What is an I-20 Form? What is its Utility in the US Student Visa?

International students who want to study in universities in the US will need an I-20 form for their student visas. It is a very important document, and students must know all the details related to the issuance, requirements, additional documentation, and all other relevant information. The I-20 is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to the universities that are recognised in the US. The I-20 form helps authorities ascertain that the individual seeking the student visa is admitted to a recognised university in the US and is a legitimate student.

What is the I-20 Visa Form?

It is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status, which helps students in getting the F1 or M1 status. The I-20 Visa for USA helps the authorities ascertain that the individual applying for the student visa has the means to study in the US and the financial capacity to finance the cost of education and cost of living for the duration of stay in the US. The I-20 Form is given by the Designated School Official or the DSO to international students. It certifies the student’s eligibility to get a visa as they are admitted to a recognised educational institution in the US. 

The visa type varies depending on the type of course for which the student has applied or the university where the student got admission. Both F1 or M1 visas are given depending on the factor mentioned above and as per the university’s recommendation. Officially it is termed as 'Certificate of Eligibility', which makes the student eligible to contact the US consulate or embassy in the native country to apply for the student visa. 

Role of I-20 form in a US Visa

The US has one of the strictest visa policies, and it’s because of valid reasons. The country’s threat level is way higher than any other nation globally. Amid the rising security concerns, every visa application is considered very carefully before giving the go-ahead. The department of homeland security explicitly mentions the relevance of the I-20 Form and outlines that an international student mustn’t lose it in the entire stay period in the US. However, the students have a misconception about the I-20 Form that it is a ticket to the US visa, while this isn’t the case. Having an I-20 USA Form only helps ease the next set of processes involved in the issuance of a visa. In no possible way, and I-20 Form guarantees a US visa.

The university verifies all the details then sends the required documents about the confirmation of admission and the I-20 Form. All the documents required for a student visa, including the I-20 USA Form, are sent via email by the DSO of the university where the student is admitted for pursuing a course. For any query regarding the I-20 Form, students are expected to reach out to the DSO, the ultimate authority in issuing this document. 

Types Of I-20 Form 

There are two types of I-20 Form issued by the universities to international students. The type of I-20 Form depends on the type of visa that will be issued to the student.

• The first type of I-20 Form is issued to students who have been admitted to Academic and Language courses. The first type is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant students in the courses mentioned above, and it is called an F1 visa.
• The second type of I-20 Form is issued to students who have been admitted to vocational courses. The first type is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant students in the courses mentioned above, and it is called an M1 visa.

One needs to give all the relevant details for the I-20 Form, and the information is automatically uploaded to the SEVIS or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The following information is contained in the SEVIS:

• The source of all the finances related to tuition fees and cost of living. 
• The universities issue the SEVIS ID number. 
• The program on which the student has enrolled. 
• The visa officials can use relevant personal information for verification and other purposes. 
• The start and end date of the program. 
• The tuition fee of the course for which the student has secured admission.

What are the Requirements for I-20 USA Form?

To get the I-20 Form from the university’s DSO, one has to ensure that the below-mentioned I-20 visa USA requirements are met:

• The university or the educational institution in the US must accept the application for admission. The educational institution must be SEVP Certified. 
• The university must confirm that the student has the financial capacity to pay the tuition fee and also bear the cost of living for the duration of studies in the US. It should also confirm that all the personal information given by the student is correct.

Bank Statement:

Students have to send a copy of the bank statement for the issuance of the I-20 Form. All the details like bank account number, address, type of account, account balance, and all other information must be clearly visible and true to the best knowledge of the visa applicant.

Loan Sanction Letter from the Lenders:
 

Students must have the loan sanction letter from an authentic lender. It is only required for those students who have taken an abroad education letter, and it must contain the loan amount, the date of issuance of the loan letter, and all the information must be clearly visible.

Evidence to Substantiate that the Student Will Return to the Native Country:

It is an important aspect of getting the I-20 Form as the US visa officials require solid reasons to believe that the student will return to the home country. To substantiate the intent of returning, the students need to give property documents; parents job details, social proof, or anything substantial that can convince the authorities that the student has sufficient reasons to return to the home country.

Payment of I-901 SEVIS Fee:

To pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, which is $200, the student should have the I-20 Form with them, without which it is impossible to complete the payment. The completion of payment requires information from the I-20 Form issued by the DSO from the university. The payment of the I-901 SEVIS Fee is compulsory before entering the US. Students seeking both F1 and M1 visas are required to pay for the I-901 SEVIS Fee, and one needs to provide the following information:

• Name, Date of Birth, and Address of the student visa applicant. All the information must be the same as that in the mark sheet and certificates. 
• The place of birth (i.e. the nationality of the visa applicant), and the status of present citizenship. 
• School Code as listed on the Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
• The I-20 Form also includes the SEVIS Identification number, which has to be provided at the time of payment of the SEVIS fee. 

Use of I-20 Form After Entering the US

There is a misconception that the use of the I-20 Form is only till the time a student visa isn’t issued. However, its use is way more than that, and it can be used for several other purposes than getting an F1 or M1 student visa.

A student visa is required at the time of entering the US, while it is not the only document that a student has to show at the time of entry. When a student reaches the US, the customs and border protection officer asks for the I-20 Form at the port of entry. Students are allowed to enter the US 30 days before the start date mentioned on the I-20, as it helps students in putting things into order. The students need some time to settle, so a 30-day window is allowed.

The Use of the I-20 Form is way more than entry and getting the student visa. It can be used to take the driver’s license and open a bank account. Students are advised to open a bank account in an American bank as soon as possible because using an Indian debit or credit card can be a pricey affair. It also helps students in bringing their dependents to the US, as each dependent will have their I-20 Forms. The I-20 Form is also used when students wish to re-enter the US. There are several instances when students leave the US due to projects, research work, seminars, vacations, etc., each time students must show the I-20 Form. 

Why Do You Need an I-20 Form?

• Need of an I-20 Form: The I-20 Form is a critical document required by the Department of Homeland Security for all international students studying in the U.S. It is not just a one-time requirement; you'll need it throughout your entire academic journey, from obtaining a visa to completing your studies. Therefore, it’s essential to keep this document safe and readily accessible.
• Importance in the Immigration Process: The I-20 Form plays a significant role in simplifying the immigration process. Once you have this form, it indicates that you have been accepted by a U.S. school, and it helps streamline the remaining steps in your visa application and entry process. If you encounter any issues or have questions about the form, you should reach out to the official who issued it to ensure you fully understand its use.
• Application for a U.S. Student Visa: The I-20 Form is an absolute requirement when applying for a U.S. Student Visa. You cannot proceed with your visa application without it. During your visa interview at the U.S. embassy, you must present the I-20 form as part of your documentation. However, it’s important to note that having an I-20 does not guarantee that your visa will be approved. You must also meet all other criteria set by U.S. authorities.
• Proof of Admission to the U.S. School: The I-20 Form serves as official proof that you have been admitted to a U.S. school, which is a requirement when applying for a student visa. The U.S. embassy will ask for this proof during your visa application process. Typically, you will receive the I-20 form in the mail, along with your offer or admission letter from the school.
• Details Contained in the I-20 Form: The I-20 Form contains vital personal and academic information that is necessary for your student visa application and other formalities. This includes your full name, date of birth, the school you will be attending, and your SEVIS ID (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ID). These details are crucial for identifying you and confirming your status as an admitted student.
• Role in Your Graduate School Journey: The I-20 Form is essential at multiple stages of your graduate school journey. It’s needed not only to obtain your student visa but also for pursuing internships, securing work authorization, and clearing U.S. immigration processes. Throughout your time as a student, the I-20 will be required for various official procedures, making it one of the most important documents you'll hold.

What to Do After Receiving Your I-20 Form

Once you receive your I-20 Form, there are two crucial steps you need to take:

• Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee: After obtaining your I-20, the next step is to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. This payment is mandatory and must be completed before you enter the United States. You will need the information provided on your I-20 form to complete this payment.
• Prepare for Your Visa Application: The I-20 form is a vital part of your visa application process. You should bring the original copy of the I-20 to your visa interview, as Visa Officers at the consulate may request it. This form contains essential details about your finances, the cost of your program, and your plan to cover these expenses. It also includes information about the specific program you plan to pursue. Ensure that the visa type you apply for matches the one listed on your I-20 form.

What is the Cost of the I-20 Form?

Although there are no direct US I-20 fees, which the university itself provides, students should be aware of many connected I-20 visa cost, mentioned below.

Application Cost to Educational Institutions:

When a student applies for admission, the majority of universities and colleges charge an application fee. The charge may vary based on the institution, ranging from $50 to $100 or higher. The student will not receive the I-20 form until the application procedure is finished and admission is approved.

SEVIS Charge:

SEVIS fee must be paid by the student as soon as they obtain the I-20 form. Currently, applicants for F-1 visas must pay a $350 SEVIS fee. This cost needs to be paid in order to attend the visa interview at the US Embassy.

Application Fee for Visas:

Students must pay the visa application charge (sometimes called the Machine-Readable Visa cost, or MRV fee) in addition to the SEVIS fee. Most nonimmigrant visas, such as the F-1 student visa, have a $160 application fee. Before the visa interview can be scheduled, this fee which is different from the SEVIS fee must be paid.

So there are no direct I-20 US visa cost, apart from the particulars mentioned above, in addition, there can be some extra expenses such as obtaining financial statements, translations of documents, and courier services.

Redesigned I-20 Form

The USCIS has redesigned the new form for students seeking F1 and M1 visas. The new form doesn’t have the barcode which used to be there in the earlier forms. Students can also ask for a new I-20 form in the following case:

• If the original copy is destroyed, lost or stolen. 
• For travel related needs. 
• If the SEVIS status has changed from initial to active.
• If the student has enrolled in a new program or switched the field of study.
• For the issuance of the new I-20 Form, the students have to talk to the DSO. The students must note that the DSO can only reprint the I-20 Form when the status is active or initial.

Getting admission to a top university is a great opportunity for students to change the course of their lives. The US is certainly a top location for students seeking world-class education and great employment opportunities. The I-20 Form is a crucial document, and students must take all the precautions to fill the university application form carefully as any mistake will delay the entire admission process or even the admissibility to the university. So, one must refer to the sample I-20 Form before proceeding with entering the details in the university application form.

Frequently Asked Questions