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Form I-20 is a numbered form that cannot be filled out and downloaded from the Internet, but is issued by an educational institution in the United States. This document is sent to the potential student by the school.
Without the I-20 form, it is not possible to make an appointment at the US Consulate and apply for the F-1 or M-1 visa. The original I-20 form must also be presented for each entry with the F-1 or M-1 visa.
On November 1, 2021, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published guidelines outlining the new process for using electronic signatures and submitting Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This guidance allows designated school officials (DSOs) to electronically sign and submit Form I-20 to international students and their dependents.
In addition, school officials can scan the Form I-20 and submit it to F and M students and their dependents via email or electronically through a secure platform, such as a school portal or other secure website. DSOs may also choose to continue to physically sign and mail the Form I-20 to students.
Family members who are to receive an F-2 or M-2 visa require a separate I-20 form, issued by the educational institution, for the visa application.
So there is no way around I-20.
The I-20 is issued by the educational institution in the US that has accepted the foreign student. However, not all educational institutions in the US can issue the I-20 form.
To issue the I-20 form, the educational institution must have a so-called SEVIS registration in the USA. SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and is a US government web-based database that allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to view the records of all exchange students who are in the United States.
SEVIS contains, among other things, information on
Provided the student's appropriate information has been noted in this "tracking" system, the I-20 form can then be generated, printed, and mailed. Once a student's information has been entered into SEVIS, the educational institution in the US is responsible for keeping the information current at all times throughout the student's stay and adjusting it as necessary.
Applicants who wish to attend an educational institution in the U.S. must be sure to determine in advance whether the educational institution in the U.S. has SEVIS registration and can therefore issue the I-20 form. Most public schools can usuallynot issue an I-20 form. To find out whether the intended educational institution has a SEVIS registration and can therefore issue the I-20 form, visa applicants can visit the DHS website, as well as other sites.
On page 1 of the I-20 form, there is information about
In addition, both the student and the prospective educational institution in the United States must sign a statement on this page. In this way, both parties confirm that they have fulfilled the rights and obligations of an F-1 or M-1 visa holder or have provided correct information on the form throughout the study period.
The second page of the application form contains instructions regarding the Designated School Official (DSO). This is a specially appointed representative of the educational institution.
In addition, the second page of the form contains various instructions in case of re-entry, transfer to another educational institution, and information about possible employment.
Since 3 of the I-20 consists of instructions with numerous completion instructions and explanations for students or pupils:in as well as for their U.S. educational institution.
We advise you on the choice of the appropriate visa category and take over the complete processing for you or your company.
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