Studying in the US? Here’s what you need to know about the I-20 form
I-20 form is form which students should fill for studying in United States (US). Form I-20 is a ‘Certificate for eligibility for non-immigrant student status’. Students receive this form when their application to a programme is accepted. A designated school official (DSO) from the school will give you one of the two forms:
- F students – if you have been accepted by a language and academic school, you will receive a Form I-20 (Certificate for eligibility for non-immigrant (F-1) student status)
- M students – if you have been accepted by a vocational school, you should fill a Form I-20 (Certificate for eligibility for non-immigrant (M-1) student status)
Students must remember to apply 120 days before the date listed on your Form I-20. Make sure the type of visa you receive matches the I-20 type you have (F or M).
Form I-20 are updated by DSOs in your school. Students receive a Form I-20 from a DSO from every school that a student accepts. Fill only those I-20 form from the school you decide to attend. Students have to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee while filling the Form I-20.
The Form I-20 is to be carried at the time of entering the United States. The form is to be shown to Immigration officers at the port of entry on arrival. It is always good that students arrive up to 30 days before the start date listed on your Form I-20.