What is I-20 application form

Thinking about pursuing higher education in the USA? Then let’s talk about the one key document you will need, even before you apply for your student visa. The I-20 Form – a multi-purpose document, provided by your SEVP-certified university or college in the USA. 

The I-20 Form is the first step to securing an F-1 or M-1 student visa for international students. Beyond that, it is also required for maintaining a legal student status, and applying for work permits and driver’s licenses.

What is I-20 Form 

Form I-20, otherwise known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is a mandatory document for all international students who wish to study in the United States. This document is issued by SEVP-certified schools. It verifies that the student has been accepted to an academic institution and has enough funds to support their education. 

I-20 Form Sample

Your Form I-20 will include a program start date and program end date. The start date can be 30 days before the commencement of your program. The end date typically indicates the accepted time frame for completion of the program. You can apply for an extension, before the mentioned end date.

Types of I-20 Forms

There are two main types of I-20 forms.

Form I-20 for F-1 Visa:

This form is given to foreign students admitted to academic or language programs. It is used for undergraduate, graduate, and English as a second language programs.

Form I-20 for M-1 Visa:

This form is given to students enrolling in vocational or technical courses. It is used for non-academic programs like mechanical technology, cooking, or beauty culture.

Both forms keep information like SEVIS ID, program length, financial estimates, and the particulars of the school. Students should maintain compliance with visa regulations to keep their status valid.

Importance of the form I-20

The I-20 form is not just a document for visa application. It establishes a crucial link between an international student and the United States’ educational institutions. Form I-20 reflects a student’s commitment to academic pursuits and compliance with immigration laws. It also facilitates access to basic services such as banking, travelling, and working.

Key Reasons Why Form I-20 is Important

1. The I-20 form is mandatory for a Student Visa Application. It is necessary for the petition for F-1 or M-1 visas in a US embassy or consulate.

2. It serves as proof of acceptance into a SEVP-certified US school.

3. It serves as a financial verification document, ensuring students have adequate funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

4. It is a mandatory document for SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) registration.

5. It must be presented at the port of entry for gaining admission into the USA. as a student.

6. It helps students adhere to the immigration regulations of the USA. during the course of their education.

7. The I-20 form is needed for Work Authorization applications, especially for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

8. The I-20 form must be produced when traveling abroad and returning to the USA. while on a student visa.

9. It serves as proof of student status when applying for a driver’s license or a Social Security Number (SSN) in the USA.

10. It is also important in the case of School Transfers. The I-20 form is to be updated whenever there is a change of institution or extension of a program.

Also Read: New F1 Visa Rules for USA: All You Need To Know

Navigating the I-20 application process

Getting the I-20 form is a crucial step for international students who want to study in the United States. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Get Accepted Into a SEVP-Certified School

First, you need to apply to a designated SEVP-adopted school and get accepted. Once accepted, the school will issue you a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

Step 2: Pay The I 901 SEVIS Fee

Before applying for a visa, pay the $350 SEVIS fee online at FMJfee.com. This fee is mandatory and helps maintain your student record in the SEVIS system. You need to provide the following details while paying the fees online:

• Name, address, DOB and email ID
• Nationality and citizenship details
• School code given in the I-20 Form
• SEVIS ID, given in Form I-20

Step 3: Fill Out The DS 160 Form And Apply For An F-1 Visa

With the I-20 form and SEVIS fee receipt, you can now apply for an F-1 student visa at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Fill out the DS 160 form, schedule an interview and prepare the necessary documents. This includes a passport, proof of funds, letter of acceptance, and printout of the DS-160 form, among others.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

During the interview, the consular officer will review your documents and ask several questions. These questions pertain to your study plans, finances, and plans to return home post-completion of study. Once approved, you will be granted the F-1 visa which will be then affixed to your passport.

Step 5: Travel to the USA.

You can enter the USA up to 30 days before the beginning of your program. When you arrive at the US port of entry, you have to show the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officer your I-20, visa, and passport.

Step 6: Maintain F-1 Status

You must comply with the terms of your visa, and maintain full-time student status. Update your I-20 promptly (for instance, if you change your university or need an extension, etc) and work only as permitted (employment on campus, OPT, CPT, etc.)

Points to Remember: 

• Your DSO (Designated School Official) is the only person authorised to issue an I-20. 
• Your DSO must append a travel endorsement to your I-20 document every time you want to leave the United States. 
• If changes are to be made to your I-20 document, you should contact your DSO so that those updates can be made through the SEVIS system. 
• Post completion of your program, there is a 60-days grace period for F-1 students and 30-days grace period for M-1 students to request a school transfer, exit the USA or apply for a status change
• The processing time for I-20 applications is typically 5-7 business days. You can contact your DSO to get an exact time frame of issuance.

Also Read: Student Visa for USA for Indian Students in 2024 (Guide)

Eligibility and requirements for I-20 form

As an International student you are required to meet certain conditions before your school can issue you an I-2- form. Here is the list of conditions and the requisite supporting documents that need to be provided to get the form from your institute.

• You must be admitted to a school in the USA that is registered with the SEVP.
• You’ll need to prove you can afford tuition and other living expenses throughout the duration of your stay in the USA. The documents can include a checking account, funding, letter of sponsorship, or scholarship towards your education.
• You must be enrolled in a full-time academic or vocational program in the USA. Part-time studies do not qualify for an I-20.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from the United States.
• Most institutions require proof of language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS etc.) unless you’re enrolled in an English Language program.

Documents Needed for the I-20 Form

To obtain an I-20, ensure to provide the following documents to your school:

• Copy of Passport (valid for at least six months)
• Admission Letter from the SEVP-certified school
• Financial documents
• Affidavit of Financial Support 
• Acceptable proof of funding: family bank statements, sponsorship documents, financial aid letter, scholarship letter, letter from an employer showing annual salary.
• Unacceptable proof of funding: income/salary statements, illiquid assets (fixed deposits, mutual funds etc), fixed assets, Life insurance policy statements, pension funds, tax return funds, credit card statements
• SEVIS transfer-in form
• English Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
• Previous Academic Transcripts & Certificates
• Completed School-Specific I-20 Request Form (if required)
• Dependant documents

Documentation checklist for I-20 dependents

An international student is allowed to bring dependents with them to the USA during their study. A dependent can be a spouse or children under 21. F-1 students choosing to bring dependents on F-2 visas will need a separate Form I-20 issued for each dependent. 

Required Documents for Dependent I-20

• Copy of Passport (for each dependent, valid for at least six months)
• Marriage Certificate (for spouse)
• Birth Certificate (for children under 21)
• Proof of Financial Support (additional funds to support dependents)
• Bank statements, sponsor letter, scholarship, or financial aid
• Schools usually require at least $6,000–$10,000 per dependent in extra funds

F-2 Dependent Visa Rules

• Children and spouses cannot work in the USA.
• Children can attend school (K-12) but not college full-time
• Adult dependents can file for a change of status to F-1 or M-1 if they wish to study full-time 
• Dependents cannot get SSN
• F-2 dependents must always maintain valid status

Also Read: Requirements for F1 USA Study Visa: A Complete Guide

Key sections of the I-20 document

The I-20 form can be a bit complicated to navigate. The numerous sections of the documents require careful review of personal information, visa details, financial details and school information. Below is a detailed look at each section: 

Page 1 of Form I-20

SEVIS ID Number

Every international student is assigned a distinct SEVIS ID by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It can be found at the top of the I-20 and is used to track the student immigration status.

Biographical Section

This section includes the student’s full name, date of birth, countries of citizenship and birth. All details must match exactly with the student’s passport details for successful completion of visa processing.

School Information Section 

This section contains information about the name of the school, its address, the school SEVIS code, the name of the DSO, and his/her contact phone number

Program of Study Section

This section deals with the details of the student’s program, detailing the major field of study, academic level (Bachelor, Master, etc.), program starting and graduation dates, and program duration.

Financials Section

In this section, the financial information of the student needs to be detailed. Estimates of the student’s budget and information on personal, scholarships, and sponsorship funds received have to be provided. Sufficient financial proof to cover all expenses is a mandatory requirement for the I-20 form.

Remarks Section

This part will contain notes from the DSO, concerning the student’s status, transfer or special circumstances. It may also contain visa-related notes for immigration purposes.

School Attestation Section

The school’s Designated School Official (DSO) attests this section. It is a confirmation that the student is registered with an SEVP-approved institution and qualifies for admission as a nonimmigrant student.

Student Attestation Section

The section must be endorsed by the student. It would ratify that they understand and agree to comply with US visa regulations. The student also attests that they will be maintaining full-time enrollment, and report any changes to the DSO.

Page 2 of Form I-20

Employment Authorization and Employer Information Section

This section lists details of employment such as the name and address of the employer, work authorization dates etc. It also includes permits for practical training OPT or CPT, if eligible.

Change of Status/Cap Gap Extension Section

For F-1 visa holders who wish to change to another visa class or file for Cap-Gap extension (extending F-1 status due to an H-1B visa application), this section logs the relevant details of approval.

Authorized Reduced Course Load Section

This section will contain the authorization details for students who have been issued a reduced course load for medical and academic deficiencies.

Travel Endorsement Section

This section is for students traveling abroad during their course of study. It contains the DSO’s signature, which would allow a student to reenter the USA. Each travel signature is valid for a period of one calendar year (or six months for OPT students).

Page 3 of Form I-20

Instructions to Students and School Pages

The final pages outline instructions for compliance with F-1/M-1 visa regulatory requirements. It includes details on maintaining visa status, limits on employment, and travel prerequisites.

Uses of I-20 form

The Form I-20 serves several important purposes for international students:

• To apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa at the US embassy or consulate.
• To establish eligibility for a student visa to the United States.

Once an F-1 or M-1 visa holder enters the USA. and enrolls in their program, the Form I-20 is also needed for:

• Applying for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) – Required for students authorized to work in the USA.
• Acquiring a U.S. Driver’s License or State ID – Used to apply for identification in most U.S. states.
• Proof of Work Authorization – Acts as verification for commencing employment with a U.S. employer.
• Academic Status Confirmation – Serves as formal proof of a student’s enrollment and visa status.
• Requesting Employment Authorization for Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Required for students seeking OPT approval.
• Applying for a Change of Immigration Status – Required when requesting a visa status change within the USA.

Common questions and mistakes in the I-20 process

• Do All Students Need Form I-20?

Not all students require a Form I-20. The Form I-20 is issued only to international students applying for an F-1 (Academic) or M-1 (Vocational) visa to the USA. Students enrolling in short-term programs, exchange programs, or dependent visas may be exempted from the I-20. But if such students wish to change their visa status to an F-1 or M-1, they need to obtain an SEVP-certified I-20.

• What is the Validity of Your Form I-20?

The validity of the I-20 form depends on the duration of the program. Usually, it remains valid until the “Program End Date” allocated in the Program of Study section. If a participant completes their program early, the I-20 document expires. In cases where an extension is necessary, students must request one before the expiry date of the I-20.

• What To Do When Your  Form I-20 is Expiring?

If a student’s I-20 is about to expire but they need more time to complete their studies, they must request an I-20 extension from their Designated School Official (DSO) before the expiration date. If the I-20 expires before renewal, the student may lose their legal status in the USA. and might need to leave the country.

If an I-20 is on the verge of expiring, a student who requires more time to finish their course may reach out to their DSO for an extension. Failing to do so will result in termination of their legal residence status in the USA and they may have to exit the state.

• When Do You Need a New Form I-20?

Students need a new I-20 in several situations, including:

• Program Extension – Requires additional time to finish the program.
• Change of Program or Degree Level – Progressing from undergraduate to graduate level studies or changing fields of study.
• Transfer to a New School – Enrollment in a different SEVP-certified institution.
• Change in Funding Source – Modification in financial sponsorship or self-funding.
• Travel Outside the USA. – For re-entry, an I-20 document that is travel endorsed has to be issued.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying For I-20 Form
Providing Incorrect Information	Errors in name, date of birth, or passport details can cause delays.
Not Showing Sufficient Financial Proof	Students must demonstrate they can cover tuition and living expenses.
Missing Application Deadlines	Late submissions may affect visa processing timelines.
Not Signing the I-20	The student’s signature is mandatory before applying for a visa.
Ignoring Expiry Dates	Students must keep track of their I-20’s validity and request extensions in time.

Tips & best practices to apply for Form I-20  

Apply for Your I-20 Early

Make sure you apply immediately after getting acceptance from a SEVP-certified school to receive it on time. Some schools may take 2-4 weeks to process the I-20. 

Check Your I-20 for Errors Before Signing

Carefully review all sections of your I-20, especially:

• Name and date of birth
• School and program details
• Financial information
• Start and end dates

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and passport details exactly match your passport and visa application. If you spot an error, immediately contact your DSO for corrections.

Show Sufficient Financial Proof

You must have enough funds to cover living expenses and tuition along with any other fees for at least a year. Acceptable documents are bank statements, scholarship letters, affidavits of support, and other sponsored letters. Financial documents provided should be signed, and dated within the last 6 months.

Keep Your I-20 Safe and Updated

Always carry a printed copy of your I-20 when traveling. If you wish to reenter the USA, update the travel endorsement signature from your DSO.

Track your I-20 program end date and apply for an extension before it expires, if needed. In case you are changing schools, notify both institutions and get a new I-20 within 15 days. Request a new I-20 if you change your school, major, or financial support.

If you intend to apply for OPT, do not forget to submit your application before the expiry date of your I-20.

Wrapping up form I-20

The amount of paperwork necessary for I-20 may look overwhelming at first glance, but it is central to immigration prerequisites. Form I-20 serves multiple functions. It validates your enrollment, grants legal status, and provides work permits to immigrants. It is also the most critical component of getting a student visa for the USA. 

A valid I-20 paves the path for obtaining an SSN, driving permit, and even qualifying for certain campus-based jobs. Make the most of your education in the USA by staying informed and compliant with immigration rules. 

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