USA Student Visa: What is the I-20 form?

Published date: 06 Feb 2018 Updated on: 23 Oct 2018

All the students who plan to go to the United States of America for studies find themselves confused by the plethora of documents and processes. There are so many documents which you need to track, all at the same time. Therefore, for your ease, we bring you detailed information on some of the key documents. There are a lot of application documents that form a link between your university or college admission and your student visa application.  

One such document is the I-20 Form, which is essential for studying in the United States of America. It is an important certificate that you need to possess before you apply for your visa to America. You need to have all the correct documents with your application, that form a coherent chain of the application process. This document holds great relevance as it carries all your key information. It is given by the Designated School Official, located at the University or College. In addition, it is one of the mandatory admission documents, for all non-immigrants coming in the US for studies. 

What is an I-20 ?

I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status in America. It is applicable for both language and academic studies. It is one of the most important documents in the admission process. The I-20 is of such importance because it concerns the United States Department of Homeland Security. This means, that until you have the I-20 form with you, you are not eligible to apply for a visa. 

What are the labels, F-Students and M-Students?

In fact, the I-20 is awarded by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) affiliated schools, colleges as well as universities. This I-20 form is mandatory only for those opting for F-11, F-2,M-1 and M-2 statuses:

• F- Students are those who are applying for the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status under the a language or an academic study course
• M- Students are those who are applying for the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status under vocational courses. 

Why is the I-20 Form so important?

First and foremost, it is a document that carries all your biographical details, your school code and the student tracking number. Next, it contains whether you belong to the F or M status and its respective rank. It is a proof of your legitimate status and stay in America. For all further government-related documentation processes, you will have to rely on the I-20. Moreover, it includes your class and program details. The above mentioned information is spread across three main sections. These sections are named as Page 1, Page 2 and Page 3. 

• Page 1- Student’s details, college, course and financial details.
• Page 2- Employment and Travel details.
• Page 3- Instructions Page.

Key Details in an I-20:

• SEVIs Number or ID
• Student’s Attestation
• Birth and Citizenship details
• Non-immigrant Status details
• DSO’s details and Signature
• Finances and Organization of Funds
• Work Authorization
• School Information
• Travel Signatures

I-20 Form, What next?

Once you have your I-20 form, then you need to pay the I-20 form fees and get the payment proof ready. Do all that your school asks you to do in this respect. Then, go ahead and apply for the US visa. Carry all the required documents, including the I-20. Remember, your student visa and your I-20 form should complement each other. After the arrival of your visa, you can go the States for your studies. But once you have landed, then you need to present your I-20 to the Port of entry and do as instructed. Later, you can apply for a change in status as well as claim benefits. 

Hope with this detailed information on the I-20 form, you have all your queries cleared. Good Luck for the admission process.