As an international student, you must apply to Columbia University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for student status. The I-20 is required to apply for a student entry visa at a U.S. consulate, to present at a port of entry upon arrival, and to transfer your SEVIS record if you are currently in the United States on an F-1 status. NOTE: SEVIS transfer students must have the current school’s international office transfer your SEVIS record to Columbia before you apply for an I-20 from Columbia.

Application Process: I-20 Certificate of Eligibility

1. As soon as possible, submit your online application for an I-20 to the ISSO by following the steps at: http://isso.columbia.edu. NOTE: All supporting documents must be submitted by email using the address provided on this site.
2. The ISSO will review your documentation and send the I-20 that is required to apply for an F-1 student entry visa at the U.S. Consulate in your home country or, for students who already have F-1 status, to complete the SEVIS transfer process. NOTE: ISSO usually sends out the I-20 forms four (4) weeks after it has received all required documentation and your application is complete.