The I-20 Form: Everything You Need to Know!

Are you an international student interested in studying in the United States? If so, you will need to become familiar with the i-20. In this article, we will cover all of the important details about the i-20 and how it works.

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What is an I-20?

An I-20 is a form or certificate of eligibility for Non-immigrant student status. It serves as proof that an international student has been accepted by a SEVP-certified university in the USA and has enough financial resources to support their stay in the country. It also specifies how long the student can stay in the USA with an F1 visa, which is essential for visa processing and approval.

Why is an I-20 important?

An I-20 is the most important document for international students in the USA. It's mandatory for admission to a SEVP-certified university, and also acts as proof for opening a bank account, obtaining a SIM card, and getting a Social Security Number (SSN). Without an I-20, international students cannot study or work in the USA.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a program created by the US government to keep a record of all international students studying in the USA. SEVP-certified universities are those that accept international students and follow the SEVP program. The SEVP has created the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to record the details of all international students in the USA. Each I-20 has a unique SEVIS ID that identifies the student in the SEVIS system.

Obtaining an I-20

After receiving an admission offer from a SEVP-certified university, international students should request an I-20 from the university. Multiple I-20s can be obtained if an international student receives multiple admission offers, but only one SEVIS ID should be used for the university the student plans to attend. To activate the SEVIS ID, a SEVIS fee must be paid.

The I-20 Document

The I-20 document is a three-page document that contains personal and university details, employability details, and instructions for schools and students. The first page contains personal and university details, including the SEVIS ID, name, date and place of birth, and visa type. The second page contains employability details, which are filled in when the student does CPT or OPT. The third page contains instructions for schools and students.

Mistakes and Updates

It's important to ensure that all details in the I-20 are up-to-date and accurate. If there are any mistakes, international students should contact their graduate school immediately to rectify them and obtain a new I-20.

Conclusion

In summary, an I-20 is a crucial document for international students planning to study in the USA. It serves as proof of admission to a SEVP-certified university, financial stability, and visa eligibility. Students should ensure that all information in the I-20 is accurate and up-to-date and contact their graduate school immediately in case of any errors.