What is the I20 Form for International Students? The Complete Guide

To study in the U.S., you will need to prepare a lot of paperwork, including a document known as Form I20. If you haven’t heard of it before, scroll down to find out more.

What is the I20 form?

Form I20 is issued by the school to which you applied as an international student. It verifies your enrollment, which forms the legal basis for your stay within the duration of your course.

You will need to present the I20 form during your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Here’s what you can find on Form I20:

1. ☑️ Your personal details: full name, nationality, date of birth , etc.
2. ☑️ Dependents (if any): spouse, children (for F2 visa holders), etc.
3. ☑️ School information: name, address, contact details, etc.
4. ☑️ Registered study program: major, duration, etc.
5. ☑️ Financial details: tuition, living expenses, sponsorship, etc.

💡 Explore further: Who can sponsor an F1 student?

You must keep your I20 form safe as it is required for many legal procedures. It may be used as:

1. ✅ An essential document for your M1 or F1 visa application
2. ✅ Proof of financial capacity, based on:
   1.  Tuition fee
   2.  Living expenses
   3.  Personal funds
3. ✅ A necessary document to enter the U.S. and prove your temporary residence status during your study course.
4. ✅ The legal basis for other procedures such as U.S. visa extension, school transfer, or change of study program

How long does it take to get the I20 form?

It usually takes between two and four weeks to receive your Form I20. However, the processing time may change due to:

1. ● The admission procedure of your school
2. ● The time it takes to double-check financial proof and process the SEVIS fee
3. ● The speed of the your local courier service

💡 Read more: How long to get a US student visa?

What documents are required for the I20 form?

To apply for Form I20, you will need to submit these documents to the school’s admissions office:

1. ● Completed application form
2. ● Recommendation letter
3. ● School report or academic transcript
4. ● Graduate diploma
5. ● Certificate of English language proficiency
6. ● Passport
7. ● Financial evidence

Do I need to translate documents in my I20 form application?

Documents not written in English must be translated into English and certified, including:

1. ● Recommendation letter
2. ● School report or academic transcript
3. ● Financial evidence

A certified translation is only valid when it is provided by a qualified and authorized translator or translation agency. Competent translators and agencies can also ensure accurate translation and appropriate formatting, which may increase your chances of visa approval.

Choose Thao & Co. as your trusted partner

Thao & Co. Translation Company provides quality and comprehensive translation services for your study abroad applications, including the I20 form. Backed by seasoned linguists with deep expertise in translating educational and legal materials,

our accurate and natural translations will help minimize misunderstanding or information mismatch. Thao & Co.’s services also come with several extra benefits, including:

1. 📌 Additional services: Notarization and legalization support services are also available just for an additional fee.
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How to apply for an I20 form?

Here are the steps you need to take and the fee to get Form I20:

Step-by-step process

1. Step 1️⃣: Look up schools and programs you would like to study.
2. Step 2️⃣: Submit all documents required for admission to the school.
3. Step 3️⃣: Receive your Form I20 once your application is accepted.
4. Step 4️⃣: Keep it safe to apply for a U.S. student visa.

I20 form application fee

The fee is typically $140, but can vary depending on the school. You must also pay the SEVIS fee to the U.S. Government before the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

That covers the key details for the question “What is I20 form?” To get your I20 form in time, make sure to prepare the required documents with utmost care. Don’t forget to find a trustworthy certified translation service to ensure accuracy and compliance with the latest regulations.

Look no further than Thao & Co. – where you can get fast and precise translations without any sacrifice in quality. Fill in our Get a Quote form today to receive your complimentary and personalized consultation!