Are you one of those students who are on the lookout for authentic yet easy to understand information about form I-20? Are you seeking the complete details about the I-20 document because you intend to procure your student I-20 visa soon? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We at Yocket have come up with a simple guide to help you recognise the value of form I-20 along with all the other requisites like I-20 processing time 2022, that you’re expected to know before pursuing education in the US.

Table of Contents  What is the I-20 Form? What Does an I-20 Form Look Like? Who Requires an I-20 Form? What are the Various Uses of I-20 Form?  How to Apply for I-20 Form? Can Changes be Made in Form I-20?  Paying the I-901 Fee After Receiving Form I-20 What is the Validity of I-20 Form?

What is the I-20 Form?

Form I-20, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility and Nonimmigrant Student Status is an official endorsement by universities that conveys to the U.S. government that you are eligible for a F-1 or a M-1 student status. The universities that accept the I-20 form stand under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programs (SEVP). 

I-20 visa form certifies that -

1. You meet all necessary admission requirements of the concerned university.

2. You will pursue a full-time study of a particular programme in the university.

3. You have demonstrated your financial capabilities fully to fund your education at the concerned college/university without having to work illegally.

What is the processing time of I-20 Form?

The processing time of I-20 form in 2023 is between 5-7 Business days.

One of the best ways to understand the I-20 document is by taking a sneak peek at it. Once you scroll through a sample of how the actual I-20 form looks, you will be able to recognise the details required in it a lot better.

What does an I 20 Form Look Like?

Form I 20, issued by the Department of Homeland Security, United States is a document that is full of essential details. 

Right from your imprinted SEVIS ID to your school information, program of study and financials are all mentioned there.

Also, complete policy guidelines for your stay in the US as an overseas student is described in detail. It is highly recommended that you scan through all the points mentioned in the 1-20 document one by one.

Have a look at this I-20 form sample document:

Source: dhs.gov

Who Requires an I-20 Form?

Form I-20 is a mandatory document for international students who intend to pursue higher education in the United States of America. It is proof that you have been enrolled in a legit study program and have enough financial aid to sustain yourself in the US. It is a must have requisite for all F and M visa holders.

The I-20 Form (different from your own) is also required in case of any eligible dependents who will be entering the United States along with you.

Just receiving your F-1 or M-1 visa isn’t Form I-20’s only use. It will prove useful to you in various other ways as well.

Suggested: What to do after receiving your I20?

What are the Various Uses of Form I-20?

Upon receipt of your I-20 form, you become eligible to apply for an I-20 student visa USA (F & M categories). And on receiving the I 20 student visa, you become eligible for pursuing studies in the US. 

In addition to procuring your visa, the I-20 document will be of  advantage to you in the subsequent ways as well -

The information provided above is proof that form I-20 is indispensable when it comes to your stay as a student in the United States. Therefore, you must understand the step by step process to obtain your legit I-20 document.

How to Apply for I-20 Form?

The I-20 application process and final generation of this integral document is a 5 step process -

STEP 1: The desired college/university collects all your required financial and identity information after completing the admission process.

STEP 2: Once a student is through with the admission process, her/his personal details are fed in the U.S government database known as Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

STEP 3: SEVIS then processes the information and generates an I 20 form.

STEP 4: The I-20 document thus obtained from the government database is signed and stamped by the designated school official (DSO)  and sent out to the applicant. 

STEP 5: After obtaining the I-20 form, you can request any changes in the information (if required) to the DSO. The DSO then gets them amended through SEVIS and a new I-20 form is generated.

Your I-20 includes the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) assigned number that is crucial for your F1 visa application.

Can Changes Be Made in I-20 Form?

Yes, whenever any information the form I-20 changes, a new I-20 form can be issued. 

Given below are some instances where you will need  a new I-20 document:

1. Changes in the personal details mentioned on the form.

2. Change in program dates.

3. Change in college or university Major.

4. Addition of work authorisation

5. Update on visa status

6. Reduced Course Load (RCL)- Student not being enrolled as a full-time student due to final quarter/semester, medical condition, and academic difficulties.

7. Practical Training including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

8. Leave of absence and withdrawal

You must report changes in any of the data above to the principal designated school official (DSO) within 10 days of the change. This will then be reported to SEVIS and a new I-20 form will be issued. 

You should keep all the old copies of I-20 forms for your record. However, for work, travel, proof of current student status, etc. always use the latest I 20.

Paying the I-901 Fee After Receiving Form I-20

After procuring your I-20 Form, the next thing to do is paying the I -1901 SEVIS fee. This I-20 form USA fees is compulsory for all overseas students and must be paid before entering the United States. 

Please make sure that you request for the I-20 document through a trusted courier service like DHL or FEDEX. Doesn’t matter if you end up paying $30-40 more because this will safeguard your I-20 form from getting lost on its way.

Do not go about accumulating I-20 forms from different universities to flaunt in front of your friends. Please understand, there are many deserving aspirants waiting and you may be wasting their chance by holding onto an I-20 form that you do not need.

Any student who has procured Form I-20 and paid the fee must also have knowledge about the validity of the same. After all, you will need this document throughout your student cycle in the US.

What is the Validity of I-20 Form?

Since Form I-20 is the official proof of an individual student’s status in the US, its validity holds as long as you are enrolled in a legit program. Legit program here implies pursuing a discipline from a SEVIS certified school.

A pertinent question that pops here commonly is, “what if I extend the duration of my course?” Well, you still have nothing to worry about. Reason being, the extension of your form I-20 validity along with your course.

All you need to do is to apply for an extension before the last day of your ongoing course. That way, you get your I-20 validity extended just in time.

International students are granted a 60-day grace period once the ongoing course of study is completed. Within this grace period, a student is allowed to transfer to a new study program. This is important in case you’re looking to extend your Form I-20.

Every overseas student aspiring to study in the US has a long journey to undertake. A crucial part of it is getting admitted to a desired university and procuring form I-20. So, make the most of this wondrous multi-purpose document and always keep it safe throughout your stay in the US.