Travel/Status
Form I-20
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
Issued by a SEVP-certified school to a prospective F-1 or M-1 student. Not filed by the student - it is a school-issued document required for visa application and entry.
- Filing fee
- No fee
- Biometrics
- No fee
- Typical processing
- 1 to 3 months
Who can file
- Students accepted to a SEVP-certified school
- F-1 (academic) and M-1 (vocational) students
- Dependents (F-2/M-2) of student visa holders
Send with it
- School acceptance letter
- Proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts
Worth knowing
- The I-20 is issued by the school, not USCIS
- You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before your visa interview
- Keep your I-20 updated - any changes in program require a new I-20
- Have your DSO sign your I-20 for travel before leaving the U.S.
Common mistakes
- Not paying the SEVIS fee before the visa interview
- Failing to update the I-20 when changing programs or schools
- Not getting travel endorsement before departing the U.S.
Questions
- How much does Form I-20 cost?
- USCIS charges no filing fee for Form I-20.
- How long does Form I-20 take?
- Typically 1 to 3 months, depending on the office and the category. Check the current USCIS times for your office before you plan around it.
Related forms
Fees are as published by USCIS. Confirm on USCIS's fee schedule (G-1055) before you pay - a wrong fee gets a filing rejected. General information, not legal advice.