What is an I-20?

If you are wondering: What is an I-20? Keep reading this post and discover! Fill File I-20 Form is an important US F1 visa requirement, but there are numerous documents for F1 visa and other details that students applying for the F1 visa need to track along.

The I-20 Form is a legal document issued by Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVP) to American Universities. This is sent to students to get with their student visa – the F1 visa or M1 visa. Form I-20 is also known as the Certificate of Eligibility of Nonimmigrant Student Status.

This document informs the US government that you have been successfully admitted to a recognized US college, school, or university and are eligible for a student visa, making it one of the US student visa requirements.

The I-20 Form USA carries some information about the student:

  • Name;
  • Course details;
  • Duration;
  • SEVIS ID Number;
  • Understudy validations;
  • School/University Code;

Keep in mind this Form is used everywhere you go in the U.S, from airports to colleges, meaning you must keep it handy and secure.

The I-20 Form has an Employment Authorization segment for F1 visa and J1 visa understudies who need to work or plan to work in the USA as a component of their course educational program. This segment is not applicable for M1 visa holders.

On the other hand, F, M and J are the different types of visas available for students going to the US. The F visa is for academic and language students, whereas the M visa is for vocational students. Students looking for a short-term visit apply for the J type visa.

The I-20 US visa requirements are as follows-

  • A valid passport;
  • The non-immigrant visa application, Form DS-160;
  • The SEVIS application fee payment receipt;
  • Copy of your F1 visa appointment letter;

Students need to submit a financial affidavit that contains financial credibility certification, expected expense report, and bank certification. Some of the US student visa requirements for Indian citizens include-

  • Bank Statement;
  • Loan Sanction Letters;
  • Business Sponsors;
  • Evidence that you expect to return to your country;

What is I-20 for US Visa?

The I-20 is a document issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the United States.

What is the difference between I-20 and Visa?

An I-20 is a necessary document to apply for a Visa, not the F-1 student visa itself. The I-20 leads to an entrance admission provided by educational institutions, granted by the U. S. government. It is filled in with the subject of study and the duration of the course.

Do we need to pay for I-20?

Usually, students applying for an F1 and J1 visa need to pay a SEVIS fee and then apply for their US visa. The fee amount is $200 for F1 students and $180 for J1 students. It is a one-time fee and applies to all understudies beginning a new academic program. Students are allowed to apply for a US student visa, only after paying the SEVIS fee.

Every international student looking for a US student visa should get registered with the USCIS. It has a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) portal that manages student data and information. Students are required to pay the fees of around $200 as of 2021. Before paying the SEVIS fee, one must have Form I-20 issued from their DSO (Designated School Officials) and submit the following details:

  • Name;
  • Native country address;
  • Date of birth;
  • E-mail address;
  • Country of birth and current citizenship;
  • School code as mentioned on Form I-20;
  • SEVIS ID number as listed on Form I-20;

Keep the payment receipt secure, it is required for different applications.

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