Lana Oconnell
The Form I-20, officially known as the Certificate of Eligibility, is a document that certifies non-immigrant student status for international students enrolled in academic or language programs at accredited colleges or universities in the United States. It is required for students seeking an F-1 or M-1 visa, with the type of visa matching the type of Form I-20. The Form I-20 is issued by the designated school officials of SEVP-certified schools and serves as proof of a student's admission and financial readiness for their studies. It is a crucial step in obtaining a student visa and must be presented upon re-entry into the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Document Name | Form I-20 |
| Document Type | Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students |
| Who needs it? | All F and M students that study in the United States |
| Issuing Authority | University or SEVP-approved school |
| Requirements | Proof of admission and sufficient financial resources for studies |
| Use | Apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate |
| Timing | Should be requested as soon as possible after admission |
| Validity | Allows entry into the U.S. 30 days before the program start date |
| Notes | Must be carried when re-entering the U.S. and can be signed and distributed electronically |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
F-1 student visa requirements
The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and enrol full-time at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Institution certification
The college or university where you plan to study must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and authorised by the US government to accept foreign students.
Full-time enrolment
You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution while your academic term is in session.
English language proficiency
You must meet the required English language proficiency score of the institution you are attending or be enrolled in courses that will help you improve your English proficiency.
Sufficient funding
You must prove that you have sufficient funds available to finance your studies and living expenses while in the US.
Valid passport
Your passport should be valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
Home country residency
You must maintain a residence abroad that you have no intention of giving up and plan to return to following the completion of your degree.
Form DS-160
You must complete the online visa application, Form DS-160, and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Form I-20
You will receive Form I-20, the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", once you have been accepted into an SEVP-certified school. This form is required when applying for an F-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate and for entry into the United States.
Application fee and interview
An application fee and an interview are required for the F-1 visa. You will need to bring your passport, Form DS-160 confirmation page, application fee payment receipt, photo, Form I-20, transcripts, test scores, and proof of ties to your home country and funds to support your studies to the interview.
International Students: No Loans, No Education?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
I-20 form purpose
The Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility", is a document that certifies a student's eligibility for a non-immigrant F-1 or M-1 visa in the United States. The form is issued by accredited colleges or universities to international students who intend to pursue academic or language studies (F-1) or vocational studies (M-1).
The purpose of the I-20 form is to provide proof of a student's legitimate enrolment in a US educational institution and their financial ability to support their studies. It is a crucial step in obtaining an F-1 or M-1 student visa, as it serves as evidence of the student's non-immigrant status and their intention to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Upon acceptance into an SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)-certified school, non-immigrant students will receive their Form I-20 from the designated school official (DSO). This form will include important information such as the student's country of birth and citizenship, the SEVIS identification number, and the program start date.
Students must keep their Form I-20 with them during their stay in the US and present it upon re-entry into the country. Additionally, the form is required when applying for certain benefits, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows eligible F-1 students to gain temporary employment related to their area of study.
It is important to note that the I-20 form is not required for students maintaining a status other than F-1 in the United States. However, for those seeking to change their non-immigrant status to F-1, the form becomes necessary.
Essential Documents: Getting Your SIN as an International Student
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Getting an I-20 form
An I-20 form is a "Certificate of Eligibility" for "Nonimmigrant Student Status" issued by a university to certify that an F-1 student has met admission requirements and has proof of sufficient financial resources for their studies. It is required for applying for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. To obtain an I-20 form, you must be a newly admitted international student who has paid the deposit and completed all requirements in the admissions portal.
- Submit your initial I-20 request as soon as possible: The Office of Global Services (OGS) recommends submitting your initial I-20 request as early as possible, as the visa process can be time-consuming.
- Enroll in an SEVP-approved school: Enroll in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Once your enrollment is accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee: After your enrollment is accepted and you are registered in SEVIS, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee must be paid at least three days before your F-1 visa appointment or entry to the U.S. if a visa is not required.
- Receive your Form I-20: Once you have paid the SEVIS fee and met all the admission requirements, your designated school official (DSO) will issue you a Form I-20.
- Review and sign your Form I-20: Carefully review all the information on your I-20 form to ensure everything is correct. Print and hand-sign the form.
- Schedule a visa interview: After receiving your Form I-20, schedule an appointment for a visa interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Bring your Form I-20, letter of acceptance, I-901 payment receipt, and financial documentation to the interview.
- Maintain your Form I-20: Keep your Form I-20 safe and accessible. You will need to present it upon entering the United States. If your Form I-20 is damaged, lost, or needs updates, your DSO can reprint it for you.
Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on the specific requirements of your chosen educational institution and your country of origin. Always refer to the official websites and guidelines for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
International Students: Summer Course Load at CPP
You may want to see also
Explore related products
I-20 form and travel
The Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", is a mandatory document for all F and M students studying in the United States. It is issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution or a designated school official (DSO) to certify 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 form is required for students to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
The I-20 form is also used as identification and proof of legal and academic status when entering the United States. Students must present their I-20 form, along with their passport and visa, at the port of entry, where a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official will decide to permit or deny admission. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, and the CBP official has the authority to make this decision.
When travelling, it is crucial for students to carry their I-20 form with them. The 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. Additionally, the I-20 is required for re-entering the United States and for reapplying for a visa, if necessary. Students should ensure that they have a valid travel endorsement on their I-20 before departing the country.
For F-1 students with spouses and/or minor children intending to reside with them during their studies, each family member will require an individual Form I-20 to apply for their F-2 or M-2 visas. The student must provide a copy of their F-1 or M-1 visa and proof of relationship. It is important to note that a valid visa is required for each individual, including family members listed in the passport, and separate applications must be submitted for each person.
To summarise, the I-20 form is a crucial document for international students seeking to study in the United States. It certifies their eligibility for nonimmigrant student status and is required for obtaining an F-1 student visa. The form also serves as identification and proof of legal status when entering the country and during their stay in the United States. When travelling, students must carry their I-20 form and ensure it is up to date with any significant changes to their program or personal information.
Scholarships: My Ticket to a Brighter Future
You may want to see also
Explore related products
F-1 visa alternatives
An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for academic students who want to enter the United States as full-time students at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution, or in a language-training program. To obtain an F-1 visa, you must have proof of sufficient financial resources for your studies and meet other criteria, including being proficient in English and having a high school diploma.
- M-1 Visa: This is for vocational students and is similar to the F-1 visa, but for non-academic programs (except language training).
- J-1 Visa: This is for individuals who want to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs. The J-1 visa program allows students, scholars, and professionals worldwide to come to the United States for a limited time to learn, teach, or conduct research in their fields.
- L-1 Visa: This is for employees of multinational companies who are executives, managers, or have specialized knowledge. It is typically granted for three years and can be renewed for up to seven years.
- O-1 Visa: This is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- P-1 Visa: This is for athletes, entertainers, or group performers who have achieved international acclaim in their field.
- E-1/E-2 Visa: This is for citizens of treaty countries who can demonstrate that their business is actively engaged in trade or investment, and they have the funds to invest in a U.S. business.
Additionally, if you are on an F-1 visa and have completed your studies, you may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months, with a possible extension of 24 months for STEM graduates.
International Students at Princeton: Acceptance and Opportunities
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The I-20 is a U.S. immigration document issued by a university to certify that an F-1 student has met admission requirements and has proof of sufficient financial resources for their studies.
The I-20 form is a mandatory document that proves your eligibility for an F-1 student visa or M-1 student visa status in the United States. It is also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility".
The I-20 form is issued by the university or school that the student intends to join, once they have entered the student's information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database.
The Office of Global Services (OGS) recommends submitting your initial I-20 request as soon as possible as the visa process can take a long time.
