This page provides an overview of each section of the I-20, including biographic information, academic program, and funding details as an F-1 student.
Section 1
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SURNAME/PRIMARY NAME
UW–Madison will list your name as shown in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) section at the bottom of the biographical page of your passport.
If you only have one name, your name will be put in the surname field and the GIVEN NAME field will be blank. Learn more about I-20 name conventions and the MRZ.
PREFERRED NAME
This section is not required and may be left blank.
PASSPORT NAME
This section is not required and may be left blank.
FORM ISSUE REASON
This field will list one of the following:
| Initial Attendance | You did not have an active SEVIS ID before you received your new I-20 from UW–Madison. |
| Transfer Pending: [Academic Institution] | You are transferring your active SEVIS ID from another academic institution in the United States. |
| Continued Attendance | You have an Active SEVIS ID# |
| Change of Status | You are changing status from one nonimmigrant status to F-1 |
| Reinstatement | You failed to maintain your F-1 status and are applying with USCIS to correct or “reinstate” your F-1 status. |
ADMISSION NUMBER
This field is not required and may be left blank.
Section 2
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SCHOOL OFFICIAL TO CONTACT UPON ARRIVAL
After arriving in the United States using your new UW–Madison I-20, you will notify our office of your arrival by completing International Student Orientation (ISO) on Canvas and ISS Check-In on Terra Dotta; you do not need to directly contact your DSO. You can read more about the post-arrival check-in process here.
MAJOR
The degree name listed in this field may be different than that of your UW–Madison program. This field lists the CIP code that corresponds to your UW–Madison major. You can read more about CIP codes here.
PROGRAM START/END DATE
The program length listed in this field follows the UW–Madison Guide, which you can view here. If the Guide describes that a program length ranges from “12-16 months,” for example, then your I-20 will list the shorter length.
Section 3
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ESTIMATED AVERAGE COSTS
| 8 MONTHS | Your I-20 has a Fall or Spring start date with optional Summer enrollment. |
| 12 MONTHS | Your I-20 either has a Summer start date OR your I-20 has a Fall or Spring start date and you are participating in an accelerated masters program with mandatory summer enrollment. |
For students in the VISP program participating in short-term non-degree study, your I-20 may list 1-4 MONTHS.
TOTAL
The total amount shown here confirms that you have satisfied the minimum funding requirements for one year of your program. For example, if the required estimated costs for one year of your academic program are 62000 USD, even if you submitted 70000 USD in proof of funding with your New F-1 Student Request, the total will only list 62000 USD. This is normal and will not be an issue during your visa interview.
Section 4
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TRAVEL SIGNATURE
This section will be left blank if the Form Issue Reason on Page 1 is “Initial Attendance,” “Transfer Pending,” “Change of Status,” or “Reinstatement.” Your I-20 is valid for your initial entry into the United States. After you enter the United States, DO NOT depart the United States until your academic program has started and you have received a new I-20 with the Form Issue Reason as “Continued Attendance” and a travel signature in section 4.