Studying in the US is a dream for many students. But before that, one should know the process of applying and the necessary paperwork for the same. Earlier, the process was very difficult, but now it has been eased off. In this blog, we will discuss the I-20 form and all the documents necessary to get this visa to study in the United States of America.
Table of Contents
Ques.1 What Are the Key Deadlines and Processing Times for the I-20 Form?
Ques.2 Can I Update or Correct Information on my I-20 Once it’s Issued?
Ques.3 How Many Days Will it Take to Get an I-20 From University?
Ques.4 Can the I-20 be Rejected?
Ques.5 How to Apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa?
Ques.6 Do All Students Need the i-20 form?
The I20 full form is “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”. It is a certificate that confirms eligibility for non-immigrant student status. It is issued by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school and indicates that a student has been accepted into a full-time study program and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to support themselves while studying in the United States. Students receive the Form I-20 from their Designated School Official (DSO). The specific I20 student visa issued will depend on whether the school you plan to attend is designated for F-1 or M-1 status. Once you pay the required fee and initiate the student visa application process, each school that accepts you will send you an I-20 form.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, "Form I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe, as you will need it throughout the international student life cycle."
The visa application process may seem long and tedious; however, once you receive the Form I-20, the remaining steps will be much easier. If you have any questions about the form, feel free to ask the officials who provided it to you.
Please note that a candidate cannot apply for a U.S. student visa without an I-20 form. Having this form does not guarantee that you will receive the visa. You must meet all the criteria set by U.S. authorities to obtain it. Additionally, make sure to bring the I20 form to your visa interview.
Get to understand what I-20 Form is now read below to find out how can it be used.
Also Read:USA F-1 Visa Interview Questions with Answers for Students
Struggling to Arrange Documents to Apply for I-20 form?
The I 20 form is one of the most important documents you must keep safe throughout your international student experience. It has several essential uses:
Make sure to keep your I-20 form safe and accessible, as it will be required during various stages of your time as an international student. Now read below to find out its eligibility and required documents below.
To successfully complete the I-20 Form, candidates typically need to meet specific eligibility criteria and submit the required documents:
To be eligible for an I-20 form, you must be an international student accepted into a full-time program of study in U.S. institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Besides, you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover both your living and educational expenses in the United States. It is important that students are considered "bona fide" (genuine) and intend to complete their studies in the U.S.
F-1 visa applicants must submit the following documents. All paperwork should be submitted via the ISAP Portal. Please note that while it is recommended to start gathering the necessary information and documents for the I-20 form as soon as you apply, you will only be able to submit the I-20 request form through the ISAP Portal after you have received an official admission offer from Georgia Southern University. You will need a Georgia Southern student account (GSU username and password) to access the ISAP Portal. Below is the list of required documents:
Once you have reviewed the eligibility criteria and the required documents listed above, you can proceed accordingly. Now read below to find out the steps to apply for it.
The I-20 form application process consists of five steps:
Step 1: The desired college or university collects all required financial and identity information from the student after they complete the admission process.
Step 2: Once the admission process is complete, the student’s details are entered into the U.S. government database known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Step 3: SEVIS processes the information and generates the I-20 form.
Step 4: The I-20 document obtained from the government database is then signed and stamped by the designated school official (DSO) before being sent to the student.
Step 5: After receiving the I-20 form, the student can request any necessary changes to the information from the DSO. The DSO will make the amendments through SEVIS, and a new I-20 form will be generated.
The I-20 form includes the SEVIS-assigned number, which is crucial for the F-1 visa application.
Now that you understand the process of applying for the I-20 form, please review the sample below for better clarity.
Want to Make Successful USA Student Visa Application?
The Form I-20, issued by the Department of Homeland Security in the United States, is a crucial document containing essential information. It includes details such as your SEVIS ID, school information, program of study, and financial information. Additionally, it provides comprehensive policy guidelines for your stay in the U.S. as an international student. It is highly recommended that you carefully review all the points outlined in the I-20 document.
Please take a look at this i-20 form sample below:
Summing up, every student who aspires to pursue their studies in the United States embarks on a significant journey. A crucial component of this process is gaining admission to a preferred university and obtaining Form I-20. It is essential to make the most of this versatile document and to maintain its safekeeping throughout your time while study in USA. To facilitate this process, it is advisable to consult with a study abroad consultant for guidance and support.
Also Read:
The key deadline for the I-20 form is usually the program start date indicated on the form. This date allows you to enter the USA up to 30 days before your studies begin. Additionally, the processing time for the I 20 form generally takes between 5 to 10 business days after you have submitted all the necessary documents.
You can update or correct information on your I-20 form after it has been issued by reaching out to your Designated School Officials (DSO) at your school. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will review your application and make the necessary changes. Whether a new I-20 is required will depend on the specific nature of the change or error.
Typically, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks to receive an I-20 form from a university after your acceptance. The processing time can vary from a few business days to up to 3 weeks, depending on the institution and the time of year. You will generally receive the I-20 electronically via email.
Yes, the I-20 form can be rejected if you do not submit the required documents or if there are mistakes in the information you provide. For instance, if your university decides not to issue the form, it could also result in the denial of your student visa application.
To apply for a non-immigrant I20 visa, you need to follow these steps:
Not all students require an I-20 form. Only international students intending to study in the United States on an F-1 visa need an I-20.
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