Step-by-Step Process for Getting Your I-20

Congratulations to those who have been admitted to a university! In this article, we will be discussing how to obtain an I-20 and the necessary documents needed to apply for one.

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What is an I-20?

There is already a clear article on our website explaining everything about an i20. You can read more about it here.

How to Obtain an I-20

The first step to obtaining an I-20 is to get admitted to a university. Once you have been admitted, you can begin the process of obtaining an I-20. Every university's process may differ slightly, but the overall flow remains the same.

The university will usually send an email indicating that you have been admitted and provide instructions on how to obtain the I-20. Some universities will send separate emails to international students explaining the process. Others will provide all the information directly on their website. If you cannot find the information you need, you can always contact the university's graduate school directly.

The following is a typical process for obtaining an I-20:

Basic Information

First, you will need to create an account and provide your basic details. After creating an account, log in to your portal. Then, you will be given the option to upload your documents.

Financial Documents

This includes an official bank statement, bank balance letter, loan sanction letter (if you have taken a loan), and scholarship letter (if you have received a scholarship). These financial documents demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to survive while studying abroad. The university will usually provide the fee details, but if you don't receive them, you can check the one-year tuition estimate on the university's website. You should prepare to have 1.5 times the amount shown, which includes tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and miscellaneous charges. If you have received a scholarship, you should show the amount after deducting your scholarship amount. On average, the estimate is around $35,000 - $40,000, which is approximately 25 - 30 lakhs. If you don't have the required amount, you can temporarily adjust the amount shown on the bank balance statement, and make sure to mention the amount in US dollars.

Affidavit of Support

This is a confirmation letter from your sponsor (if you have one) for the scholarship you received. Each university has its own format/pattern for this document.

Passport

If you have applied for a passport previously in your application, then there is no need to submit it again. However, if you have not submitted it, you should do so now as they will need to verify the I-20 is respective to your passport.

Additional Documents

Some universities may ask for additional documents, but most will not.

Some universities require a non-refundable tuition fee to be paid before issuing the I-20. Others do not ask for anything. Once you have provided all the necessary documents, the university will verify your financial documents and send the I-20 via courier or online.

Conclusion

That's how you obtain an I-20. Each university's process may differ, but the overall structure is the same. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact the university's graduate school for assistance. Good luck on your journey studying abroad!