Learning about your Immigration Documents

Owned by Yana Mitsos
Jun 27, 2023
3 min read

There are different types of documents you need to maintain your status in the US.

I-20

  • An immigration document for students in F status issued by the University of Tennessee.

  • It must remain valid during your entire program of study. If you cannot finish your program before the expiration date, you must apply for an extension.

  • You may receive more than one I-20; keep ALL I-20s forever in a safe place.

  • Information should always be accurate. If you change your name, major, or degree level, you must request a new I-20 with the updated information.

DS-2019

  • An immigration document for students in J status.

  • Could be issued by UT or could be issued by a sponsoring agency (IIE, LASPAU, etc.).

  • It must remain valid during your entire program of study.

  • Information should always be accurate. If any information changes, you must request an updated DS-2019.

  

Visa

  • Only needed to enter the US.

  • Can expire while inside the US. if your other documents are still valid.

  • You cannot apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa while inside the US.

  • Always be sure that you enter the US. with the appropriate visa.

Passport

  • Must remain valid at all times (be sure it is valid for at least 6 months in the future).

  • If it is about to expire, contact your home government’s embassy or consulate to renew or extend.

I-94

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