Lana Oconnell
International students seeking to study in the United States must obtain a student visa, which can be a complex process. The Form I-20, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility, is a crucial document for international students as it certifies their admission to a full-time study program and demonstrates their financial capacity to cover their stay in the US. This form is necessary for applying for an F-1 student visa, which is the most common visa type for international students pursuing academic degrees in the US. The I-20 form is issued by the student's university and serves as proof of their legal and academic status. Obtaining this form is a prerequisite for the visa application process and facilitates entry into the country. Additionally, the I-20 form is essential for maintaining legal status, making travel arrangements, and seeking employment opportunities while studying in the US. Understanding the role of the I-20 form is vital for international students aiming to adjust their status and pursue their academic goals in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of I-20 form | A document issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States |
| Other names for I-20 form | Certificate of Eligibility |
| Who needs an I-20 form | International students seeking an F-1 visa status |
| Who does not need an I-20 form | Students maintaining a status in the United States other than F-1 |
| When to apply for an I-20 form | After receiving an admission offer and paying the required deposit |
| Where to get an I-20 form | The school the student plans to attend |
| How to get an I-20 form | By submitting an e-form and the required documents to the school |
| Processing time for I-20 form | Up to 15 business days |
| Validity of travel endorsement on I-20 form | One year for multiple visits outside the United States |
| Adjustment of status using I-20 form | Students can apply for a change of nonimmigrant status (F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2) using Form I-539 and submitting evidence of financial support |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa status
The F-1 visa is the most common visa status used by students in the US. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school. Once accepted, the school will issue a Form I-20, or "Certificate of Eligibility", which certifies that the student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the US. Students then need to apply for an F-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate.
To maintain F-1 status, students must attend all their classes and maintain normal academic progress. They must also maintain a full course of study each term, except during official school breaks or if approved under a specific exception in advance by their OVIS advisor. Students must also make normal progress toward their degree by completing their studies on or before the expiration of the program completion date on their Form I-20.
F-1 students must also be mindful of the grace period rules, which allow them to enter the US no more than 30 days before the start date of their course of study and give them 60 days after the completion of their program to leave the US. Additionally, F-1 students must complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school to be eligible for annual vacation.
F-1 students seeking employment may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is temporary employment directly related to their area of study. To be eligible for OPT, students must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and must apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
If an F-1 student wishes to extend their stay in the US beyond the date on their Form I-20, they should speak with their Designated School Official (DSO) about their options. This may include transferring to another school, changing their education level, or applying to change status to another visa classification.
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Transferring SEVIS records
Transferring to a new school means transferring your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record to that new school. This process is necessary to allow SEVIS and nonimmigrant students to maintain their original SEVIS ID and history.
F-1 students may transfer their studies to another school during either one of two conditions: during an academic program, or after completing an academic program and before starting a different degree program or level. F-1 students may only transfer to another F-1 SEVIS-certified school.
To transfer your SEVIS record, you must notify the designated school official (DSO) at your current school of your wish to transfer. You should provide the DSO with the following:
- Written confirmation of acceptance to the new school
- Written request/permission to begin the transfer
- SEVIS school code for the transfer-in school
- Contact information for the new school's DSO
The DSO will then transfer your SEVIS record to the new school. This process will set a date on which responsibility for your student record transfers and will deactivate your record at the old school, transferring it to the new school.
It is important to note that the transfer process may affect your F-1 benefits, including employment, travel, and I-20 validity. Additionally, if you are currently authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must choose carefully when deciding on your "transfer out" date, as OPT authorization ends on this date, even if your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card has not yet expired.
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Changing non-immigrant status
If you are an international student in the United States and wish to change your non-immigrant status, there are several steps you must follow. Firstly, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a change of status. This includes being lawfully admitted to the United States with a valid non-immigrant visa, not having violated the conditions of your status, and not having committed any crimes that would make you ineligible.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you must submit an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change your non-immigrant status. You can file Form I-539, "Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status." It is important to note that not all non-immigrant classifications are eligible to change to student status, so review the instructions carefully. If you are already in the United States and wish to change your status to attend a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, you must first apply to and gain acceptance from the SEVP-certified school.
After receiving acceptance, you will need to obtain Form I-20, the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form is issued by the SEVP-certified school, and the designated school official (DSO) should indicate “change of status” in the Issue Reason section of Form I-20. Form I-20 certifies that you have been admitted to a full-time study program and have demonstrated sufficient financial resources to support your stay in the United States. It is important to note that if you are changing your status from B-1/B-2 to F or M student, you must refrain from enrolling in or beginning your studies until USCIS has approved your change of status.
Additionally, if you are an F-1 student authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must have Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). OPT allows for temporary employment directly related to your area of study.
Remember, until you receive approval from USCIS for your change of non-immigrant status, do not assume that your status has been approved, and do not change your activities in the United States. Be prepared to adhere to the conditions of your previous status until your application is approved.
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Applying for a visa
To study in the US as an international student, you must get a student visa. The most common types of student visas are F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.
To apply for a visa, you must first apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the United States. Once accepted, the school's designated official will send you a Form I-20, which is a record of your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. This form is also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" and is required to apply for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
After receiving your Form I-20, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. You will then need to print the application form confirmation and bring it to your visa interview, along with your Form I-20 and other required documents.
It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. Upon arrival, a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify your information and determine if you may enter the country.
While studying in the US, you must fulfil the purpose of your visa and follow all associated regulations to maintain your student status. Most employment and training opportunities require authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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Travel endorsements
International students on an F-1 visa need Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility", to apply for a student visa at a US embassy or consulate. The form is issued by a US government-approved educational institution, confirming that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the US.
International students on an F-1 visa need to ensure that they have a valid travel endorsement on their Form I-20 when travelling abroad and re-entering the US. This endorsement serves as confirmation that the student is maintaining their F-1 status. It is a signature from the Designated School Official (DSO) or an ISS advisor, located on page 2 of the Form I-20 for F-1 students. This signature is valid for one year for multiple visits outside the US and can be obtained from the school's international student office.
Students should request a travel endorsement at least 10 business days before their trip to allow for processing time. Newly admitted students will not have this endorsement, so it is important to request it before planning any international travel. If a student's travel plans do not allow enough time to receive a new document, they may have to change their anticipated return date or travel without a valid travel signature. In the latter case, a Customs and Border Protection officer may issue an I-515 form, allowing temporary admittance to the US for 30 days, during which the student must obtain an updated Form I-20.
Students should also be aware that travel endorsements are only valid for up to 12 months (6 months for F-1 OPT), and their passport must be valid on the date of entry to the US. If a student's program of study changes, they may need to request a new Form I-20 with an updated travel endorsement.
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Frequently asked questions
The I-20 form is a multi-purpose document issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution, certifying 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 allows an individual to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. It is also used as identification and proof of legal and academic status once the student has arrived in the United States.
All admitted students who will be studying with an F-1 visa need an I-20 form in order to move forward with the visa process. However, if a student is maintaining another nonimmigrant status in the United States, they do not need an I-20 form.
After being admitted to a SEVP-approved school, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will then issue you a Form I-20.
Yes, a student can acquire F-1 status using the Form I-20. However, the I-20 must be issued for a change of status and not initial entry. The student can then apply to USCIS for a change of nonimmigrant status if they are already in the United States and cannot travel.
