In order to enroll international (non-immigrant) F-1 international students a school must be Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Certified. Having the SEVP certification allows institutions to issue the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” to international students after admitting them for a course of study. The international student then uses the Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 Visa to enter the United States.
School Types Eligible to Enroll F Students:
- College or University
- Community College or Junior College
- Seminary
- Conservatory
- Academic High School
- Private Elementary School (grades kindergarten-eight)
- Institution which provides language training
- Instruction in liberal arts or fine arts
- Instruction in the professions
- Instruction or training in more than one of these disciplines
A listing of schools able to issue I-20s to international students can be found at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search
Schools Types Ineligible for SEVP Certification:
- Home School
- Preschool or Day Care
- Public Elementary School (grades kindergarten-eight)
- Schools whose programs are primarily distance or online and do not require physical attendance for classes
- Examination or other purposes also known as test preparation programs
- Adult education programs
- Flight school that is not Part 141 or Part 142 certified by the Federal Aviation Administration