UNIVERSITY ADMISSION VERSES FORM I-20 ELIGIBILITY and ISSUANCE
The admissions process and issuance of the certificate of eligibility are separate. The international applicant must be officially admitted to the University before the immigration phase can begin. The Admissions process certifies that the student applicant has met all academic requirements to receive acceptance to the University in a degree seeking program.
International students who receive acceptance (admission) to the University do not automatically become eligible for issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). Applicants must also satisfy all immigration and university requirements/regulations governing eligibility for issuance of the Form I-20.
Determining Eligibility for I-20 Issuance
The admissions decision must be made by the official or officials normally responsible for admissions at the school. [8 C.F.R. 214.3(k)(4)]
The admission decision must be based on a determination by the appropriate school authority that “the prospective student’s qualifications meet all standards for admission”. [8 C.F.R. 214.3(k)(3)]
The prospective F-1 student must actually be admitted by the University for a full-course of study before an I-20 can be issued.
CONDITIONAL OR PROVISIONAL ADMISSION
By signing Form I-20 at item 10, a DSO affirms ‘under penalty of perjury’ that a school official has examined the student’s academic records and financial documentation and has determined that the student meets “all standards for admission” to the school.
Generally, a DSO cannot issue Form I-20 until all conditions for admission have been met. [8 C.F.F. 214.3(k)(3)/ OI 214.3(n)(4)]. If the school has a conditional or provisional admission policy, in order for an I-20 to be issued the condition or provision must be specifically referenced as stated in the admission policy.
If a school has a conditional or provisional admission policy, the nature of the admission would have to be carefully examined when determining if an I-20 could be issued on the basis of such an admission.
Special Emphasis: If the school does not have a conditional or provisional admission policy, applicants pending provisional/conditional admission would not be eligible for issuance of an I-20. In addition, no student will be issued an I-20 if the condition or provision does not meet the standards established by Immigrations for document issuance.
Term
DSO – Designated School Official: The International Students and Scholars Office staff are the designated school officials for North Carolina A&T State University through Immigrations.
