International students planning to study in the United States must complete certain necessary paperwork before arriving on campus of their chosen US university.
Once accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, international students will receive a Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO). All F and M students that study in the United States need a Form I-20, ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.’
Students must also obtain a Form I-20 for any eligible dependents they plan to bring to the United States with them. It is important to note that the name on the Form I-20 an SEVP-certified school issued to the student will dictate the type of student visa you may obtain from the U.S. Department of State and the status you will need to maintain in the United States. It can be either Academic and Language students or Vocational Students.
Students and their DSO must both sign Form I-20. If one is under the age 18, their parents must sign Form I-20 for them.
The Form I-20 is an important document that students should keep safe, as they will need it throughout the international student life cycle.
Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee
Before students pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee, you must receive the Form I-20 from a DSO at the school you plan to attend. Students will need information from the Form I-20 to pay the fee. The I-901 SEVIS Fee is mandatory and must be paid before you enter the United States.
Applying for a nonimmigrant visa
The Form I-20 lists your program start date, 30 days before which you are allowed to enter the United States. F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 365 days in advance of your course of study start date.
Your type of student visa must match the type of Form I-20 you have (e.g., F-1 or M-1). You are expected to have the original Form I-20 at your visa interview.
Entering the United States
You are expected to have the signed Form I-20 on hand as you enter the country. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will instruct you to present your Form I-20 at the port of entry. You may arrive up to 30 days before the start date listed on your Form I-20.
Applying for benefits
Your Form I-20 proves that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States. Therefore, it may be needed when you apply for the benefits available to F and M students. If you are eligible to apply for a driver’s license or a social security number, remember to bring your Form I-20 with you.
As of July 1, 2016, the redesigned Form I-20 is required for all F and M nonimmigrant visa applications, entry into the United States, travel and applications for nonimmigrant benefits. The previous version of the Form I-20 (with a barcode) is now invalid.