Lori Meadows
International students who wish to study in the United States require an I-20 form, also known as a Certificate of Eligibility, to obtain an F-1 or M-1 student visa. The I-20 form is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to SEVP-certified colleges and universities in the US, and it certifies that the student has been admitted and has sufficient financial resources for their studies. To receive an I-20 form, students must first be accepted by an accredited college or university, provide proof of financial support, and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Once issued, the I-20 form is required for the visa interview and when entering the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required for | F and M nonimmigrant visa applications, entry into the United States, travel, and applications for nonimmigrant benefits |
| Issued by | Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to certified colleges and universities in the US |
| Purpose | Proves that the holder is a legitimate student who is enrolled in an accredited college or university |
| Required for | Obtaining an F-1 student visa or status or to keep lawful F-1 status when transferring or changing schools within the US |
| Issued to | Newly admitted international students who have paid a deposit and completed all requirements in their admissions portal |
| Issued by | Designated School Official (DSO) at the school or university where the student plans to enroll |
| Required before | Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee |
| Required during | Visa interview at the US consulate/embassy in the student's home country |
| Required when | Entering the US |
| Required for | Dependents of the student |
| Required when | Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Understanding the I-20 form
The Form I-20 is a vital document for international students wishing to study in the United States. It is a Certificate of Eligibility for nonimmigrant student status, issued by accredited colleges or universities in the US for international students on an F-1 student visa or M-1 student visa. The form is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to certified colleges and universities in the US. The I-20 form proves that a student is enrolled in an accredited college or university. It is a required document that shows eligibility for an F-1 or M-1 student visa, based on documented funds and academic records.
The I-20 form is issued by the designated school official (DSO) at the school or university where the student plans to enrol. The DSO is responsible for signing and delivering the form. It is important to note that there are two types of I-20 forms, depending on the type of visa and academic program: Form I-20 for Academic and Language Students, and Form I-20 for Vocational Students. While the two forms cater to different academic programs, they contain the same information.
The I-20 form is required for any eligible dependents an international student plans to bring to the United States. It is also important for maintaining lawful F-1 status when transferring or changing schools within the US. The form lists the program start date, and students are allowed to enter the US 30 days before this date. F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the course start date. Students must have the original, signed form when entering the country and at their visa interview.
To obtain an I-20 form, students must first be accepted by an accredited college or university. The institution must be SEVP-certified. The college or university will then confirm the student's personal information and ensure they have sufficient funds to cover their costs during their stay in the US. The student must then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to obtain their F-1 or M-1 student visa. The I-20 form is a crucial part of the visa application process and must be kept with the student during their stay in the US.
International Students Thriving at the University of Chicago
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for an I-20 form, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the US. The institution must be SEVP-certified.
- You must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of your studies and living expenses in the US. This includes any additional funding for a spouse and/or dependent children, if applicable.
- You must have proof of academic eligibility, including transcripts and other relevant documentation.
- You must be accepted by the college or university.
- You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- You must obtain the correct type of student visa (F-1 or M-1) that matches your I-20 form.
- You must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
- You must demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country after your studies are complete.
- You must have the I-20 form with you upon entering the US and during your stay in the country.
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements for an I-20 form may vary slightly depending on the specific institution and your individual circumstances. Therefore, it is always recommended to carefully review the instructions and requirements provided by the school and the U.S. government.
Tuition Waiver Programs: Eligibility for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Application process
The I-20 form is a required document for international students who want to study in the US on an F or M student visa. The form is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to SEVP-certified colleges and universities in the US. The I-20 form proves that the applicant is a legitimate student enrolled in an accredited college or university. It also serves as a Certificate of Eligibility for F or M visa status, demonstrating that the student is eligible to apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa based on their documented funds and academic record.
Step 1: Apply to an SEVP-Certified School
First, research and identify SEVP-certified colleges or universities in the US that offer your desired program of study. Submit your application to the school(s) of your choice and await their response.
Step 2: Acceptance and Registration
Once your application is accepted by an SEVP-certified school, you will receive notification of your acceptance. At this point, you will need to confirm your enrollment by following the instructions provided by the school. This may include paying an enrollment deposit or submitting additional documentation.
Step 3: I-20 Request
After confirming your enrollment, you can initiate the I-20 request process. Contact the designated school official (DSO) at your chosen school and submit your request for an I-20 form. You may be required to submit additional documentation or proof of financial ability to support yourself during your studies.
Step 4: Receipt of I-20 Form
Upon approval of your I-20 request, the DSO at your school will provide you with the completed I-20 form. This form will include important information such as your program start date and the date you are allowed to enter the United States (up to 30 days before the start of your program).
Step 5: SEVIS Fee Payment
Before proceeding further, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee must be paid at least three days before your visa appointment or entry to the US if a visa is not required. Print at least two receipts, as you will need to present the receipt (Form I-797) at your visa appointment and keep it with your I-20 forms.
Step 6: Visa Application and Interview
With your I-20 form in hand, you can now apply for your F-1 or M-1 student visa. Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, you must present your I-20 form, letter of acceptance, I-901 payment receipt, and financial documentation.
It is important to note that obtaining an I-20 form and visa can be a time-consuming process, so it is recommended to start the application process as early as possible. Additionally, ensure that you carefully review and follow all instructions provided by the school and consular officials.
How International Students Can Get a SSN
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee
To issue an I-20 form to an international student, the student must first be admitted to the university. Once admitted, the student must request an I-20 form and provide proof of financial support for their entire stay in the US. The student must also obtain a Form I-20 for any eligible dependents they plan to bring with them.
All prospective F and M students must pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee before the Department of State issues a visa. This fee can be paid by visiting FMJfee.com and accessing the SEVIS Form I-901. Students can also watch a video on the website that outlines each step of the payment process.
Students will need to provide the following information to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Country of birth and country of citizenship
- School Code as listed on the Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”
- SEVIS Identification Number as listed on the Form I-20
Students from Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or the Gambia must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or certified check drawn from a US bank. All other prospective F or M students can pay by credit card.
Students must present proof of their I-901 SEVIS Fee payment at their visa interview. They can print a receipt of payment from FMJfee.com. If students have already paid the I-901 fee with a previous SEVIS record and wish to change campuses, they may request to transfer the payment to the new SEVIS record.
Spouse Visas: Can International Students Bring Their Partners?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visa interview
International students require a Form I-20, a U.S. immigration document issued by a university, to obtain an F-1 student visa or status or to maintain lawful F-1 status when transferring or changing schools within the U.S. The form certifies that the student has met admission requirements and has proof of sufficient financial resources for their studies.
To apply for an F-1 student visa, students must make an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. consulate/embassy in their home country. Students should prepare for their visa interview by gathering the necessary documents and practising their interview answers.
Documents
The following documents are required for the visa interview:
- Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," with an original signature.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States.
- Form DS-160, "Nonimmigrant Visa Application," confirmation page.
- Evidence of academic preparation, such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from previously attended schools, and standardised test scores required by the U.S. school.
- Proof of financial ability to pay educational, living, and travel costs.
Interview Questions
Interviewers will ask questions to determine whether the student qualifies for a visa and to understand their academic skills and reasons for choosing a particular university. Potential interview questions include:
- Why did you choose the U.S. for university?
- What do you plan to study in the U.S?
- What area of study do you want to major in?
- Why did you choose this university?
- How many different universities did you apply to?
- Have you been to the U.S. before, and if so, why?
International Students Thriving in London: A Large Community
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The I-20 form is a "Certificate of Eligibility" for F visa status, showing the U.S. government that an international student is eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa.
Once you have been accepted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified college or university, you will receive an I-20 form from the designated school official (DSO) at the school.
You will need to provide proof of financial ability and academic record. The financial requirements are not negotiable and represent a modest average budget.
You should apply for an I-20 form as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for an F-1 visa. The I-20 application process takes time, so it is important to start collecting information and documents early.
After receiving your I-20 form, you can schedule a visa interview at your closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You will need to bring your I-20 form, letter of acceptance, I-901 payment receipt, and financial documentation with you to the interview.
