SEVIS ID: Where to Find It on the I-20 and What It Is For

What You Should Know First

Format: N plus ten digits, for example N0012345678. It is on every I-20 you have received.
It is not the I-20 school code, the I-94 number, the SEVIS fee receipt number or the USCIS receipt number.
Transfers and level changes keep the same SEVIS ID; a new initial I-20 after a status break creates a new one.
The SEVP Portal activation email asks for the SEVIS ID exactly as printed on the current I-20.

Where the SEVIS ID is on Form I-20

Open any Form I-20. In the top left corner, above the student information block, is a line labelled "SEVIS ID" followed by a number beginning with N and ten digits. The same number appears on every page of the I-20 and on the DS-2019 for J-1 students. It does not change between the initial I-20, an OPT I-20 and a STEM OPT I-20 issued by the same school.

Numbers on your documents that are often confused with the SEVIS ID.
Number	Where it is	Format	Used for
SEVIS ID	Top left of the I-20, every page	N + 10 digits	Your SEVIS record
School code	I-20 "School Information" block	Letters and digits like BOS214F00123000	Identifies the school and campus in SEVIS
I-94 number	CBP I-94 website or paper I-94	11 characters	Your most recent admission record
I-901 fee receipt	FMJfee.com confirmation	Payment confirmation	Proof of the SEVIS fee for the visa interview
USCIS receipt number	I-797C notice	3 letters + 10 digits	A USCIS application such as the I-765 for OPT

Sources: Students and the Form I-20

When you need the SEVIS ID

The SEVIS ID appears early and often. You enter it to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before the visa interview, and the consulate matches it to your visa application. Form I-765 for OPT asks for it in the F-1 section. The SEVP Portal invitation email, sent after USCIS approves OPT, asks for the SEVIS ID to activate your account. Employers do not need it; it is not an I-9 document.

Sources: I-901 SEVIS Fee payment; SEVP Portal Help; Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students

I-901 SEVIS fee payment at FMJfee.com, before the visa interview.
Visa application and interview (DS-160 asks for it).
Form I-765 for OPT and STEM OPT.
SEVP Portal activation and login help.
Any email to ISSS about your record: include it so the DSO can find you in SEVIS.

Does the SEVIS ID change?

Not usually. When you transfer to another school, change from a bachelor’s to a master’s at the same school, or move from OPT to STEM OPT, the DSO works in the same SEVIS record and the ID stays the same. The I-901 fee you paid attaches to that record.

A new SEVIS ID is created when a new initial record is made: a reinstatement denied and re-entry on a new initial I-20, a change of status to F-1 approved by USCIS on a new record, a return to the United States after a long absence with a new initial I-20, or a transfer that was not completed before the old record was terminated. A new SEVIS ID usually means a new I-901 fee, and your OPT history is tied to the old record, so ask the DSO how the new record affects OPT eligibility at the same degree level.

Sources: Students and the Form I-20; Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SEVIS

Vinay’s practical note

If you have two I-20s with different SEVIS IDs, use the one on the I-20 that is currently active. The DSO can tell you which record is active; the SEVP Portal will only accept the active one.

Lost your I-20? Getting the SEVIS ID back

The DSO can look up your SEVIS ID and reissue the I-20. Check old emails from the school first; admission packets, OPT I-20 emails and SEVP Portal invitations all contain it. The I-901 payment confirmation from FMJfee.com also shows it. Do not post the number in public forums; combined with your name and date of birth it identifies your immigration record.

Sources: Designated School Officials

Your Action Checklist

Save a scan of every I-20 and note the SEVIS ID.

Use the SEVIS ID from the currently active I-20.

Include it in every email to the DSO.

Keep it off public forums and job applications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Entering the school code or I-94 number where a form asks for the SEVIS ID.
Using an old SEVIS ID after a new initial record was created.
Assuming a transfer gives you a new SEVIS ID and paying the I-901 fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the SEVIS ID on the I-20?

Top left of the first page, labelled "SEVIS ID", starting with N and followed by ten digits. It repeats on every page.

Is the SEVIS ID the same as the SEVIS number?

Yes. "SEVIS number", "SEVIS ID" and "N-number" all refer to the same identifier.

Does my SEVIS ID change when I transfer schools?

No. A completed SEVIS transfer moves the same record to the new school. A new ID is created only when a new initial record is made.

What SEVIS ID does the SEVP Portal want?

The one on your current, active I-20, typed exactly as printed. If the portal rejects it, the invitation may have expired or the record may not be active; contact your DSO.

Official Sources

Rules can change. We checked this guide against the primary sources below; always open the current form instructions or agency page before acting.

SEVIS ID: Where to Find It on Your I-20, What It Is Used For, and What to Do If It Changes