What is I-20 Form?: Requirements, Application, Do's & Don'ts

Form I-20, officially the Certificate of Eligibility, is issued by SEVP-certified US schools to admitted international students. It confirms your enrollment and financial standing, and you'll need it to pay the SEVIS fee, book your F-1 visa interview, and clear US immigration on arrival. 

Getting an admit from a US university is only half the journey, the next half is turning that offer into a valid student visa, and Form I-20 sits right at the centre of that process. If you've been admitted to a SEVP-certified school in the US, you'll soon receive this document from your US university. Understanding what it does (and doesn't do) can save you a lot of confusion later.

Simply put, the I-20 is your Certificate of Eligibility for nonimmigrant student status. Your school's Designated School Official issues it once you've accepted your offer and shown proof of sufficient funds. It becomes the foundation for almost every step that follows: paying your SEVIS fee, scheduling your visa interview, and eventually entering the US for study on an F-1 or M-1 student.

This guide breaks down what the I-20 form actually contains, why you can't move forward without it, how to use it correctly at each stage, and the do's and don'ts that keep your student status intact throughout your time in the US.

What is an I-20 form?

When we talk about the I-20 form, we refer to the fulfilment of criteria to study in USA. The form I-20 issued to international students is officially titled the 'Certificate of Eligibility', allowing the candidate to apply for an F-1 student visa at a US embassy or consulate in their home country. The I-20 form is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status issued by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school stating that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial means to stay in the United States. Students receive a Form I-20 from their Designated School Official (DSO). The appropriate I-20 Form is issued based on whether the school you will attend is in F-1 or M-1 status. Every school that accepts you will send an I-20 form once you pay the fee and begin the process of US student visa.

Why do you need an I-20 Form?

The Department of Homeland Security states, “Form I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe, as you will need it throughout the international student life cycle.”

The immigration process may seem long and tiring, but once you get the I-20 form, the remaining process will be smoother. You can ask the official who sent you that form if you have any queries.

Note: A candidate cannot apply for a US Student Visa without an I-20 form; however, having an I-20 does not guarantee that you will be given a visa. You need to fulfil all the criteria set by the US authorities to get it. In addition, you need to carry the I-20 Form for your visa interview.

The US embassy requires proof that the applicant has been admitted to a US school. Candidates receive this certificate in the mail along with the offer letter/admission letter. You need an I-20 form to apply for the student visa. 

The I-20 for US visa includes all your details, including your full name, DOB, the school you will join, and SEVIS ID. A student needs the I-20 for everything in his graduate school journey, from getting a student visa to pursuing an internship. An I-20 form is also required to clear the US immigration process.

What to do after you get I-20 form?

Once you get your I-20 Form you will have to do the following two steps: 

• Once you receive the I-20 form, you should pay the I-1901 SEVIS fee. You need to pay this fee before entering the US. Information from the I-20 form is needed to complete this payment.
• The I-20 is an important part of the visa application process. The Visa Officers can request its original copy at the consulate during the visa interview. This form consists of information related to the finances and cost of the program and how the student plans to pay it. Apart from this, the form also includes information related to the program the aspirant is going to pursue. Make sure that the visa type to which you are applying and the one mentioned on the form should be the same.

Form I-20 Uses

I-20 Form has several uses, and some of the most important ones are as follows:

• Once you get the I-20, only then will you be able to pay the SEVIS fee and even MRV fee; this is one major use of the I-20 Form.
• When you apply for a non-immigrant student visa in the USA, you must have your I-20 Form confirming your admission offer. Plus, it will help you get your student visa as well.
• For those of you who want to change your visa status from one student visa type to another, then again I-20 for US visa will be useful.  
• Upon reaching US, a customs officer may ask for your I-20 form. Again, it is recommended that you keep it handy and safe.
• Apart from the details mentioned above, this form can also be used to make available other benefits to which an international student is entitled. You might need it while trying to get an internship or employment, as well as a driver’s license or a Social Security number.

When to get a new Form I-20?

After getting the initial Form I-20 for program acceptance, students may receive a new Form I-20 from their DSO in the following circumstances:

• In case the physical copy of the form is destroyed or misplaced
• For travel endorsement
• In case of a change in a student’s SEVIS status (e.g., from Initial to Active)
• In case any changes need to be made to student information, like the program of study, optional practical training, or the student’s personal information.

Sample I-20 Form - For Reference Only

Here is a sample I-20 form for reference:

This is just a snapshot of what an I-20 form looks like when applicants get admitted to US universities. 

I-20 Do's & Don'ts

Once applicants get their I-20s, they must keep a few pointers in mind to not end their visa status in USA while studying. Here are a few do's and don'ts for I-20 forms for international applicants below:

These do's and don'ts will help applicants avoid losing their F1 visa status or facing deportation in case of discrepancies in following any process. Still have more queries? Write to us in the comments below or sign up for free counselling at https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply. Also take a look at the I20 FAQs for additional information. 

All About I-20 Form FAQs