Under normal circumstances, the United States government does not allow I-20s and DS-2019s to be sent electronically. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, exceptions are being made. Only the Primary Designated School Official or the Designated School Officials may sign and send the I-20 in the following methods.
- Physically sign the I-20 and email a scanned version
- Digitally sign the I-20 using electronic signature software or a digitally reproduced copy of a physical signature and email the I-20.
The Department of State has not issued permission to electronically sign DS-2019s. Students should not electronically sign I-20s or DS-2019s.
ISS will continue to issue Form I-20s and DS-2019s, physically sign them and upload copies into the ISS Terra Dotta system. The digital copy of the Form I-20/DS-2019 is a convenience copy. The United States government has not stated how the digital I-20 or DS-2019 can be used. The Department of State has stated that the original DS-2019 is needed for visa issuance or port of entry.
Students will be able to download the digital I-20 in the ISS Terra Dotta system. In rare cases, ISS will email the digital I-20. The I-20 can only be emailed to the student’s email address in SEVIS. While it is possible to send the I-20 or DS-2019 electronically, until we have further guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and/or the Department of State, we recommend that you do not use the digital I-20 or DS-2019 for any official purposes.
As such, ISS will be mailing these original documents to students in the following manner:
- Students currently INSIDE the United States: These students will be able to request regular mail through the United States Postal Service OR Express Shipment through eShipGlobal. They may also request an in-person appointment to pick up their documents. Federal guidelines still prohibit 3rd party collection of documents. To schedule your 10 minute pick-up window, please navigate to https://swan.tamu.edu/iss to schedule your appointment.
- Students currently OUTSIDE the United States: The students will only be able to request their documents to be shipped via eShipGlobal express shipments.
More information about this shift can be found in the following section