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It is always great to be accepted by the school of your choice in the USA. After your selection, you need to complete other formalities to realize your dream of studying at your favorite school. Now is the time to apply and do other paperwork to study legally in the USA. By this time, you must have heard about an I-20 form. In this article, we will inform you what an I-20 form is and why you need it. We will also cover each and every aspect related to Form I-20, so, you can understand it better.

What Is The I-20 Form?

Form I-20, also referred to as the Certificate of Eligibility and Nonimmigrant Student Status, is an official document issued by universities. It signals to the U.S. government that you qualify for F-1 or M-1 student status. The universities issuing the I-20 fall under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programs (SEVP).

To obtain an I-20 form, make sure:

1. You fulfill all admission requirements of the university.
2. You intend to pursue full-time studies in a specific program.
3. You can demonstrate full financial capability to fund your education without resorting to illegal work.

Why Do You Need An I-20 Form?

1. The Department of Homeland Security emphasizes the importance of keeping Form I-20 safe throughout the international student life cycle.
2. Obtaining the I-20 form marks a significant step in the immigration process, easing subsequent procedures.
3. While the I-20 form is necessary for a US Student Visa application, having it doesn’t guarantee visa approval; meeting all criteria is essential.
4. The form is crucial for the visa interview, serving as proof of admission to a US school and including essential details about the student and the institution.
5. Form I-20 is integral to various aspects of a student’s journey, from obtaining a visa to pursuing internships and clearing the US immigration process.

Who Needs An I-20 Form?

As a required document proving eligibility for an F-1 or M-1 student visa status in the United States, the I-20 form must be kept during your study program. You need an I-20 if you are:

1. A non-immigrant who has never attended a US school or university.
2. A non-immigrant wishing to transfer from a US secondary school, college, or university.
3. A non-immigrant changing your current visa status to an F-1 visa.
4. A non-immigrant returning from a leave of absence of more than five months from the US.

What Are The I-20 Fees?

The I-20 cost is $200, but it’s recommended to check the official website for any updates on the I-20 cost.

Types Of I-20 Form

TYPE	PURPOSE
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1)	For Academic and Language Students
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1)	For Vocational Students

I-20 Form Structure For International Students

1. Two Types: The I-20 form caters to international students on F1 and M1 visas. F1 is for academic and language courses, while M1 is for vocational courses.
2. Three Pages: The I-20 form comprises three pages, delineating the details needed for visa processing and study program verification.

Page 1	Page 2	Page 3
SEVIS ID	Employment Authorization	Instructions about Payment & SEVIS Details
Student Information	Status Change Information	Other Authentications
Admissions Class	Event History	Travel Signatures
School Information	Other Important Details
Program & Courses
Proof of Finances
Attestation of School
Student Attestation

I-20 Document Requirements

For the I-20 document, you need the following set of documents:

1. Bank Statement: A bank statement showing your financial stability and ability to cover the expenses during your stay in the U.S.
2. Business Sponsors: If your education is sponsored by a business, provide relevant documentation from the sponsoring organization.
3. Intent to Return: You need to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and intend to return after completing your studies. This could include a job offer, property ownership, or family ties.
4. Original Evidence: Provide original evidence of your financial resources, such as certificates of deposit, fixed deposits, or other financial instruments.
5. Relationship Proof: If someone else is sponsoring you, provide proof of your relationship with the sponsor, which could include birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other relevant documents.
6. Passport Copy: Include a copy of your international passport, showing your personal information and validity.

How To Apply For I-20 Form?

Step 1: College gathers financial and identity info post-admission.

Step 2: Student details entered into SEVIS after completing admission.

Step 3: SEVIS processes data, generating the I-20 form.

Step 4: DSO signs and stamps the I-20, sending it to the applicant.

Step 5: Applicant can request changes, DSO amends via SEVIS, generating a new I-20 if needed.

I-20 Form Signature

When you receive the Form I-20, it’s important to note that:

1. The student, upon receipt of the Form I-20, must personally sign the document.
2. In the case where the student is a minor, the student’s parent or legal guardian is required to sign the form on behalf of the student.

For detailed information on I-20 Form Signature, you may fill the form click here.

When To Get I-20 Form?

Once you’ve submitted your documents to the university, it usually takes about one to two weeks to process your I-20 form. You can track the status of your form using the tracking number provided by the university, and the SEVIS number is also included in your form for reference.

Can Changes Be Made In I-20 Form?

Yes, whenever any information the form I-20 changes, a new I-20 form can be issued. 

1. Changes in Personal Details: If there are any modifications to personal information such as name, date of birth, or nationality.
2. Change in Program Dates: When there are adjustments to the expected start or end dates of the academic program.
3. Change in College or University Major: If there is a shift in the student’s major or field of study.
4. Addition of Work Authorization: When the student gains approval for work authorization, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
5. Update on Visa Status: In case of changes to the student’s visa status, including extensions or changes from F-1 to another visa category.
6. Reduced Course Load (RCL): When a student is not enrolled as a full-time student due to reasons such as the final quarter/semester, medical conditions, or academic difficulties.
7. Practical Training (OPT and CPT): Issued when a student is granted authorization for practical training, either Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
8. Leave of Absence and Withdrawal: In the event of a student taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from the academic program.

Processing Time Of I-20 Form

After completing all the required paperwork, it typically takes one to two weeks to process your I-20 form. You will receive a tracking number through email.

Application Process After I-20 Form

Once you receive the I-20 form, the next step is to apply for visa processing. Here we have listed the procedure you can follow after the I-20 form:

1. Fill out DS-160 Form:
   • Complete the online DS-160 form, providing accurate personal and academic details aligning with your passport information.
   • Save the form for future use.
   • Ensure your SEVIS number from the I-20 form is included.
2. SEVIS Payment:
   • Pay the SEVIS fees, approximately 200 USD for international students, using a credit card.
   • Have the following documents ready: SEVIS ID, Birth Country, Date of Birth, Citizenship, and School code (specified on I-20 form).
3. Visa Appointment Scheduled:
   • Schedule both the visa and Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC) appointments by paying 160 USD.
   • Visit the OFC to provide biometrics and photographs before the visa interview.
   • Required documents for OFC: DS-160 Confirmation, I-20 Form, Copy of Passport, Visa Appointment letter, Fees Receipt.
4. Financial Proof:
   • Provide evidence of financial sufficiency for tuition fees and living expenses during your stay in the US.
   • Present full-time one-year tuition fees and living expenses documentation.
5. Prepare For Visa Interview:
   • Focus on presenting yourself confidently during the visa interview, as it significantly impacts the outcome.
   • Ensure you have all essential documents ready for the interview to avoid any issues.

Paying The I-901 Fee After Receiving Form I-20

1. I-901 Fee Payment: After receiving your Form I-20, you’ll need to pay the I-901 fee.
2. Associated with SEVIS: This fee is associated with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), managing non-immigrant student information in the U.S.
3. Purpose: The I-901 fee is crucial for maintaining your student status and supporting the SEVIS system.
4. Cost Contribution: It contributes to the costs of administering the SEVIS program.
5. Payment Online: You can pay the I-901 fee online through the SEVIS website.
6. Timely Completion: Complete this step well before your visa interview or the start of your program.

Frequently Asked Questions

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