What is an I-20 Form? Complete Guide for International Students

There is a lot of excitement about beginning the journey of studying in the US, but at the same time, there are a number of steps and paperwork that have to be taken care of. One of the key documents that you will be required to submit is the I-20 form. As an international student, this form unequivocally signifies your ability to study in the US. Without this document, you aren’t permitted to apply for a visa, which is essential for pursuing your education.

This article explains what an I-20 form is, its requirements, validity and how to apply for one.

What is an I-20 Form?

If you intend to study in the US, the I-20 form is a very important document. It is officially known as the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”. It is provided to you after you are accepted as a student by a college or university in the US.

The I-20 form states that you are a real student who plans to study in the US. This form is necessary for the application of a student visa, which can be an F-1 student visa or an M-1 student visa. The I-20 form is a prerequisite to get a student visa for the US.

Your I-20 has lots of important info. It has your full name, date of birth, country of birth and country of citizenship. Make sure all these details match your passport exactly. You will also find your SEVIS ID number, which starts with ‘N’ and is at the top of the form. This number is very important and usually stays with you throughout your studies in the US. 

The form also has info about your school, like the school name and a special school code. Info about your study program, like your major (what you are studying) and the estimated start and end dates of your program, is also listed. You will also see how much is estimated for your studies and living costs, and where that money is coming from. 

On page 2 of your I-20, there is a section where a DSO from your school signs to show that you are a student in good standing and can travel outside the US and return. This is called a “travel endorsement”. Important immigration rules that you, as an F1 student visa holder, must follow are also listed on page 2.

Some other purposes of the I-20 form include:

• Application for an American driver’s license.
• Social Security Number (if employment is permitted).
• As a student, proving your status in the US.

The document must be maintained safely throughout your entire academic career as an international student. The document is necessary for an I-20 while travelling to the US.

Also read: Different Types of US Visa

Sample I-20 Form

Who Needs an I-20 Form?

If you are an international student looking to study in the US, you will most likely need an I-20 form.

You need an I-20 form if you are:

• An international student who wants to study in the US
• Applying for an F-1 student visa (for academic or language studies) 
• Applying for an M-1 student visa (for vocational or technical studies) 

The F-1 student visa is the most common type of student visa. It’s for students who want to pursue academic studies, like going to a university or college to get a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree. It’s also for students attending language training programs. Most international students you will meet in the US will have an F-1 student visa. The M-1 student visa is for students who want to pursue non-academic, vocational or technical studies.

If you want to bring your family (like your spouse or children) with you, they will also need their own I-20 forms.

New international students coming to the US for the first time to start a study program are called “Initial Students”. If you are already studying in the US with an F-1 visa and decide to move to a different school, you will need a new I-20 form from your new school. Your old school will transfer your SEVIS record to the new school.

Without an I-20 form, you cannot pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, apply for the visa itself or even enter the country as a student.

What is the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

Under the I-901 SEVIS fee, applicants are required to pay $350 to the US government. Keep in mind that this payment is different from your school’s tuition or any other additional charges. Failing to comply with this requirement will mean that you will not get a visa to the US as a student.

You can make payments at fmjfee.com. After making online payments, don’t forget to copy your receipt, which is Form I-797. The document must be presented during the visa appointment, and later on, must be kept with the I-20 documents.

Lastly, if you are an F-1 student currently in the US and are changing schools, provided that you maintain the same SEVIS ID, you generally do not have to pay the fee again.

I-20 Form Requirements

This table will serve as a quick and easy checklist for you to gather all the necessary documents for your I-20 form application:

How to Apply for the I-20 Form?

Here are the steps to get your I-20 form:

• Apply to a SEVP-certified US school: Fill out the application form and send your documents (like transcripts, certificates, and test scores).
• Get accepted: If the school accepts you, they will ask for your financial documents and a copy of your passport.
• Send financial proof: Show that you have enough money to pay for your studies and living costs.
• School reviews your documents: The school checks your details and financial proof.
• School issues the I-20 form: If everything is correct, the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) will fill out and sign the I-20 form and send it to you.
• Sign your I-20 form: You must also sign the form. If you are under 18, your parents must sign it.

When do you need a new I-20 Form?

You may need a new I-20 form in these situations:

• If you change your study program or level (for example, from Bachelor’s to Master’s)
• If you transfer to a different school
• If you need to extend your studies and your I-20 is about to expire
• If you lose your I-20 form or it gets damaged
• If there are changes in your personal information (like your name or citizenship)

Always tell your school’s DSO if you think you need a new I-20 form

Also read: Top 15 US Student Visa Rejection Reasons

Validity of your I-20 Form

F-1 students can stay in the US as long as they are full-time students. Note that your visa stamp in your passport may have an expiration date, but your actual legal stay in the US is tied to your I-20 and your continuous enrollment. This is an important distinction that many students get confused about. It means even if your visa stamp expires while you are in the US, you are still legal as long as your I-20 is valid and you are a student.

M-1 students, your I-20 is usually valid for the duration of your vocational course plus 30 days to leave the USA. F-1 students get a 60-day “grace period” to prepare to leave the US, transfer to another school or change their visa status.

Also read: How Long Can an Indian Stay in the US on a Student Visa?

Can Changes be Made in Form I-20?

Yes, changes can be made to your I-20 form if needed. For example, if you:

• Change your course or major
• Change your source of funding
• Transfer to a new school
• Extend your study period
• Change your personal details

Your school’s DSO will update your information in SEVIS and give you a new I-20 form. Always keep the latest version of your I-20 form with you.

Conclusion

The I-20 is your ticket to study in the USA. It proves you are eligible to study and have the funds to support yourself. It’s the first step in the process, so you can apply for your F-1 student visa or M-1 student visa, enter the country and maintain your student status.

Any changes to your program, finances or even your address must be reported to your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) so they can update your record and issue a new I-20 if needed. Your I-20 is your guide and your proof, so keep it safe and always keep it updated.