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Discover the US I-20 visa. Learn about its importance, the application process, and how to secure your student visa for studying in the USA.
International students who want to study in universities in the US will need an I-20 form for their student visas. It is a very important document, and students must know all the details related to the issuance, requirements, additional documentation, and all other relevant information. The I-20 is issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to the universities that are recognised in the US. The I-20 form helps authorities ascertain that the individual seeking the student visa is admitted to a recognised university in the US and is a legitimate student.
It is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status, which helps students in getting the F1 or M1 status. The I-20 Visa for USA helps the authorities ascertain that the individual applying for the student visa has the means to study in the US and the financial capacity to finance the cost of education and cost of living for the duration of stay in the US. The I-20 Form is given by the Designated School Official or the DSO to international students. It certifies the student’s eligibility to get a visa as they are admitted to a recognised educational institution in the US.
The visa type varies depending on the type of course for which the student has applied or the university where the student got admission. Both F1 or M1 visas are given depending on the factor mentioned above and as per the university’s recommendation. Officially it is termed as 'Certificate of Eligibility', which makes the student eligible to contact the US consulate or embassy in the native country to apply for the student visa.
The US has one of the strictest visa policies, and it’s because of valid reasons. The country’s threat level is way higher than any other nation globally. Amid the rising security concerns, every visa application is considered very carefully before giving the go-ahead. The department of homeland security explicitly mentions the relevance of the I-20 Form and outlines that an international student mustn’t lose it in the entire stay period in the US. However, the students have a misconception about the I-20 Form that it is a ticket to the US visa, while this isn’t the case. Having an I-20 USA Form only helps ease the next set of processes involved in the issuance of a visa. In no possible way, and I-20 Form guarantees a US visa.
The university verifies all the details then sends the required documents about the confirmation of admission and the I-20 Form. All the documents required for a student visa, including the I-20 USA Form, are sent via email by the DSO of the university where the student is admitted for pursuing a course. For any query regarding the I-20 Form, students are expected to reach out to the DSO, the ultimate authority in issuing this document.
There are two types of I-20 Form issued by the universities to international students. The type of I-20 Form depends on the type of visa that will be issued to the student.
One needs to give all the relevant details for the I-20 Form, and the information is automatically uploaded to the SEVIS or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The following information is contained in the SEVIS:
To get the I-20 Form from the university’s DSO, one has to ensure that the below-mentioned I-20 visa USA requirements are met:
Bank Statement:
Students have to send a copy of the bank statement for the issuance of the I-20 Form. All the details like bank account number, address, type of account, account balance, and all other information must be clearly visible and true to the best knowledge of the visa applicant.
Loan Sanction Letter from the Lenders:
Students must have the loan sanction letter from an authentic lender. It is only required for those students who have taken an abroad education letter, and it must contain the loan amount, the date of issuance of the loan letter, and all the information must be clearly visible.
Evidence to Substantiate that the Student Will Return to the Native Country:
It is an important aspect of getting the I-20 Form as the US visa officials require solid reasons to believe that the student will return to the home country. To substantiate the intent of returning, the students need to give property documents; parents job details, social proof, or anything substantial that can convince the authorities that the student has sufficient reasons to return to the home country.
Payment of I-901 SEVIS Fee:
To pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, which is $200, the student should have the I-20 Form with them, without which it is impossible to complete the payment. The completion of payment requires information from the I-20 Form issued by the DSO from the university. The payment of the I-901 SEVIS Fee is compulsory before entering the US. Students seeking both F1 and M1 visas are required to pay for the I-901 SEVIS Fee, and one needs to provide the following information:
There is a misconception that the use of the I-20 Form is only till the time a student visa isn’t issued. However, its use is way more than that, and it can be used for several other purposes than getting an F1 or M1 student visa.
A student visa is required at the time of entering the US, while it is not the only document that a student has to show at the time of entry. When a student reaches the US, the customs and border protection officer asks for the I-20 Form at the port of entry. Students are allowed to enter the US 30 days before the start date mentioned on the I-20, as it helps students in putting things into order. The students need some time to settle, so a 30-day window is allowed.
The Use of the I-20 Form is way more than entry and getting the student visa. It can be used to take the driver’s license and open a bank account. Students are advised to open a bank account in an American bank as soon as possible because using an Indian debit or credit card can be a pricey affair. It also helps students in bringing their dependents to the US, as each dependent will have their I-20 Forms. The I-20 Form is also used when students wish to re-enter the US. There are several instances when students leave the US due to projects, research work, seminars, vacations, etc., each time students must show the I-20 Form.
Once you receive your I-20 Form, there are two crucial steps you need to take:
Although there are no direct US I-20 fees, which the university itself provides, students should be aware of many connected I-20 visa cost, mentioned below.
When a student applies for admission, the majority of universities and colleges charge an application fee. The charge may vary based on the institution, ranging from $50 to $100 or higher. The student will not receive the I-20 form until the application procedure is finished and admission is approved.
SEVIS fee must be paid by the student as soon as they obtain the I-20 form. Currently, applicants for F-1 visas must pay a $350 SEVIS fee. This cost needs to be paid in order to attend the visa interview at the US Embassy.
Students must pay the visa application charge (sometimes called the Machine-Readable Visa cost, or MRV fee) in addition to the SEVIS fee. Most nonimmigrant visas, such as the F-1 student visa, have a $160 application fee. Before the visa interview can be scheduled, this fee which is different from the SEVIS fee must be paid.
So there are no direct I-20 US visa cost, apart from the particulars mentioned above, in addition, there can be some extra expenses such as obtaining financial statements, translations of documents, and courier services.
The USCIS has redesigned the new form for students seeking F1 and M1 visas. The new form doesn’t have the barcode which used to be there in the earlier forms. Students can also ask for a new I-20 form in the following case:
Getting admission to a top university is a great opportunity for students to change the course of their lives. The US is certainly a top location for students seeking world-class education and great employment opportunities. The I-20 Form is a crucial document, and students must take all the precautions to fill the university application form carefully as any mistake will delay the entire admission process or even the admissibility to the university. So, one must refer to the sample I-20 Form before proceeding with entering the details in the university application form.
The time it takes to receive your I-20 form after being accepted to a US university can vary. Generally, universities issue the I-20 form within a few weeks after you have been accepted and have provided all the necessary financial documentation. However, it may take longer depending on the university's processing times and any delays in submitting required documents. It's important to follow up with the university's international student office if you haven't received your I-20 within a reasonable time frame.
The SEVIS fee, also known as the I-901 SEVIS fee, is a mandatory payment required for all international students applying for a US student visa (F or M visa). This fee is used to maintain your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a database used by the US government to track and monitor schools and students. You must pay the SEVIS fee after receiving your I-20 form and before attending your visa interview. The information on your I-20 form is necessary to complete the SEVIS fee payment.
Yes, you must carry your original I-20 form with you when traveling to the United States. It is an essential document that you will need to present to the US Customs and Border Protection officers upon arrival. The I-20 form confirms your student status and the details of your enrollment at the US university, so it is critical to keep it safe and accessible during your travels.
No, you cannot use the same I-20 form if you transfer to another US university. If you decide to transfer, your new school will issue a new I-20 form reflecting your updated enrollment information. You will need to follow the proper procedures for transferring your SEVIS record to the new institution, which involves coordination between your current and new school's international student offices.
If you lose your I-20 form, it is important to contact your university's international student office as soon as possible. They will assist you in obtaining a replacement I-20. The university will issue a new form and may require you to provide some identification and possibly a fee. Once the replacement is issued, make sure to keep it in a safe place, as you will need it for travel, visa renewals, and other immigration-related purposes.
The I-20 US visa cost includes associated fees rather than a direct charge for the US I-20 fee itself:
These are the main costs you’ll need to pay when applying for a student visa with an I-20 in the US.
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