What is an I-20 Form?

You’ve probably heard the words “I-20,” “F-1 visa,” or “SEVIS” if you are thinking about traveling to the United States to improve your English. For first time applicants, these terms and where to start may seem confusing. While the application and process are not too difficult to do on your own, it is wise to start the application process in as much time in advance as possible of your intended start date. Now, where do you start? 

Students who apply for an F-1 visa will first require an acceptance letter from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school. You can find a list of SEVP approved schools here. Since American English Language School is an SEVP-certified school, this allows our designated school official (DSO) access to the SEVIS system to administer I-20 forms to qualified students. 

The I-20 form is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status.” You will receive this document from your language school after you have applied and submitted the required information and documents. These documents include, but are not limited to, a copy of your passport, high school diploma, and a recent bank statement that proves you are able to support yourself financially during your time in the U.S. (Students on an F-1 visa are not permitted to work.) The I-20 form is an important document for students wishing to study in the U.S. because it contains valuable information regarding your SEVIS ID number and school code. You will need to keep this document with you when you have your visa interview and enter the U.S. 

After you have received your I-20 form from you language school, you will need to go online and pay your I-901 SEVIS fee. All students who are applying for an F-1 visa must pay this fee before applying for an F-1 visa. However, you do have the option to pay the fee to AELS and we will pay the fee for you. Visas can be issued up to 120 days before your program’s start date. 

On your I-20 form you can find  your program’s start and end date. After you visa application is approved, you can enter the U.S. within 30 days of your program’s start date. You will  find your earliest admission date on your I-20. Your program’s end date is the day you are expected to complete your ESL course. However, if you would like to continue studying longer, you will need to talk to your DSO to have your end date postponed and be issued a new I-20 form. 

If you are interested in learning more about the process of how to apply for an F-1 visa, email info@aels.edu or fill out an inquiry form on our website: www.aels.edu.

Tagged: English School in LA, English School in Los Angeles

Published on May 31, 2022

A leading English language school accredited by the CEA (Commission on English Language Accreditation) and approved by SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) located in Los Angeles, California. Learn English in LA with our ESL classes, TOEFL preparation, and English speaking classes. Are you serious about improving your English? Join a class today!