It's always a dream come true to be accepted into the college of your dreams in the United States. You must now complete further paperwork in order to pursue your desire of attending your preferred institution. Now is the time to apply for a student visa and complete other necessary papers in order to study legally in the United States. You've probably heard of an I-20 form by now, and now you need to know how to obtain one.
What is I-20 Form?
The I-20 form is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status issued by a SEVP-certified school, certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and has proved the financial means to remain in the United States. A Form I-20 is given to students by their authorized school official (DSO). The appropriate I-20 Form is given dependent on whether the institution you'll be attending is an F-1 or M-1 institution. After you pay the money, each institution that accepts you will send you an I-20 form. However, you must complete the I-20 Form for the school to which you will be attending. The 'Certificate of Eligibility,' which is granted to international students, authorizes the candidate to apply for an F-1 student visa at a US embassy or consulate in his native country.
How to Get I-20 Form?
You should expect the I-20 document to arrive with or shortly after your acceptance letter from the university. You can contact the Designated School Official (DSO) who signs off on the I-20 form if the document needs to be updated or if some information needs to be modified. Before issuing the I-20, some universities require candidates to complete extra steps. As part of a financial affidavit, students must submit information regarding their sources of money, bank certificates, sponsor certification, bank certification, and so on. Optionally, students can supply loan/sanction letters, bank statements, and scholarship letters. Following the university's successful acceptance of these documents, the I-20 is issued to the admitted students.
Why is it Important to Get I-20 Form?
The Form I-20 is a vital document that you should keep safe, according to the Department of Homeland Security, because you will need it throughout your international student life cycle. The immigration process may appear long and exhausting at first, but once you get your I-20 form, the rest of the process will be much easier. You can ask the official who sent you the form if you have any questions about it. Following are some of the major reasons to get an I-20 form:-
1. You should proceed to pay the I-1901 SEVIS fee once you have received the I-20 form from the school you plan to attend. It is a mandatory fee that must be paid prior to entry into the United States; information from the I-20 form is required to complete this payment.
2. The I-20 is a crucial part of the visa application process, and the Visa Officers at the consulate can require an original copy during your visa interview. In addition to financial information about the program's cost and how you plan to pay for it, the form contains information about the program you want to pursue - make sure the visa type you're applying for and the one indicated on the form are the same.
3. The I-20 form may be required by a customs and border protection officer upon arrival in the United States; it is recommended that you have it on your person. According to the Department of Homeland Security, you are permitted to enter the nation 30 days prior to the commencement of your program.
4. In addition to allowing overseas students to enter the United States, the I-20 form is required in order to get the benefits to which they are entitled. It may also be required when applying for a job, along with a driver's license or a social security number.
