- 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.