
If you are planning to study in the United States as an international student, the Form I-20 is one of the first important documents you will receive—and understanding it is key to a smooth journey. Let’s break down what this form is, why it is important, and what to watch out for once you have it in hand.
What Is the Form I-20?
The I-20 Form, officially called the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is issued by U.S. schools that are certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you have been accepted into a full-time academic program, the school will send this form to you.
This document proves two important things:
- You have been admitted to a recognized educational institution.
- You have shown that you have enough financial support to study and live in the U.S.
It is not your visa. You will need it to apply for your F-1 or M-1 student visa, and you will also need to show it when entering the U.S.
What Do You Need to Get an I-20?
Before your university can issue the I-20, you will usually need to submit:
- A copy of your passport identity page
- Financial documents showing you can afford the tuition and living costs
- Possibly a sponsor letter or an affidavit of support if someone else is funding your education
What to Check on Page 1 of the I-20?
Page 1 contains the most vital details. Once you receive it, carefully review the following:
Personal Information
Make sure the following matches your passport exactly:
- Your full name (surname, given name and preferred name, if any)
- City and country of birth
- Citizenship
- Date of birth
School and Program Details
This section outlines your academic plans:
- The university name
- Education level (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s)
- Your major
- CIP code of the program (a general code for your field of study).
Note: This may not exactly match your specific program title. For instance, “Mathematics and Computer Science” might cover a degree in “Data Science.” That is a common practice.
- Start date of your classes
- Program start and end dates
Tip: Don’t panic if the end date seems further away than expected. Some universities include a grace period—extra time for you to complete your program. For example, even if your course usually takes 16–21 months, your I-20 might show a 28- or 36-month window.
Understanding the Financial Section
Your I-20 will show an estimated cost of studying at your school. Most schools calculate this for 9 months (two semesters or three quarters), but some include 12 months, covering the living cost of summer break as well.
Here is what the cost typically includes:
- Tuition and fees
- Living expenses
- Dependent costs (if you’re bringing family)
- Other expenses, like health insurance or books
It also lists your sources of funding, such as:
- Personal or family savings
- Scholarships or university aid
- Student loans
- On-campus job income
Tip for Your Visa Interview: You’ll need to bring documents that prove you have access to liquid funds (like bank statements or loan letters) that cover this amount.
Signatures Matter!
Once you receive your Form I-20, make sure the following signatures are in place:
- The school official has signed the form (This confirms that your university has officially issued the I-20.)
- You, the student, have signed the form (You must sign the I-20 before attending your visa interview.)
Note: If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign it instead.
Got your I-20? Don’t miss our F1 Visa Guide for Fall 2025 — it goes beyond the I-20 to help you with visa interviews, dropbox tips, and even what to do if your visa gets rejected.
What’s on Page 2 and Page 3 of Form I-20?
Page 2 – Travel and Work Authorization
This page is used for:
- Travel endorsements (signatures) that allow you to re-enter the U.S. if you travel outside the U.S. during your studies
- Recording work permissions under CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training)
Note: If you are traveling outside the U.S., make sure your I-20 has been signed for travel within the past year by your university’s international office.
Page 3 – Important Student Instructions
Page 3 contains guidelines and rules for maintaining your status in the U.S.—make sure to read and understand them.
Can You Use a Digital I-20 during your Visa Appointment?
Yes! A printed copy of a digitally signed I-20 is perfectly acceptable for your visa appointment and for traveling to the U.S. Just make sure all the signatures are in place.
Final Thoughts
Your I-20 is more than just a form—it is the foundation of your student life in the U.S. Double-check every detail, keep it safe, and make sure it is up to date, especially when traveling or applying for jobs. Understanding your I-20 thoroughly will help you to stay on track and make the most of your time studying in the U.S.
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from University Selection to Visa Counseling. In addition to our full-range services, we also provide a dedicated, standalone VISA Counseling service specifically designed to assist you with visa applications. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 33,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!