I-20

On 11 June, 2018 by

What is the Form I-20?

Definition:

The Form I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students. Simply put it is a form that prove the students can legally stay in the United States for legal purposes. This is practically the most important document of the admission process. It consists of 3 pages, on the first of them appears the most relevant information, which the student must thoroughly review to verify that all the information included in it is correct, personal information (name and surname and date of birth), details of the university, dates of studies, economic data, etc. At the end of the first page the signature of student is required in the space intended for it, and if the student is under 18 years of age, also the student’s parents have to sign it.

The I-20 is essential for the application of the student visa with the embassy, on it two very important numbers appear for some of the subsequent procedures. One of them is the SEVIS Number which is a unique and personal number, which serves as an immigration identification number. The other important number is the School Code that is located in the box that says, “School Information”.

Finally, it is important to know that this document will need to be carried on all trips to and from the United States, as well as those that the student makes in the country, while the studies last. In fact, the international student department itself or the persons responsible for immigration documentation (DSO DesignatedSchool Official) must sign the I-20 at least once a year so the student can enter and leave the country without any problem.

 

There is an Error in my I-20 Data, what should I do? 

If it is a mistake in your personal data, name, birth date or date, you must inform as soon as possible to the corresponding department so that they can correct it and send you a new I-20.

If any of this information does not match your passport, they may not issue the student visa to you once you go to the embassy or it may generate problems in customs when entering the country. If this is more general data, not your own directly, ask the corresponding department to confirm if this could generate a problem for you in issuing the visa.