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Are you planning to study in the United States? Then you need to know about the I-20 form. The I-20 Form is an essential document for international students who want to pursue higher education in the United States. It is a document that is issued by the educational institution you have been accepted into and is used to obtain an F-1 or M-1 visa, which are student visas. In this blog, we will provide a detailed guide on the I-20 form, including the application process, requirements, cost, processing time, and other important information.

In this blog:

  1. What is the I-20 Form?
  2. What Does an I-20 Form Look Like?
  3. Who Requires an I-20 Form?
  4. What are the Various Uses of Form I-20?
  5. Maintaining Legal Status with an I-20 form
  6. How to Apply for I-20 Form?
  7. Can Changes be Made in Form I-20
  8. What is the Validity of Form I-20?
  9. Frequently Asked Questions about the I-20 Form

What is the I-20 Form?

The I-20 form is a document issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that certifies a student’s admission to a US educational institution. It is an important document for international students who want to apply for a student visa. The I-20 form contains important information about the student, including the name, program start and end dates, academic level, and funding sources.

What Does an I-20 Form Look Like?

The I-20 form is a multi-page document that contains various sections. It includes the student’s biographical information, program information, and financial information. The form also includes a barcode and a unique SEVIS identification number. The SEVIS number is used to track the student’s academic progress and visa status.
Also known as the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” The I-20 form is a crucial piece of paper that allows international students to study in the United States. It’s issued by the educational institution that has accepted you, and it’s like your golden ticket to the land of education dreams!

Who Requires an I-20 Form?

Any international student who wants to study in the United States on an F-1 or M-1 student visa needs to obtain an I-20 form. The F-1 visa is for students pursuing academic programs, while the M-1 visa is for students pursuing vocational or technical programs.The I-20 form is like a backstage pass that shows the US government that you’re eligible to study at a specific educational institution.

What are the Various Uses of Form I-20?

The I-20 form is used for several purposes, including:

  • Applying for a student visa
  • Entering the United States as a student
  • Registering for classes
  • Obtaining a driver’s license or Social Security number
  • Applying for employment on campus

Maintaining Legal Status with an I-20 form

The I-20 form isn’t just a one-time gig – it’s an ongoing commitment. You’ll need to keep your I-20 form up to date, follow the rules of your program, and make sure to extend it if you need more time to complete your studies. 

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How to Apply for I-20 Form?

The application process for an I-20 form involves several steps. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Get Accepted to a US Educational Institution

Before you can apply for an I-20 form, you need to be accepted into a US educational institution. You will need to provide the institution with all the required documentation, including transcripts, test scores, and proof of English proficiency. Check out the school’s website or contact their international student office for the application process and requirements.

Step 2: Receive an Acceptance Letter

Once you have been accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter from the institution. The acceptance letter will contain important information, including your program start and end dates, academic level, and tuition fees.

Step 3: Provide Financial Documentation

Once you’ve been accepted, the school will send you a list of documents you need to provide including financial statements. You will need to provide proof of financial support to cover the cost of your education in the United States. This includes bank statements, scholarship letters, and other financial documents.

Step 4: Fill Out the I-20 Form

Once the institution has received all the required documentation, they will issue an I-20 form through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You will need to complete the form with your personal information, program information, and financial information.

Step 5: Pay the SEVIS Fee

Before you can apply for a student visa, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee. The fee is $350 for F-1 students and $220 for M-1 students. You can pay the fee online or by mail, depending on your preferred method.

Step 6: Receive Your I-20 Form

After you’ve completed the application and paid the SEVIS fee, the school will mail you your I-20 form. It’s important to review the information on the form and make sure everything is correct before moving on to the next steps.

Step 7: Paying the I-901 Fee 

After receiving the I-20 form, international students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. This fee is mandatory for all F and M visa applicants and must be paid before the visa interview. The I-901 SEVIS fee can be paid online, and students must have their SEVIS ID number and I-20 form available to complete the payment.

Step 8: Schedule a Visa Interview

 

With your I-20 form in hand, you can apply for a student visa at the US embassy. Make sure to bring all the required documents, including your I-20 form, proof of financial support, and your passport to your US student visa interview.

Can Changes be Made in Form I-20?

Yes, changes can be made to the I-20 form if there are errors or if there are changes to the student’s program information. This could include changing your major, extending your program duration, or updating your funding information. Keep in mind that there may be fees associated with these changes, so it’s important to stay on top of them.

However, the changes need to be made by the designated school official (DSO) at the educational institution that issued the I-20 form. The DSO will make the necessary changes in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issue a new I-20 form to the student. You’ll need to request an updated I-20 form from your school’s international student office. 

What is the Validity of Form I-20?

The validity of your I-20 form depends on your program duration and the end date listed on the form. The I-20 form is issued for the duration of the student’s program, which is typically four years for undergraduate programs and two years for graduate programs. If you need more time to complete their program, you can request an extension of your I-20 form from your educational institution. Keep in mind that maintaining valid status is crucial for staying in the US legally and avoiding any issues with your visa.

Frequently Asked Questions about the I-20 Form

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about the I-20 form:

  • Can I apply for an I-20 form if I am already in the United States?

No, you can only apply for an I-20 form from outside the United States. If you are already in the United States on a different visa, you will need to leave the country and apply for a student visa from your home country.

  • How long does it take to process an I-20 form?

The processing time for an I-20 form varies depending on the educational institution. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to receive your I-20 form.

  • Can I transfer my I-20 form to a different educational institution?

Yes, you can transfer your I-20 form to a different educational institution if you decide to change schools. However, you will need to notify your current educational institution and obtain a new I-20 form from the new institution.

  • Can I use my I-20 form for multiple visas?

No, each I-20 form is unique to one visa application. If you need to apply for a new visa, you’ll need a new I-20 form.

  • Can I travel outside the US with my I-20 form?

Yes, you can travel outside the US with your I-20 form, as long as it’s valid and you have all the necessary documents for re-entry.

  • What happens if I lose my I-20 form?

If you lose your I-20 form, you’ll need to request a new one from your school’s international student office.

  • Can I transfer my I-20 form to a different school?

Yes, you can transfer your I-20 form to a different school, but you’ll need to follow specific guidelines and get approval from your current school’s international student office.

That’s a wrap on the I-20 form! Remember to keep your I-20 form safe and up to date, and you’ll be ready to rock your way through American academia in no time. The I-20 form is a critical document for international students who want to study in the United States. It is essential to understand the application process, requirements, cost, and processing time to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process. By following the steps outlined in this blog and consulting with your educational institution, you can obtain your I-20 form and begin your educational journey in the United States.

Completing the US student visa process can look like a daunting task with the multiple steps and documentation involved. But, here’s a quick fix–get in touch with one of our visa expert counselors who have helped 170,000 successful students land at their dream universities abroad over the last 3 decades. Book a free counseling session here!

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