What is the I-20 Form?
The I-20 form, officially called the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” is issued by U.S. educational institutions. International students receive their Form I-20 from the designated school official (DSO) after being accepted into a school that is authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The form, which is required for a student visa, is also required in order to enter and pursue an education in the United States.
Who is eligible for I-20 form?
The I-20 form is specifically for international students who intend to study in the United States under the following nonimmigrant visa categories:
- F-1 Visa Holders
The F-1 visa is for international students attending full-time academic programs at SEVP-certified U.S. institutions. It applies to those pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees, as well as students in language training programs.
- M-1 Visa Holders
The M-1 visa is meant for foreigners coming to the US to study full-time in vocational or non-academic programs at SEVP-accredited institutions. This is inclusive of courses in technical, trade, and other specialized career fields.
Before applying for a F or M student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a Student Exchange and Visitor Program-certified institution in the United States.
Upon receiving the letter of acceptance, one is obliged to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then enroll you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and give you an I-20 form.
What is SEVP & SEVIS
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a U.S. government organization that helps to monitor the status of international students in the country. It keeps track of students with F and M visa permits to ensure that they comply with the regulations while studying in the USA. SEVP also performs the administration of SEVIS, an online system that enables the international students and the schools that they attend to stay on track.
SEVIS is a web-based system that maintains information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States. It follows the international students and exchange visitors in the country. Students admitted by the SEVP-approved schools can be entered with an F or M visa.
Steps to Obtain the I-20 Form
Accepted to a US Educational Institution
Get accepted into a U.S. university with SEVP certification by applying. All necessary paperwork, such as exam results, transcripts, and evidence of your English language proficiency, must be submitted to the university.
Provide Financial Documentation
Show that you can afford your living and education costs. Provide financial documentation attesting to your ability to pay for living expenses while residing in the United States. Bank statements, scholarship letters, and other relevant financial records are a few examples of these documents.
Fill out the 1-20 Form
After verification of your financial details and other conditions, the school will give you the I-20 form through SEVIS.
Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
Applicants for F and M visas must pay $350. Using your SEVIS ID number and I-20 form, you can pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online.
All F and M students who intend to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee must submit the following documents:
- Email address, name, address, and date of birth.
- Both citizenship and place of birth.
- School Code as listed on the Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
- The SEVIS ID number mentioned on Form I-20.
Apply for student visa
Once you have your I-20 form, the next step is to apply for a student visa. There are two main types of student visas:
- F-1 Visa: For students enrolled in academic or language training programs.
- M-1 Visa: For students pursuing vocational or technical training programs.
Steps to Apply for a Student Visa
- Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form (DS-160).
Ds-160 form what is it?
For students seeking an F-1 or M-1 student visa to enter the United States, completing the DS-160 form, also known as the “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application,” is essential. Before your visa interview, this online form should be filled out, which asks about your education, travel history, and other personal details. As the student visa is concerned, it is a crucial point to the accuracy of your application. The confirmation page that is generated after the form is filled out must be printed and presented to the interview.
- Schedule a Visa Interview: Book an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Prepare for the Interview: Gather necessary documents, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation, I-20 form, financial documents, and proof of ties to your home country.
- Attend the Interview: Be prepared to answer questions about your study plans and financial status.
- Visa Issuance: If approved, your visa will be placed in your passport.
Note:- Students can only enter the United States 30 days before the Program Start Date listed on their Form I-20, “Certificate Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
Vital Documents for US-bound Students
- Passport and Visa
- Passport: Ensure its valid for at least six months beyond stay.
- Visa: For academic programs, an F-1 pr M-1 visa is required. Make sure you have the I-20 form and the SEVIS fee receipt.
- Admission and Financial Proof
- Admission Letter: A formal letter from your university confirming your admission and enrollment in their program.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements or scholarship letters proving you can cover expenses.
- Academic and Health Records
- Transcripts and Certificates: Copies of your academic transcripts and certificates from previous education.
- Immunization Records: Documentation of your health insurance coverage and vaccination.
- Travel and Accommodation Details
- Flight Tickets: Confirmed flight tickets to the USA.
- Housing Confirmation: Proof of accommodation arrangements, whether on-campus housing or an off-campus rental agreement.
- Emergency and Identification Documents
- Identification: Additional identification like a driver’s license or national ID card.
- Emergency Contacts: List of emergency contacts, including family and your university’s international office.
- Emergency Cash and Payment Methods: Carry a small amount of cash in US dollars, prepaid forex card and international credit/debit cards.
