<p>So, I just got the I-20. Sadly, on the part that states when I must arrive it says "no later than the 14th of August". Yet, my classes begin until the 27th and it's a note in the I-20. Is it really obligatory for me to arrive on the 14th or before? </p>
<p>Your college probably has a mandatory orientation session that starts on the 14th. </p>
<p>Regardless, if your I-20 states that you have to arrive by the 14th, you have to arrive by the 14th or the IO can turn you away at the port of entry.</p>
<p>Can you go back to the US consulate/embassy and request a modification of the entry date deadline?</p>
<p>The reporting date is set by the university, not the consulate that issues the visa. </p>
<p>If the stated reporting date is impossible to do for the OP, he needs to get in touch with the international student office at his university. It may be possible for them to make special arrangements and push his reporting date back a few days. (For example, the international student office is legally required to meet with all incoming F-1 students. Many universities have a dedicated international student orientation for this purpose that happens 1-2 weeks before classes start. However, in special circumstances, one of the office staff may be willing to meet with a student one-on-one after the official orientation for everyone else.) </p>
<p>If the university agrees to push the OP’s reporting date back, they would issue a new I-20 with the updated reporting date. </p>