Immigration Documents

F-1 and J-1 students have a variety of immigration documents that are used for different purposes, such as travel and re-entry, proof of status, and the authorized period of stay.
Because these documents may have different expiration dates and requirements to maintain, it is important to understand what each document is used for and to regularly review them for accuracy and validity.

Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record”

Form I-94 is your official U.S. arrival and departure record.

Each time students enter or leave the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updates your I-94 record.

After every entry to the U.S., students should look up your I-94 online and make sure the information is correct, including their immigration status and most recent entry date and learn the "Admit Until Date" listed. The I-94 serves as proof that students were lawfully admitted to the U.S. in a student visa status.

F-1 / J-1 Visa Stamp

The F-1 or J-1 visa stamp is the sticker issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and placed in a student's passport.

Its primary purpose is to allow a student to enter or re-enter the United States in F-1 or J-1 status. Students should ensure they have a valid visa stamp when traveling internationally if they plan to return to the United States to resume their studies.

The visa expiration date does not determine how long a student may remain in the United States and may not match the program end date on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, or Form I-94 AUD date. A student's immigration status and authorized stay are determined by the most recent Form I-94.

*Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require a visa stamp as F-1/J-1 status is obtained at the U.S. Port of Entry

Form I-20

A Form I-20 is a multi-page "Certificate of Eligibility" (PDF) issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at Babson College.

Page 1 contains a student's biographical information, information about the student's academic program, including degree level, major, and expected program completion as well as financial information.

Page 2 contains employment authorization and travel endorsements based on an individual's situation.

Page 3 contains the student attestation and information for students and schools. Students should review this page before signing their Form I-20.

Important: While Form I-20 reflects a student's eligibility for F-1 status, it does not by itself grant or prove current immigration status in the United States. A student's most recent Form I-94 determines the visa status in which the student was admitted and the authorized period of stay in the U.S. It is important to review Form I-94 for accuracy.

Form DS-2019

The Form DS-2019 is a multi-page "Certificate of Eligibility" (PDF) issued by Babson College as the program sponsor to students or scholars participating in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

Page 1 contains an Exchange Visitor's biographical information, J-1 program details, funding information, and the dates of the exchange program. Form DS-2019 is required to apply for a J-1 visa stamp and enter the United States in J-1 status.

Page 2 contains the exchange visitor attestation and information that should be reviewed by the exchange visitor before signing their Form DS-2019 on page 1.

Important: While Form DS-2019 reflects a student's eligibility for J-1 status, it does not by itself grant or prove current immigration status in the United States. A student or scholar's most recent Form I-94 determines the visa status in which the individual was admitted and the authorized period of stay in the U.S. It is important to review it for accuracy.