US I-20 Form: An Exclusive Guide for International Students

• They can pay their I-901 SEVIS fee.
• They can apply for a nonimmigrant visa in the US embassy.
• They can travel to the USA.     

What is an I-20 Form?

• I-20 form for F-1 Student Visa– For Academic and Language Students. 
• I-20 form for M-1 Student Visa– For Vocational Students. 
• However, the two I-20 forms are for different academic programs but contain the following same information:
• SEVIS ID number.
• Start and end date of academic program.
• Chosen study program.
• Funding sources.
• Attendance cost at a chosen educational institution. 
• Other personal information.  

What are the Requirements for an I-20 Form?

• First, your application must be accepted by the SEVP-certified college or university you have applied for.
• Secondly, the educational institution will determine whether your personal information is correct or not and whether you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in the country.  

How to Get an I-20 Form?

• Step 1: Get an acceptance from the SEVP-certified university or college.
• Step 2: Receive an I-20 form from the Designated School Official (DSO).
• Step 3: After the approval of your application from the recognized educational institution, you will be registered in SEVIS and required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. 
• Step 4: After your registration, the university or college will issue an I-20 form for you.
• Step 5: This form consists of your program information, like the starting and ending date of your chosen program. 
• Step 6: You are required to immigrate to the USA 30 days prior to the beginning of your program.   

• The original I-20 form gets destroyed, stolen, or lost.
• You need it for travel.
• Changes in your SEVIS status, i.e., from initial to active. 
• Changes in your personal or in-program information.  

Who Needs an I-20 Form?

• Non-immigrants attending the school or university for the first time in the USA.
• Non-immigrants want to transfer from secondary school, college, or university in the USA.
• Non-immigrants and want to change your current visa status to F-1 visa.
• Non-immigrants who are returning after more than five months of the leave of absence from the USA.  

• You must carry your original I-20 form while entering the USA.
• You will be asked for your I-20 form by the USA Customs and Border Protection Officer at the port of entry. Hence, it is advisable to keep your form handy.