Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status

Who Needs Form I-20?

You need a Form I-20 if you plan to study in the United States on an F-1 or M-1 student visa. It is not a document you fill out yourself; instead, U.S. colleges, universities, and language schools issue it to accepted international students.

Your dependents (husband, wife, or unmarried children under 21) who plan to live with you in the U.S. on F-2 status will also need their own individual I-20 forms.

When Do You File Form I-20?

You do not "file" the I-20 with the government to request it. You get it after a school accepts you and you prove that you have enough money to cover your tuition and living costs for at least one year.

Once you receive the physical or digital document, you will use it to pay the SEVIS fee and schedule your student visa interview.

Where Do You File Form I-20?

You do not submit the Form I-20 to USCIS. You must keep the physical page with you at all times.

You will show this form to the U.S. consular officer during your embassy interview, and you must carry it in your hand luggage to present to border officers when you land in America.

Filing Fees & Processing Times

Filing Fee: U.S. schools do not charge a government fee to issue the form, but you must pay a mandatory SEVIS I-901 fee (currently $350 for F-1 students) to the Department of Homeland Security before your visa interview.

Processing Time: Most schools issue the I-20 within 2 to 4 weeks after you submit your admission acceptance and financial proof.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to Sign: You must sign and date the bottom of the first page. An unsigned form can delay your visa or entry at the border.
• Missing Travel Signature: If you travel outside the U.S. during school breaks, a school official must sign page 2 of your form within 12 months of your return date.
• Incorrect Funding Info: Ensure the tuition cost numbers match your bank statements exactly to avoid questions at the consulate.

What Happens After You File?

Once you get your I-20, pay your SEVIS fee online immediately. Then, fill out Form DS-160 and book your student visa interview appointment.

Keep your original I-20 in a safe place. You will need it for campus employment, getting a Social Security number, applying for a driver's license, and starting OPT work programs.

Frequently Asked Questions