I-20

Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status

Form I-20 is a crucial document for international students seeking to study in the United States. It is officially titled the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status and is issued by the U.S. educational institution where the student has been accepted. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) tracks all international students, and Form I-20 is a part of this system.

Purpose of the I-20

The I-20 serves several key functions:

1. Visa Application: International students must present Form I-20 when applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.

2. Entry into the U.S.: After the visa is approved, students need Form I-20 to enter the U.S. at a port of entry, where immigration officers will review it along with the visa.

3. Maintain Legal Status: While studying in the U.S., international students must keep their I-20 up to date, reporting any changes in their educational program, address, or other relevant details to maintain their F-1 or M-1 status.

Information Included in Form I-20

• Student Details: Name, date of birth, country of citizenship.

• SEVIS Number: A unique identification number assigned to the student.

• Educational Program: The specific course of study or major the student is pursuing.

• Start and End Dates: The I-20 outlines the expected start and end dates of the student's program.

• Financial Information: The form includes details about the student’s financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses during their stay.

How to Obtain an I-20

To receive an I-20, the student must:

1. Apply and Be Accepted: A student must first be accepted into a SEVP-certified school (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). Once accepted, the school will create an I-20 form.

2. Provide Financial Evidence: The student must show proof that they can cover the costs of their education and living expenses for the duration of their program.

3. Pay the SEVIS Fee: After the I-20 is issued, the student must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is required for maintaining the SEVIS system.

Travel and I-20

When traveling internationally during the course of studies, the I-20 must be signed by the Designated School Official (DSO) to allow re-entry into the U.S. after trips abroad. Without this signature, students risk being denied re-entry.

Maintaining I-20 Status

It’s important to:

• Keep the I-20 form valid and updated, especially if any changes occur in the academic program or if the student extends their stay.

• Request a new I-20 if there is a change in academic major, program level, or if the student is transferring to another SEVP-approved school.

Conclusion

The Form I-20 is a vital document for international students in the U.S., helping them maintain legal status and secure the proper visa for study. By keeping their I-20 up to date and adhering to its guidelines, students can ensure a smooth educational experience in the United States.

For more information on how to manage your I-20, contact DIY My Green Card, where we offer resources and services to assist international students in navigating the U.S. immigration and visa system.