1. What is an I-20?

An I-20 is a document that is issued by a U.S. college or university to an international student who is enrolling in the school and is required for obtaining a student visa. It contains the student’s personal information and the school’s information, and it also shows that the school has verified that the student has the financial resources to cover their tuition and living expenses.

2. How do I complete a Form I-20?

To complete a Form I-20, you will need to provide information about you and the school you plan to attend. This includes your name, address, date of birth, and other biographical information, your school’s name and location, the program of study you plan to pursue, and the length of time you expect to be enrolled. You may also need to provide evidence of your financial resources to cover the cost of the program. Once you have completed the Form I-20, you will need to have it signed by an authorized representative at your school. Then, you can submit it to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with other required documents in order to obtain an F-1 student visa.

3. What is the purpose of Form I-20?

Form I-20 is a form issued by the U.S. government to foreign students who have been accepted into a U.S. school and approved for an F-1 student visa. The form is used to document the student’s eligibility for the F-1 visa and to track the student’s progress in his or her studies.

4. Who must complete a Form I-20?

Form I-20 is required for non-immigrant students seeking to study in the US on an F-1 Student Visa. The form must be completed by both the student and the school’s designated school official (DSO).

5. How do I obtain a copy of my Form I-20?

You can contact your Designated School Official (DSO) or school’s international office to obtain a copy of your Form I-20.

6. How should I submit my Form I-20 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)?

You should submit your Form I-20 to USCIS by mail. Make sure to include any required documents and fees, as well as a cover letter with your name, address, and Alien Registration number (if applicable). The address to submit Form I-20 applications to the USCIS depends on the type of application you are submitting. You can find the specific address for each form at the USCIS website.

7. What is the SEVIS Fee and why do I need to pay it?

The SEVIS Fee is a fee paid by international students and exchange visitors to the U.S. government to support the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee is required for all students studying in the U.S. with an F or J visa. It must be paid before an F or J visa can be issued and must be paid each time a student applies for a new visa or to renew their current visa. The fee is $350 for F-1 students, $220 for J-1 exchange visitors, and $180 for J-2 dependents.

8. When do I need to pay the SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS Fee must be paid before scheduling a visa interview and no later than the visa application date.

9. How do I pay the SEVIS Fee?

The SEVIS Fee can be paid online using a credit or debit card at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html. You will need to have your I-20 form and passport information to complete payment.

10. What is the difference between the F-1 student Visa application fee and the SEVIS fee?

The F-1 student Visa application fee is the cost to apply for a visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in order to enter the U.S. The SEVIS fee is an additional cost paid to the U.S. government to fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is the system used to track international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the U.S.

11. Is there any way to waive or reduce the SEVIS fee?

No, the SEVIS fee is non-refundable and non-negotiable.

12. Can I pay my SEVIS Fee with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay the SEVIS Fee with a credit or debit card. However, the payment options vary depending on the country you are applying from.

13. Where do I find my SEVIS ID number?

Your SEVIS ID number can be found on your immigration document(s), such as Form I-20 or DS-2019. It is a nine-digit number beginning with the letter “N”.

14. Can I transfer my SEVIS fee to a new school if I change institutions?

Yes, you can transfer your SEVIS fee to a new school if you change institutions, as long as the new school is approved by the U.S. government and accredited by the Department of Homeland Security.

15. How long will it take for USCIS to process my Form I-20 and accept payment of my SEVIS fee?

It usually takes about four to six weeks for USCIS to process an I-20 and accept payment of the SEVIS fee.

16. How will I know if my Form I-20 was accepted by USCIS?

Once your Form I-20 is accepted by USCIS, you will receive a Notice of Action (Form I-797) from USCIS confirming receipt. The I-797 will include information about the next steps in the process.

17. What documents should I bring with me when traveling to the United States with an F-1 Visa?

When traveling to the United States with an F-1 Visa, you should bring the following documents:

1. Your valid passport.
2. Your F-1 Visa.
3. Your I-20 form, signed by the school that issued your visa.
4. Evidence of financial support, such as a bank statement or scholarship letter.
5. Documents that prove your ties to your home country, such as a job offer letter or proof of property ownership.
6. Any other documents requested by the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

18. Am I allowed to work while studying in the United States on an F-1 visa?

Yes, students in the United States are allowed to work while studying on an F-1 visa. On-campus employment is generally limited to 20 hours per week during the school year, but some exceptions may apply. Off-campus employment is more restricted and must be authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

19. Can my dependents come with me to the United States when traveling on an F-1 visa?

No, F-1 visas are only for the person holding the visa. Dependents, such as a spouse and children, must apply for a separate visa category.

20. Can I travel between countries while studying in the United States on an F-1 visa?

No. You must obtain a specific travel visa in addition to the F-1 visa before you can travel to another country.