What to Know About America I-20 Form

What to Know About America I-20 Form

If you are intending to study in the United States, then you are going to need an I-20 form. This is a document that is used by the US government to track international students who are studying in the country.

For those who are not familiar with the process, there can be a lot of jargon and new terms to learn. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining an I-20 form and answer some commonly asked questions.

What is an I-20 form?

An I-20 form is a document that certifies to the US government that you are eligible to study as an international student. It is a document that is issued by your institution, or university, and is used as proof that you are enrolled as a student and have permission to study.

The I-20 form is also used as evidence of your financial support and that you have the means to cover your expenses while studying in the United States.

The purpose of the I-20 form is to ensure that international students are studying in a legal and authorized way in the United States.

Who needs an I-20 form?

Any international student who is planning on studying in the United States is required to have an I-20 form. This includes those who are just coming to the United States for a semester, as well as those who are coming for full time study.

To obtain an I-20 form, you must be accepted by an institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

How do I obtain an I-20 form?

To obtain an I-20 form, you must first be accepted by an SEVP-approved institution. After you have been accepted, the institution will send you a copy of the I-20 form. You will need to fill out the personal information on the form, including your name, date of birth, and other identifying information.

You will also need to provide proof of your financial support to the institution. This may include documents such as bank statements, scholarship documents, or letters of support from your sponsor.

Once the institution has all of the necessary information, they will issue the I-20 form to you. You will then need to use that form to apply for a student visa.

What is a SEVIS fee?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a database that is used by the US government to track international students in the country. Every international student who is coming to the United States to study is required to pay a SEVIS fee.

The SEVIS fee is meant to pay for the maintenance of the SEVIS system and to cover the costs of tracking international students. The fee is currently $350, and it must be paid before the student visa application can be submitted.

What is a student visa?

A student visa is a document that is issued by the US government that gives you permission to enter the country and study as an international student.

To obtain a student visa, you will need to fill out the necessary paperwork, including the I-20 form, gather your documents, and make an appointment at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.

At the embassy or consulate, you will be interviewed, and your application will be reviewed by a consular officer. If your application is approved, you will be granted a student visa.

Do I need to renew my I-20 form?

If you are planning on staying in the United States for more than one academic year, you may need to renew your I-20 form each year. The renewal process is usually done through your institution, and you will need to provide updated information about your financial support, academic program, and other details.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to receive an I-20 form?
The amount of time it takes to receive an I-20 form varies by institution. Typically, it takes anywhere from two to four weeks to receive an I-20 form.

2. Can I get an I-20 form if I am not accepted into an institution?
No, you must first be accepted into an institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to receive an I-20 form.

3. Can I work while on a student visa?
International students are allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week. They may also be eligible for practical training after they have completed their academic program.

Conclusion

Obtaining an I-20 form is an important step for international students who are planning on studying in the United States. The process can be quite complex, but by following the steps outlined above, you should be able to obtain your I-20 and student visa without a hitch.

Remember to keep your paperwork in order, provide accurate information, and stay in touch with your institution throughout the process. Best of luck in your studies!