F and J I-20 and IAP-66 
Student Exchange Visitors Atlanta Pilot Project
Prior to May 1998

The Department of State announced a pilot test of new procedures for foreign students and exchange visitors to commence in the INS Atlanta district in twenty two selected schools.

The Dept. of State cable describes visa processing issues related to the pilot program, designated by INS as CIPRIS (Coordinated Interagency Partnership for Regulating International Students).

The schools / exchange programs participating in the CIPRIS pilot test are:

Anderson College, Anderson, SC
Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC
Brenau University, Gainesville, GA
Clemson University, Clemson, SC
DeKalb Technical College, Clarkston, GA
Duke University, Durham, NC
ELS Language Centers, Atlanta, GA
Foundation for Academic and Cultural Exchange (FACE), Marietta, GA
Gilford Technical Community College, Greensboro, NC
Mercer University at Macon, Macon, GA
Methodist College, Fayetteville, NC
Midlands State Technical Institute, Columbia, SC
North American Institute of Aviation, Conway, SC
Oakwood College, Huntsville, AL
Samford University, Birmingham, AL
Shaw University, Raleigh, NC
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AL
University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
West Georgia College, Carrollton, GA
Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC

Pilot Forms I-20 and IAP-66

The CIPRIS task force has developed a windows-based software package for schools and exchange programs, which will generate forms I-20 and IAP-66 on a laser printer. The new versions being used in the pilot will be designated I-20P and IAP-66P. The new forms will include machine readable data in a scannable bar code on the right hand edge of the document. (Unfortunately, this bar code is incompatible with current Department of State hardware and software.) Students and exchange visitors who are part of the pilot test population will present these new forms for issuance.

The I-20P and IAP-66P will be printed on blue paper. In addition to the bar code, some of the information on the forms has been modified.

On questions with several options (such as the I-20s question 4, Level of Education), the computer software will print only the selected option, rather than producing the current list of options with check-off boxes. Further, the software will generate a separate I-20/IAP-66 for each dependent, even if they are accompanying the principal applicant.

The I-2 O will also replace the I-20M for M visa applicants participating in the pilot test.

INS has asked participating schools/programs to issue the pilot forms to new admissions for the 1997-8 school year. However, some student/exchange visitors who were accepted early may be holding the regular versions of the I-20/IAP-66, and will not be part of the test population. Likewise, participating schools/programs are not required to convert continuing students to the pilot test (although it is expected that many will do so during the course of the pilot). Therefore, consular officers will accept either version of the I-20/IAP-66 from applicants planning to attend the participating schools/programs.

Consular officers should process visa applications based on the 1-2 O or IAP-66P like other F, M or J visa applications. The I-20P and IAP-66P will be used only in conjunction with the pilot test. Current versions of the I-20 and IAP-66 remain valid for all purposes.

Continuing Students

Another new feature being tested in the pilot program is an INS student identification card (I-868). A student/exchange visitor in the test population holding a valid visa who travels abroad will be able to present the card at the port of entry in lieu of an I-20/IAP-66. A continuing student/exchange visitor in the test population who travels abroad and who needs to apply for a new visa will still require an I-20P or IAP-66P.