Questions from Designated School Officials: International Student Transcript Submissions

January 14, 2013

Questions from Designated School Officials is a blog series on Study in the States for designated school officials (DSOs). Each Monday, we will answer a question that will help you help your F and/or M students. If you are a DSO and would like to submit a question, email SEVPCommunications@ice.dhs.gov with the subject line “Questions from DSOs.” The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may edit questions for clarity and consistency. We may not feature all submissions on Study in the States.

Question: When does an F-1 student need to submit a transcript to a school?

Answer: School officials must receive and evaluate a student’s transcripts and records before the DSO may issue a Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status.”

SEVP has no requirement for an F-1 student to submit an original transcript. Some schools require original transcripts while others will accept copies.