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

It is always great to be accepted by the school of your choice in the USA. After getting selected, you must complete other formalities to realize your dream of studying at your favourite school. Now is the time to apply and do other paperwork to study legally in the USA. By this time, you must have heard about an I-20 form. In this article, we will inform you what an I-20 form is and why you need it. We will also cover every aspect related to Form I-20, so, you can understand it better.

Applicants going to study in the USA would need an I-20 Form. The I-20 Form comes from the US university to which the international applicant is admitted. The international applicant will get their I-20 Form for the school they will attend, and further to obtain their US student visa. Let us discuss in detail what is I-20 form and why I-20 for US visa is significant in the following sections.  

Got your I-20 form but cannot book interview slots because of the temporary halt? Check How Temporary US Student Visa Interview Freeze Affecting Indian Students?

What is an I-20 form?

When we talk about what is 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.

Also, Read

• Requirements for getting a Student Visa
• Interview Tips for Student Visa

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.

Also read about How to Fill the DS-160 Form?

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, 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.
• Also, if you want to change your status from F to M, the I-20 for US visa will be useful.  
• Once you reach the US, the customs officer can ask for the I-20 form, so 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 of any changes need to be made to student information, like the program of study, optional practical training, or student’s personal information.

Sample I-20 Form

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 to lose their F1 visa status or face 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 essential for additional information.