The I-20 form

What is an I-20 form?

This is US departmant of homeland security form that is issued by Colleges to students. It is a suppourting document to help you get a US visa. It basically verifies the fact that you are a legitimate student.

How do I get it?

The process starts after you confirm your acceptance to the college. Initially, college sends you a document asking you to show that you have sufficient liquid funds to cover your first year fees. You have to mail the requested documents back to the college's International student servies director. Once they recieve these documents, They will mail you the I20 form.

What is this form used for?

You need this form to complete your Visa application. After you get your visa, this form will need to be updated each and every time you leave or re-enter United states.

What is the documentation I need to submit for getting a I-20?

• For a student funding herself or himself: A current ORIGINAL bank statement showing a minimum of US$ 8500.00 on bank letterhead, indicating the student's name and including a bank officer's signature and official seal. This statement must be written in English, and it must show all amounts in United States dollars. (If the amount shown is not in United States dollars, an equivalence to United States dollars must be included.)
  or
• For a student sponsored by another person: A current ORIGINAL bank statement showing a minimum of US$ 8500.00 on bank letterhead, in the sponsor's name, signed by a bank official. This must be in English, and it must show all amounts in United States dollars. In addition, your sponsor should complete an "Affidavit of Support" form including the student's name and date of birth, the sponsor's name and relationship to the student, and a small paragraph which states exactly what the sponsor will provide (for example, money for tuition, living expenses, room and board). The sponsor must sign this letter. If the sponsor is a United States permanent resident or citizen, s/he must fill out a government document entitled I-134. This document may be obtained from our office, or from another university or establishment that carries government documents. The sponsor must also sign the financial certificate found on the application form.
• For a student receiving a scholarship: A scholarship award letter, on the organization's letterhead, in English, indicating the student's name and stating the specific expenses that the organization will cover.
  AND
• The financial certificate (completed and signed) and all original bank documents attached to the application form.

The format for the bank letter can be found here.

How does this form look like?