At a US school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, a designated school official handles the Form I-20 process. Admissions and the DSO team need a shared understanding of what was offered and which applicant details are final.
Close the admissions decision clearly
The handoff should identify the accepted program, campus, start term and any conditions. If an interview informed the decision, retain the reviewer's recommendation and the reason for it with the admissions record. Mark unresolved issues so they are not mistaken for completed checks.
Pass verified facts, not assumptions
Name differences, a changed program or a deferred start date can create confusion between teams. A simple handoff record should show the applicant's confirmed details and who owns any outstanding question. The DSO team can then apply the school's established process for issuing the Form I-20.
- Accepted program and study level
- Campus and intended start date
- Offer conditions and their status
- Contact for applicant follow-up
Keep external rules with their source
The Department of Homeland Security maintains the official SEVP school search, while the Department of State publishes student visa information. College staff can link those sources where applicants need current government instructions without turning an admissions record into a visa decision.