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The Form I-20, officially known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, plays a crucial role in the process of studying in the United States as a nonimmigrant student. This document is issued by the designated school official (DSO) and is essential for students seeking to apply for an F-1 visa. It contains vital information such as the student’s name, country of birth, academic program details, and financial information necessary for maintaining student status. The form also outlines the conditions under which the student is admitted, including the program start and end dates, as well as the requirements for maintaining lawful status while in the U.S. Students must carry the Form I-20 at all times and present it during visa applications and upon entry into the United States. Additionally, the form includes sections for employment authorization, allowing students to engage in specific work opportunities under certain conditions. Understanding the significance of the Form I-20 is essential for international students, as it not only facilitates their entry into the United States but also governs their stay and academic pursuits. Compliance with the regulations outlined in the form is critical to avoid jeopardizing their nonimmigrant status.

Form Sample

Department of Homeland Security

I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

OMB NO. 1653-0038

 

 

SEVIS ID: N0004720633

SURNAME/PRIMARY NAME

GIVEN NAME

Class of Admission

PREFERRED NAME

 

PASSPORT NAME

 

F-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNTRY OF BIRTH

 

COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF BIRTH

 

ADMISSION NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

ACADEMIC AND

 

 

 

 

FORM ISSUE REASON

 

LEGACY NAME

 

LANGUAGE

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL NAME

 

SCHOOL ADDRESS

 

 

SCHOOL OFFICIAL TO CONTACT UPON ARRIVAL

SCHOOL CODE AND APPROVAL DATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROGRAM OF STUDY

 

 

 

 

EDUCATION LEVEL

MAJOR 1

 

MAJOR 2

 

PROGRAM ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY NOTES

EARLIEST ADMISSION DATE

START OF CLASSES

PROGRAM START/END DATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIALS

 

 

 

 

ESTIMATED AVERAGE COSTS FOR: 9 MONTHS

STUDENT'S FUNDING FOR: 9 MONTHS

 

Tuition and Fees

 

 

 

 

Living Expenses

 

 

 

 

Expenses of Dependents (0)

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

$

 

 

$

REMARKS

SCHOOL ATTESTATION

I certify under penalty of perjury that all information provided above was entered before I signed this form and is true and correct. I executed this form in the United States after review and evaluation in the United States by me or other officials of the school of the student's application, transcripts, or other records of courses taken and proof of financial responsibility, which were received at the school prior to the execution of this form. The school has determined that the above named student's qualifications meet all standards for admission to the school and the student will be required to pursue a full program of study as defined by 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6). I am a designated school official of the above named school and am authorized to issue this form.

X

DATE ISSUED

PLACE ISSUED

SIGNATURE OF:

 

 

STUDENT ATTESTATION

I have read and agreed to comply with the terms and conditions of my admission and those of any extension of stay. I certify that all information provided on this form refers specifically to me and is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I certify that I seek to enter or remain in the United States temporarily, and solely for the purpose of pursuing a full program of study at the school named above. I also authorize the named school to release any information from my records needed by DHS pursuant to 8 CFR 214.3(g) to determine my nonimmigrant status. Parent or guardian, and student, must sign if student is under 18.

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE OF:

 

 

 

DATE

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

NAME OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN

 

SIGNATURE

 

ADDRESS (city/state or province/country) DATE

ICE Form I-20 A-B (3/31/2018)

Page 1 of 3

Department of Homeland Security

I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

OMB NO. 1653-0038

 

 

SEVIS ID: N0004720633 (F-1)

NAME: Student Sample

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATIONS

 

 

 

 

TYPE

FULL/PART-TIME

STATUS

START DATE

END DATE

CPT

PART TIME

APPROVED

01 JULY 2016

15 JULY 2016

 

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TYPE

 

AUTHORIZATION DATES

 

CPT

 

01 JULY 2016 - 15 JULY 2016

 

EMPLOYER NAME

START DATE

END DATE

CITY & STATE

 

SEVP applied labs

01 JULY 2016

15 JULY 2016

Arlington, VA

 

 

 

 

 

CHANGE OF STATUS/CAP-GAP EXTENSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHORIZED REDUCED COURSE LOAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT SESSION DATES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT SESSION START DATE

 

CURRENT SESSION END DATE

 

01 JUNE 2016

 

30 JUNE 2016

 

 

TRAVEL ENDORSEMENT

This page, when properly endorsed, may be used for re-entry of the student to attend the same school after a temporary absence from the United States. Each endorsement is valid for one year.

SCHOOL OFFICIAL

 

TITLE

 

SIGNATURE

 

DATE ISSUED

 

PLACE ISSUED

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ICE Form I-20 A-B (3/31/2018)

Page 2 of 3

Department of Homeland Security

I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

OMB NO. 1653-0038

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS

STUDENT ATTESTATION. You should read everything on this page carefully. Be sure that you understand the terms and conditions concerning your admission and stay in the United States as a nonimmigrant student before signing the student attestation on page 1 of the Form I-20 A-B. The law provides severe penalties for knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact, or using any false document in the submission of this form.

FORM I-20. The Form I-20 (this form) is the primary document to show that you have been admitted to school in the United States and that you are authorized to apply for admission to the United States in F-1 class of admission. You must have your Form I-20 with you at all times. If you lose your Form I-20, you must request a new one from your designated school official (DSO) at the school named on your Form I-20.

VISA APPLICATION. You must give this Form I-20 to the U.S. consular officer at the time you apply for a visa (unless you are exempt from visa requirements). If you have a Form I-20 from more than one school, be sure to present the Form I-20 for the school you plan to attend. Your visa will include the name of that school, and you must attend that school upon entering the United States. You must also provide evidence of support for tuition and fees and living expenses while you are in the United States.

ADMISSION. When you enter the United States, you must present the following documents to the officer at the port of entry: 1) a Form I-20; 2) a valid F-1 visa(unless you are exempt from visa requirements); 3) a valid passport; and

4)evidence of support for tuition and fees and living expenses while you are in the United States. The agent should return all documents to you before you leave the inspection area.

REPORT TO SCHOOL NAMED ON YOUR FORM I-20 AND VISA. Upon your first entry to the United States, you must report to the DSO at the school named on your Form I-20 and your F-1 visa (unless you are exempt from visa requirements). If you decide to attend another school before you enter the United States, you must present a Form I-20 from the new school to a U.S. consular officer for a new F-1 visa that names the new school. Failure to enroll in the school, by the program start date on your Form I-20 may result in the loss of your student status and subject you to deportation.

EMPLOYMENT. Unlawful employment in the United States is a reason for terminating your F-1 status and deporting you from the United States. You may be employed on campus at your school. You may be employed off-campus in curricular practical training (CPT) if you have written permission from your DSO. You may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for off-campus employment authorization in three circumstances: 1) employment with an international organization; 2) severe and unexpected economic hardship; and 3) optional practical training (OPT) related to your degree. You must have written authorization from USCIS before you begin work. Contact your DSO for details. Your spouse or child (F-2 classification) may not work in the United States

PERIOD OF STAY. You may remain in the United States while taking a full course of study or during authorized employment after your program. F-1 status ends and you are required to leave the United States on the earliest of the following dates: 1) the program end date on your Form I-20 plus 60 days; 2) the end date of your OPT plus 60 days; or 3) the termination of your program for any other reason. Contact your DSO for details.

EXTENSION OF PROGRAM. If you cannot complete the education program by the program end date on page 1 of your Form I-20, you should contact your DSO at least 15 days before the program end date to request an extension.

SCHOOL TRANSFER. To transfer schools, first notify the DSO at the school you are attending of your plan to transfer, then obtain a Form I-20 from the DSO at the school you plan to attend. Return the Form I-20 for the new school to the DSO at that school within 15 days after beginning attendance at the new school. The DSO will then report the transfer to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You must enroll in the new school at the next session start date. The DSO at the new school must update your registration in SEVIS.

NOTICE OF ADDRESS. When you arrive in the United States, you must report your U.S. address to your DSO. If you move, you must notify your DSO of your new address within 10 days of the change of address. The DSO will update SEVIS with your new address.

REENTRY. F-1 students may leave the United States and return within a period of five months.To return, you must have: 1) a valid passport; 2) a valid F- 1 student visa (unless you are exempt from visa requirements); and 3) your Form I-20, page 2, properly endorsed for reentry by your DSO. If you have been out of the United States for more than five months, contact your DSO

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION BY SCHOOL. DHS requires your school to provide DHS with your name, country of birth, current address, immigration status, and certain other information on a regular basis or upon request. Your signature on the Form I-20 authorizes the named school to release such information from your records.

PENALTY. To maintain your nonimmigrant student status, you must: 1) remain a full-time student at your authorized school; 2) engage only in authorized employment; and 3) keep your passport valid. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in the loss of your student status and subject you to deportation.

INSTRUCTIONS TO SCHOOLS

Failure to comply with 8 CFR 214.3(k) and 8 CFR 214.4 when issuing Forms I- 20 will subject you and your school to criminal prosecution. If you issue this form improperly, provide false information, or fail to submit required reports, DHS may withdraw its certification of your school for attendance by nonimmigrant students.

ISSUANCE OF FORM I-20. DSOs may issue a Form I-20 for any nonimmigrant your school has accepted for a full course of study if that person:

1)plans to apply to enter the United States in F-1 status; 2) is in the United States as an F-1 nonimmigrant and plans to transfer to your school; or 3) is in the United States and will apply to change nonimmigrant status to F-1. DSOs may also issue the Form I-20 to the spouse or child (under the age of 21) of an F-1 student to use to enter or remain in the United States as an F-2 dependent. DSOs must sign where indicated at the bottom of page 1 of the Form I-20 to attest that the form is completed and issued in accordance with regulations.

ENDORSEMENT OF PAGE 2 FOR REENTRY. If there have been no substantive changes in information, DSOs may endorse page 2 of the Form I-20 for the student and/or the F-2 dependents to reenter the United States. If there have been substantive changes, the DSO should issue and sign a new Form I-20 that includes those changes.

RECORDKEEPING. DHS may request information concerning the student's immigration status for various reasons. DSOs should retain all evidence of academic ability and financial resources on which admission was based, until SEVIS shows the student's record completed or terminated.

AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTING INFORMATION. Authority for collecting the information on this and related student forms is contained in 8 U.S.C. 1101 and 1184. The Department of State and DHS use this information to determine eligibility for the benefits requested.The law provides severe penalties for knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact, or using any false document in the submission of this form.

REPORTING BURDEN. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement collects this information as part of its agency mission under the Department of Homeland Security. The estimated average time to review the instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the needed data, and complete and review the collection of information is 30 minutes (.50 hours) per response. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to an information collection unless a form displays a currently valid OMB Control number. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Office of the Chief Information Officer/Forms Management Branch, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 801 I Street NW Stop 5800, Washington, DC 20536- 5800. Do not send the form to this address.

ICE Form I-20 A-B (3/31/2018)

Page 3 of 3

Document Specifications

Fact Name Description
Purpose The I-20 form certifies eligibility for nonimmigrant student status in the U.S.
SEVIS ID Each I-20 form has a unique SEVIS ID used for tracking student status.
Visa Requirement Students must present the I-20 when applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate.
Program of Study The form specifies the student's program of study, including major and education level.
Financial Information The I-20 outlines estimated costs for tuition, living expenses, and funding sources.
Employment Authorization Students may work on-campus and may seek off-campus employment with proper authorization.
Duration of Stay F-1 status allows students to stay in the U.S. for the duration of their studies plus 60 days.
School Attestation A designated school official must certify that all information on the I-20 is accurate.
State-Specific Forms Some states may have additional requirements governed by state laws regarding education.

Steps to Filling Out I 20

Filling out the I-20 form is an important step for students who wish to study in the United States on an F-1 visa. This form is essential for demonstrating eligibility for nonimmigrant student status. After completing the I-20, students will need to present it during their visa application process and upon entering the U.S. It’s crucial to ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid any delays or complications.

  1. Begin with the SEVIS ID section at the top of the form. Enter your SEVIS ID, which is typically provided by your school.
  2. In the SURNAME/PRIMARY NAME field, write your last name as it appears on your passport.
  3. Next, fill in your GIVEN NAME, which is your first name. Include any middle names if applicable.
  4. If you have a PREFERRED NAME, you can include it in the designated field.
  5. Provide your PASSPORT NAME if it differs from your given name.
  6. Complete the COUNTRY OF BIRTH and COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP sections with the appropriate information.
  7. Enter your DATE OF BIRTH in the specified format.
  8. If you have an ADMISSION NUMBER, include it in the corresponding space.
  9. Fill in the ACADEMIC AND FORM ISSUE REASON section, indicating the reason for your application.
  10. Provide your SCHOOL NAME and SCHOOL ADDRESS as requested.
  11. Identify the SCHOOL OFFICIAL TO CONTACT UPON ARRIVAL and include their contact information.
  12. Write the SCHOOL CODE and the APPROVAL DATE as necessary.
  13. In the PROGRAM OF STUDY section, specify your major and education level.
  14. Indicate your ENGLISH PROFICIENCY and any relevant notes.
  15. Fill in the EARLIEST ADMISSION DATE and START OF CLASSES dates.
  16. In the FINANCIALS section, provide the estimated average costs for tuition, living expenses, and other fees for 9 months.
  17. Calculate and enter the TOTAL amount of funding required.
  18. Review the REMARKS section for any additional comments or notes.
  19. Sign the SCHOOL ATTESTATION section, confirming that all information is accurate.
  20. Finally, ensure that the STUDENT ATTESTATION section is signed and dated by you, and if under 18, by a parent or guardian.

More About I 20

What is the I-20 form?

The I-20 form, officially known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is a crucial document for international students wishing to study in the United States. Issued by a designated school official (DSO), it confirms that a student has been accepted into a full-time academic program and is eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa. The I-20 must be kept on hand at all times during the student’s stay in the U.S.

Who needs an I-20 form?

Any international student seeking to enter the United States on an F-1 visa must obtain an I-20 form. This includes students who are applying to a new school, transferring from another institution, or changing their immigration status to F-1. Additionally, dependents of F-1 students may also require an I-20 form to enter the U.S. as F-2 dependents.

How do I obtain an I-20 form?

To obtain an I-20 form, a student must first apply and be accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Once accepted, the school will provide the student with the I-20 form, which includes details about the student’s program, financial information, and other essential data. It is important to ensure that all information is accurate before signing the form.

What should I do if I lose my I-20 form?

If the I-20 form is lost, the student should promptly contact their designated school official (DSO) to request a replacement. The DSO will issue a new I-20 form, which the student must keep safe to avoid complications with their immigration status.

What documents do I need to enter the U.S. with an I-20?

When entering the United States, a student must present several documents to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. These include a valid passport, a valid F-1 visa (unless exempt), the I-20 form, and evidence of financial support for tuition and living expenses. It is essential to have all these documents ready for inspection at the port of entry.

Can I work while on an I-20?

Students on an I-20 form may work under certain conditions. On-campus employment is generally permitted without prior authorization. However, off-campus employment requires written permission from the DSO and, in some cases, authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is crucial to adhere to the regulations regarding employment to maintain F-1 status.

What happens if I need to extend my program?

If a student cannot complete their program by the end date listed on the I-20, they should contact their DSO at least 15 days before the program end date to request an extension. The DSO will assess the situation and may issue a new I-20 form if the extension is granted.

What is the process for transferring schools with an I-20?

To transfer to a new school, a student must first inform their current DSO of their intention to transfer. Afterward, they need to obtain a new I-20 form from the DSO at the new school. The student must return the new I-20 to the DSO at the new institution within 15 days of starting classes there. The DSO will then report the transfer to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

What should I do if I change my address while in the U.S.?

Upon arriving in the United States, students must report their U.S. address to their DSO. If the student moves, they must notify the DSO of their new address within 10 days of the change. The DSO will update the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) with the new address to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to use the correct name format. Ensure that the surname and given name are entered as they appear on your passport.

  2. Incorrectly filling in the SEVIS ID. Double-check that the SEVIS ID matches what is provided on the form.

  3. Omitting the country of birth and country of citizenship. Both fields are mandatory and must be filled out accurately.

  4. Not providing the correct program dates. Ensure that the program start and end dates are accurate and reflect your academic schedule.

  5. Forgetting to sign the student attestation. Your signature is essential to confirm that all provided information is true and correct.

  6. Leaving out the financial information. Complete the section regarding estimated costs and funding sources for your stay in the U.S.

  7. Providing inaccurate contact information for the school official. Ensure that the contact details are up-to-date and correct.

  8. Not updating the form when changing schools. If you transfer, obtain a new Form I-20 from the new institution.

  9. Neglecting to report a change of address. Notify your designated school official (DSO) within 10 days of any address change.

  10. Failing to keep a copy of the Form I-20 for personal records. Always retain a copy for your reference and future needs.

Documents used along the form

The Form I-20 is a crucial document for international students wishing to study in the United States. Alongside the I-20, there are several other important forms and documents that students may need to prepare or submit. Each of these documents plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and facilitating a smooth educational experience.

  • Visa Application (Form DS-160): This is the online application form for a nonimmigrant visa. Students must complete this form to apply for their F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. It requires personal information and details about the intended course of study.
  • Passport: A valid passport is essential for international travel. Students must ensure their passport is up to date and valid for the duration of their stay in the U.S.
  • Financial Support Documents: These documents demonstrate that students have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses while studying in the U.S. They may include bank statements, scholarship letters, or affidavits of support.
  • Admission Letter: This letter is issued by the educational institution and confirms the student's acceptance into a specific program. It is often required when applying for the visa.
  • Travel Endorsement: This endorsement on the I-20 allows students to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad. It must be signed by a designated school official and is valid for one year.
  • Form I-94: This is the arrival/departure record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It indicates the duration of the student's authorized stay in the U.S. and should be kept with the I-20.

Being prepared with the necessary documents can greatly ease the process of studying in the United States. Each document serves a specific purpose and is essential for maintaining legal status while pursuing education. Ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and complete will help foster a positive experience during your studies.

Similar forms

The Form DS-2019, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, is similar to the I-20 form in that it serves as proof of eligibility for nonimmigrant status. Both documents are issued by educational institutions approved by the U.S. government. The DS-2019 is specifically for individuals participating in exchange programs, while the I-20 is for students attending academic institutions. Each form must be presented when applying for a visa, and both require proof of financial support for the duration of the stay in the U.S.

The Form I-94 is another document closely related to the I-20. This form serves as the arrival and departure record for nonimmigrant visitors. Upon entering the United States, individuals must present their I-20 along with their visa and passport. The I-94 indicates the terms of their stay, including the duration of their authorized stay, which is essential for maintaining legal status. Both the I-20 and I-94 are critical in determining a nonimmigrant's eligibility to remain in the U.S. for educational purposes.

The Form F-1 Visa is directly connected to the I-20, as it is the visa category specifically for academic students. The I-20 form is a prerequisite for applying for an F-1 visa. Without a valid I-20, a student cannot obtain this visa, which allows them to enter the U.S. for their studies. Both documents must align in terms of the school and program of study, ensuring that the student is authorized to attend the institution listed on the I-20 when applying for the visa.

The Form I-539 is relevant for individuals seeking to extend or change their nonimmigrant status. Similar to the I-20, this form is utilized by those on F-1 visas who wish to extend their stay or change their status to another category. The I-20 must be current and valid when submitting the I-539, as it provides the necessary context for the request. Both forms are integral to maintaining legal status and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Lastly, the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is linked to the I-20 in the context of employment opportunities for F-1 students. This form allows eligible students to apply for permission to work in the U.S. under certain conditions, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT). To apply for the I-765, students must have a valid I-20 that supports their request for employment authorization. Both documents are crucial for students wishing to gain work experience while studying in the United States.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the I-20 form, there are important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. This will help ensure that your application is accurate and complete.

  • Do read all instructions carefully before starting the form.
  • Do provide accurate and truthful information throughout the form.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Do consult with your designated school official (DSO) if you have questions.
  • Do ensure that all required signatures are present before submission.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank; this can delay processing.
  • Don't submit false information; it can lead to severe penalties.
  • Don't forget to update your DSO if your information changes.
  • Don't ignore deadlines for submission or updates.
  • Don't assume that your application is complete without reviewing it thoroughly.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The I-20 form is only needed for visa applications.
  • The I-20 form serves multiple purposes beyond just the visa application. It is essential for maintaining student status, enrolling in classes, and applying for work authorization.

  • Misconception 2: Once I receive my I-20, I can enter the U.S. anytime.
  • Receiving the I-20 does not guarantee entry into the U.S. You must also have a valid F-1 visa and comply with all entry requirements.

  • Misconception 3: I can attend any school with my I-20.
  • The I-20 is specific to the school listed on the form. If you wish to attend a different school, you must obtain a new I-20 from that institution.

  • Misconception 4: The I-20 form does not need to be updated.
  • It is crucial to update your I-20 if there are changes in your program, school, or personal information. Failure to do so can jeopardize your student status.

  • Misconception 5: I can work off-campus without any restrictions.
  • Working off-campus requires specific authorization. You can only work if you have received permission from your designated school official (DSO) and, in some cases, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

  • Misconception 6: The I-20 form is not important after I enter the U.S.
  • The I-20 remains an important document throughout your stay. You must keep it with you and present it when required, such as during re-entry or when applying for work authorization.

  • Misconception 7: I do not need to report my address to my DSO.
  • Reporting your U.S. address to your DSO is mandatory. If you move, you must notify them within 10 days to keep your records updated.

  • Misconception 8: I can ignore the program end date on my I-20.
  • The program end date is critical. You must complete your studies by this date or apply for an extension to maintain your student status.

  • Misconception 9: My family members can work in the U.S. with my I-20.
  • Family members with F-2 status cannot work in the U.S. They may only attend school part-time or engage in recreational activities.

  • Misconception 10: The I-20 form is a one-time requirement.
  • The I-20 must be maintained and updated throughout your educational journey. Regular communication with your DSO is essential for compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the I-20 form is a critical process for nonimmigrant students seeking to study in the United States. Understanding its components and requirements can significantly impact your experience. Here are nine key takeaways:

  • Primary Document: The I-20 form serves as the main document proving your admission to a U.S. school and your eligibility to apply for an F-1 visa.
  • Keep It Safe: Always carry your I-20 form with you. If lost, request a replacement from your designated school official (DSO) immediately.
  • Visa Application: Present your I-20 form when applying for your visa at a U.S. consulate, ensuring you have the correct form for your chosen school.
  • Entry Requirements: Upon entering the U.S., show your I-20, a valid F-1 visa, and proof of financial support to the customs officer.
  • Report to School: After arrival, report to the DSO at your school to confirm your enrollment and begin your studies.
  • Employment Regulations: Unauthorized work can jeopardize your F-1 status. Only work on-campus or with proper authorization for off-campus employment.
  • Program Duration: Your stay in the U.S. is tied to your program’s duration. Be aware of your program end date and any applicable grace periods.
  • Address Updates: Notify your DSO of any changes to your U.S. address within ten days to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Reentry Guidelines: If you leave the U.S., ensure your I-20 is properly endorsed for reentry. This endorsement is valid for one year.

By following these guidelines, students can navigate the complexities of the I-20 form effectively and maintain their nonimmigrant status while studying in the United States.