Outline
Understanding the importance of I-20 Document
April 16, 2024
What is an I-20?
Each international student applying for an F-1 Visa (student visa) will receive a Form I-20, titled “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students.” Upon confirming admission with an accredited university in the U.S., the university’s designated school official (DSO) will issue you a Form I-20 .
What do I need to do to get a Form I-20?
After confirming admission at a U.S. university, the international student office will require you to submit various financial documents before issuing an I-20. The following documents are deemed acceptable to verify your financial capability for your education in the U.S.:
- Bank statements (last 3 years)
- Tax records (last 3 years)
- Pay stubs (last 3 months)
- Proof of scholarship funds (if any)
- Letter confirming a bank loan (if any)
The importance of I-20 document
The I-20 serves as evidence of your enrollment at a U.S. university as an international student. It includes your SEVIS ID, which both your university and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) utilize to record your status as an international student in the U.S.
The I-20 is a requisite component of your F-1 Visa application procedure. On occasion, U.S. customs and immigration officials may request your I-20 to verify your F-1 Visa status upon your arrival in the U.S. and during airport immigration procedures. If you intend to intern or obtain full-time work experience in the U.S., you must furnish a valid I-20 along with a work authorization application to the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What should I do with my I-20?
Upon receiving your I-20, it’s imperative to review all details for accuracy promptly. Thoroughly examine sections containing personal information, university details, and program of study. Verify for any spelling inaccuracies and confirm that your university’s Designated School Official (DSO) has authenticated the I-20 by signing and dating the ‘School Attestation’ section. Ensure all pages of your I-20 are signed and initialed, and retain a digital copy along with all immigration paperwork, including your passport. If you are under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian must also provide their signature and date on your Form I-20 using ink.
Note: Throughout your academic journey in the U.S., your university’s international student office will issue revised copies of your Form I-20. It is crucial to retain every I-20 received as these serve as vital documents for potential submission in other legal or immigration proceedings.
