• USA

I-20 Form - Application Process, Requirements and Processing Time

1798 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Aug 04,2023 03:10 PM IST

An I-20 form is an official document which states that the student is enrolled in a program in the United States. Read more to know about the benefits of the I-20 form, application process, processing time and much more.

Every international student must have an I-20 form to study in the US. It is an official document issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). An I-20 form proves that the individual is a legit student enrolled with an accredited university or college. This blog will give detailed information about the I-20 form, its application process, requirements, samples, processing time etc.

What is an I-20 form?

An I-20 form is an important document for individuals who want to study in the US as it tells that they are legitimate students of an accredited college or university. It is issued on an F-1 or M-1 student visa. It is only after having the I-20 form that the individual can apply for a driving license and social security number and become further eligible to work on campus or off campus.

There are two types of I-20 forms an international student can get which are as follows:

• Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status- This form is issued to those international students who have enrolled in academic and language programs.

• Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status – This form is issued to those who are enrolled in vocational programs.

I-20 Form Details

Even though there are two different I-20 forms, the details contained in both forms is same :

• SEVIS ID number

• Funding sources

• Starting and end date of academic program

• Intended program of study

• Cost of attendance at student’s school of choice

• Other personal information

Tip: International students should always carry their I-20 form as it proves their legitimacy.

Also read : Study in USA for indian students after 12th

I-20 Form: Requirements

To get the I-20 form a student must meet the following two requirements:

• Acceptance from an accredited university or college: First is that the college must accept the student's application and the institution should be SEVP-certified.

• The information must be up to date: The college to which the students are applying must confirm that the students' information is correct and they have enough funds to cover the living expenses in the US.

What Is the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

After getting accepted to a recognized college or university in the US, students will be asked to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee to get their M-1 or F-1 student visa.

One needs to pay the SEVIS fee in the following circumstances:

• M-1 or F-1 visa student from a country where a visa is required to travel to the US.

• M-1 or F-1 visa student from a visa-waiver country (before seeking admission at a US port of entry).

• M-1 or F-1 student who has been out of status for more than five months.

• M-1 or F-1 student who has been away from the US for more than five months and wishes to re-enter the US for higher studies in the same course of study.

To pay the I-901 SEVIS fee one needs to provide the following information:

• Name, address, date of birth, and email address

• Country of birth and country of citizenship

• School Code as stated on the I-20 form

• SEVIS Identification Number as listed on the I-20 form

After paying the I-901 SEVIS fee, the student needs to keep the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt and bring it to the visa interview. Before entering the US it's mandatory to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee.

Also read: Higher studies prospects in the USA

Application Process for I-20 Form

A student must have an I-20 form to apply for an F-1 or an M-1 student visa and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status to travel to the US. Let's see what is the application process for the I-20 form:

Step 1:Acceptance from a US educational institution

First of all, the student must be accepted into a SEVP-certified university or college. For this, the student must provide documents including transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and test scores.

Step 2:Receiving of acceptance letter

After getting accepted, the student will receive an acceptance letter from the college or university. The letter will contain program starting and ending date, tuition fee and academic level.

Step 3:Show Financial documents

Next step is submitting the financial documents to prove that the students can cover their living expenses in the US. This can include scholarship letters, bank statements and other financial documents.

Step 4:Fill out the I-20 Form

After receiving the financial documents, the institution will issue an I-20 form through Student and Exchange Visitor Information System which the student has to fill with the personal and program information.

Step 5:Pay the SEVIS Fee

Before applying for a student visa, the individual needs to pay the SEVIS fee. The student can pay the fee online or by mail whichever is comfortable.

Step 6:Receive the I-20 Form

After completing the information, the institution will mail the I-20 form to the student. Before moving further, a student must review it and check if all the information is correct.

Step 7:Pay the I-901 Fee

After receiving the I-20 form, international students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. The fee is mandatory for the students to get F-1 and M-1 visas. The fee can be paid online.

Step 8:Schedule a Visa Interview

The last step is to apply for Visa Interview at the US embassy. The students must take all the required documents like the I-20 form, financial documents and passport.

Also read: How to get a scholarship to study in USA?

Who Needs an I-20 Form?

The students need an I-20 form if they are:

• A nonimmigrant who never attended a school or university in the US.

• A nonimmigrant who wishes to transfer from a school or college in the US.

• A nonimmigrant who wants to change their visa status to a F-1 visa.

The students must carry their original I-20 form as they enter the US. Before entering the US, one US Customs and Border Protection Officer at the airport, as they will ask them to present the I-20 form.

When to get a new I-20 Form?

The students can request a new I-20 form in the following circumstances.

• When the physical copy of the I-20 form is destroyed, stolen or lost

• For travelling purposes

• When their SEVIS status changes

• Any personal information changes (optional practical training, program of study)

One has to contact the Designated School Official (DSO) to request a new I-20 form. To get a new I-20 form the SELVIS status of the student must be active.

Conclusion

The I-20 form is an important document for any international student as it proves that the individual is actually a student of an accredited university or college. The students can get their I-20 form by following the process that is mentioned above. For more information about the I-20 form students can connect with Canam consultants.

Also read: Everything you need to know about international student visa

FAQ

What is the validity of the I-20 form?

An I-20 form is valid till the end date of the program.

What is the processing time of the I-20 form?

It takes around one to two weeks to process the I-20 form.

What to do after getting the I-20 form?

After getting the I-20 form, the student needs to pay the I-901 fee.

How many documents does one require to get the I-20 form?

The documents required for the I-20 form are financial documents and a passport.

What is the use of the I-20 form?

The I-20 form is a crucial document proving that the individual is a legit college or university student.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

SRH University Wilhelm Löhe

Bavaria, Germany • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 0-0 / year

Northwest Executive Education - Northwood University

Michigan, USA • 10 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

Sheffield Hallam University - Collegiate Campus

England, UK • 33 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-16000 / year

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus

Nelson, New Zealand • 44 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 0-0 / year

Northern College - Timmins Campus

Ontario, Canada • 39 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 15500-27500 / year

Navitas Group - Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) - Sydney Campus

New South Wales, Australia • 13 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 26500-42500 / year

University of New Hampshire - Durham Campus

New Hampshire, USA • 163 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 18900-19000 / year

Wilfrid Laurier University - Waterloo Campus

Ontario, Canada • 170 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 22000-29500 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop

Study in Canada

18th Sep to 28th Sept, 24 • 11:00AM to 05:00PM

In-Person & Virtual Event

Scholarship Day for USA

Study in USA • Application Days

Hyderabad-Kukatpally • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Live Webinar with Q&A on Pathways to In-Demand Careers in Healthcare

Study in Canada • Webinar

06:00PM

Virtual Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Why Study MBA From Canada?

Are you considering to study an MBA in Canada but feeling unsure about your decision? There's no need to worry! According to data by IRCC, o...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 05:14 PM IST • Study in Canada

CELPIP Writing Section: Email Writing Task 1

CELPIP is one of the highly known English language proficiency test in Canada. If you want to live in Canada permanently, you must take this test. It ...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 03:30 PM IST • CELPIP

Why Study MBA in Ireland?

IntroductionIf you plan to pursue an MBA while being easy on your wallet, look no further than Ireland! This country has some government-fun...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 01:06 PM IST • Study in Ireland

Student Life in Germany

Germany is known for its affordable education and top-class universities in Europe, but what is it like to become a student at a German univ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 05:28 PM IST • Study in Germany

Improve IELTS Listening Skills

Are you anxious about the IELTS test you are about to appear for? Do the accents and language currently appear foreign to you? You can always learn a ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 05:22 PM IST • IELTS

Why Study MBA in UK

In today’s world, where new businesses are emerging daily, youngsters worldwide also want to enter the start-up world. They want in-depth ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 03:08 PM IST • study in the UK

Complete Undergraduate Admissions Guide to Study in Germany

Ever dreamt of studying in a land steeped in history and innovation? Germany, a powerhouse of education and engineering, beckons you with it...

Updated on • Jul 23,2024 01:59 PM IST • Study in Germany

10 Part-time Jobs in UK for International Students

The UK (United Kingdom) offers plenty of opportunities to International students for part-time employment, internships, and post-study employment, ass...

Updated on • Jul 23,2024 01:47 PM IST • study in the UK

Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students

Canada has been a popular study-abroad destination for Indian students, particularly in the past decade of 2013 – 2023. This is likely to be further...

Updated on • Jul 20,2024 12:52 PM IST • Study in Canada

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Questions

One has to develop ideas on different topics and learn to answer various questions before taking up the IELTS speaking module. The IELTS speaking test...

Updated on • Jul 16,2024 05:46 PM IST • IELTS

F-1 visa for international students: Eligibility, Application, Requirements and Process

Congratulations! Did you get accepted at your preferred university in USA? You are closer to advanced research facilities, a diverse culture, and care...

Updated on • Jul 16,2024 04:37 PM IST • USA

Top 10 Benefits of Studying in Australia for Indian Students

Lately. Australia has emerged as one of the most popular study abroad destinations among Indian students. According to the QS Best Student Cities 2024...

Updated on • Jul 15,2024 05:41 PM IST • Australia

How Can Overseas Study Experience Help You In Your Career?

Making decisions like studying overseas can be very overwhelming. As a student, your mind must be surrounded by lots of questions such as - what are t...

Updated on • Jul 15,2024 03:31 PM IST • Study Abroad

Study Medicine in Germany

Are you an international student planning to study medicine in Germany? We want to tell you are going in the right direction, as Germany hosts world-c...

Updated on • Jul 13,2024 05:59 PM IST • Study in Germany

Grading System in USA

Studying in the USA is an investment for the future as the country provides high-quality education to students. Many international students dream of s...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 05:59 PM IST • USA

Benefits of 1+1 Programs in Canada

Canada welcomes international students to explore its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and excellent career opportunities. It offers un...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 04:06 PM IST • Study in Canada

Facts to Know Before Studying in Australia

When you decide to pursue your studies in Australia, there are so many things that you should know before actually moving to the country. Kn...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 03:38 PM IST • Australia

Australian Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers

Starting a study abroad journey can be overwhelming and this decision needs courage. If you are someone who decided to study abroad, so proud of you! ...

Updated on • Jul 11,2024 03:26 PM IST • Australia

TOEFL Accepted Universities in USA

Navigating the requirements for admission into universities in the USA reveals a wide spectrum of TOEFL score expectations. The TOEFL exam, with its f...

Updated on • Jul 08,2024 05:49 PM IST • TOEFL

Why take Study Abroad Counselling?

Many Indian students dream of studying abroad. However, choosing the right institute and course can be a real challenge. After all, your fut...

Updated on • Jul 08,2024 05:30 PM IST • Study Abroad

I-20 Form - Application Process, Requirements and Processing Time

Table of Contents

What is an I-20 form?

I-20 Form Details

I-20 Form: Requirements

What Is the I-901 SEVIS Fee?

One needs to pay the SEVIS fee in the following circumstances:

To pay the I-901 SEVIS fee one needs to provide the following information:

Application Process for I-20 Form

Step 1:Acceptance from a US educational institution

Step 2:Receiving of acceptance letter

Step 3:Show Financial documents

Step 4:Fill out the I-20 Form

Step 5:Pay the SEVIS Fee

Step 6:Receive the I-20 Form

Step 7:Pay the I-901 Fee

Step 8:Schedule a Visa Interview

Who Needs an I-20 Form?

When to get a new I-20 Form?

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams