Lori Meadows
The I-20 form is a Certificate of Eligibility for non-immigrant students in the US on an F-1 or M-1 student visa. It is an important document that proves you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States and is required for visa applications and re-entry into the country. International students need an I-20 form if they are non-immigrants who have never attended a US school or university, wish to transfer from a US school, change their visa status to F-1, or return from a leave of absence of more than five months. However, some international students maintaining a status other than F-1 in the US may not need an I-20 form.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs an I-20 form? | International students who are non-immigrants and have never attended a school in the US, or are transferring from a US school, or are returning from a leave of absence of more than 5 months, or are changing their visa status to F-1. |
| Who does not need an I-20 form? | International students who are maintaining a status in the US other than F-1, F-2 dependents who want to study full-time, and those with no legal status. |
| When is an I-20 form required? | When applying for a student visa, re-entering the US, applying for a driver's license, or a social security number. |
| What does an I-20 form prove? | That the student is legally enrolled in a US study program and is eligible for an F-1 or M-1 student visa status. |
| What is the process of obtaining an I-20 form? | The student must first be accepted to a SEVP-certified US college or university, then they will receive the I-20 form from the designated school official (DSO). |
| What is the cost associated with the I-20 form? | The student must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and prove they can support the estimated expenses for each year of their program. |
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What You'll Learn
When do I need an I-20 form?
International students need an I-20 form, also known as a "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", to prove that they are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States. It is a multi-purpose document that certifies that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States.
The I-20 form is required for all F and M nonimmigrant visa applications, entry into the United States, travel, and applications for nonimmigrant benefits. Students may receive their initial I-20 form upon program acceptance, and subsequent forms may be issued if there are significant updates to their records, such as changes in biographical data, program dates, or a change of major.
Students must have their original I-20 form at their visa interview and when entering the country. They should not pack it away in their suitcase but keep it on hand. The I-20 form is also required when reapplying for a visa and re-entering the United States. Students must verify that they have a valid travel endorsement on their I-20 form before departing the country.
Additionally, the I-20 form may be needed when applying for benefits available to F and M students, such as a driver's license or a social security number. It is also necessary when applying for a change of status to F or M.
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Who doesn't need an I-20 form?
International students who are not on an F-1 visa do not need an I-20 form. This includes students on F-2 visas, who are dependents of F-1 visa holders. These students can study full-time without an I-20 form, but they must obtain a change of status to an F-1 visa if they wish to do so.
Additionally, students who are not seeking to change their non-immigrant status in the US do not need an I-20 form. For example, if you are already in the US on a different type of non-immigrant visa, such as E, H, I, J, L, M, N, 0, P, R, or S, you do not need an I-20 form to attend school full or part-time. However, dependent children in these visa categories must change their status after their 21st birthday or if they marry.
It is important to note that the requirements for international students to study in the US vary depending on the type of school and course of study. Most students will need either an F or M visa, and all F and M students must have an I-20 form. This form is issued by the designated school official (DSO) at the SEVP-certified school the student plans to attend and is required for paying the I-901 SEVIS fee and applying for the F or M visa. The I-20 form is also used when applying for benefits available to F and M students, such as a driver's license or a social security number, and when re-entering the United States after travelling abroad.
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What does an I-20 form prove?
The I-20 form, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", is a crucial document for international students seeking to study in the United States. This form serves as proof of an individual's legitimate enrolment in a programme of study at an accredited college or university in the US. It is an essential step in obtaining a student visa and facilitating entry into the country.
The I-20 form is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to certified educational institutions in the United States. Once an international student is accepted into an SEVP-approved school, the institution will provide them with this form. The designated school official (DSO) is responsible for signing and delivering the I-20 form to the student. Both the student and the DSO must sign the form, and if the student is under 18, a parent or guardian's signature is required.
The I-20 form is not only necessary for obtaining a student visa but also plays a role in other aspects of an international student's life in the US. It may be required when applying for benefits available to F and M students, such as a driver's license or a social security number. Additionally, the form includes important information, such as the student's program start date, allowing them to enter the US up to 30 days before the commencement of their academic programme.
Furthermore, the I-20 form is essential for maintaining legal status in the United States. Any substantive changes to a student's personal information, programme of study, or practical training details may require an updated I-20 form. This updated form can be obtained from the DSO at the student's educational institution. It is important to keep the most recently issued I-20 form, as it is needed for travel, work, or other purposes.
Additionally, the I-20 form is not just for students but also applies to their dependents. Eligible dependents, such as spouses and children, who plan to accompany the student to the United States, must obtain their own I-20 forms. These forms are necessary for obtaining dependent visas and maintaining legal status in the country during the student's programme.
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How do I get an I-20 form?
International students seeking to study in the United States require an I-20 form, also known as a "Certificate of Eligibility," to prove their eligibility for an F-1 student visa or M-1 student visa. The process of obtaining an I-20 form involves several steps, and it is important to start the process early as it can take a significant amount of time to complete. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an I-20 form:
Step 1: Apply to an SEVP-Approved School
Firstly, you need to apply for admission to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the United States. This is a crucial step, as only SEVP-certified colleges and universities can issue the I-20 form.
Step 2: Get Accepted by the School
Once your application is accepted by the SEVP-approved school, you will receive an official admissions offer. At this point, you can proceed to request your I-20 form.
Step 3: Submit the I-20 Request
Submit your I-20 request to the designated office at your chosen school, such as the Office of Global Services (OGS). This office will guide you through the process and help you initiate the I-20 request. It is recommended to submit your initial I-20 request as soon as possible, as the visa process can be time-consuming.
Step 4: Provide Required Documentation
Along with your I-20 request, you will need to provide certain documents. These typically include financial documents demonstrating your ability to cover the costs of living and studying in the U.S. for each year of your program. You may also need to provide academic records, a passport, and other supporting documents. Ensure that all documents are in the required format, usually PDF or JPEG.
Step 5: Receive the I-20 Form
After submitting your request and required documentation, the school will process your I-20 form. The time taken for processing can vary, but it typically ranges from a few business days to around two weeks. Once your I-20 form is ready, the school will send it to you.
Step 6: Sign the I-20 Form
Both you and a school official, often referred to as a Designated School Official (DSO), must sign the I-20 form. If you are under the age of 18, your parents must sign the form on your behalf.
Step 7: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before your visa interview, you must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee. This fee is separate from your visa application fee and is required for all international students. Keep the payment receipt with your I-20 form, as you will need it during your visa application process.
Step 8: Schedule Your Visa Interview
With your I-20 form and SEVIS fee receipt in hand, you can now schedule your visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Remember to bring all the required documents, including your I-20 form, to the interview.
It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on your chosen school and individual circumstances. Always refer to the specific instructions provided by your school and the U.S. government websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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What happens if I lose my I-20 form?
As an international student, your Form I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe. The form proves that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States and you will need it throughout your F and M student life cycle.
If you lose your Form I-20, you should contact your designated school official (DSO) for a replacement. You can request a reprint of the form if it is damaged, lost, stolen, or if you need it for travel. It is important to note that you are expected to keep all Forms I-20 issued during your academic career and use the most recently issued one for travel, work, or other purposes.
When travelling, always carry your Form I-20 with you and do not pack it in your checked luggage. If you forget your form, you should ask the immigration official for an I-515 upon entry, which will allow your admission in F-1 status for 30 days. Within that time, you will need to obtain another Form I-20 and submit it with your I-94 admission proof to a government office to change your stay to "duration of status".
It is recommended to always have the contact information of your DSO handy in case of an emergency and to make copies of all forms and keep them in a safe place.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you are an international student on an F-1 or M-1 student visa, you need an I-20 form. The I-20 form is a Certificate of Eligibility issued by accredited colleges or universities in the US.
The I-20 form proves that you are a legitimate student studying in the US. It is an important step in getting your student visa and maintaining your visa status.
You need to present your I-20 form when applying for your student visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. You must also have your original I-20 form with you when you enter the US and when re-entering the country after travelling abroad.
You will receive an I-20 form from the Designated School Official (DSO) at the SEVP-certified school you plan to attend. You must receive the form before paying the I-901 SEVIS fee and attending your visa interview.
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