August 29, 2025 If you’ve already applied to a university in the USA, received your admission letter, and now you’re preparing for your visa process, you must have come across this document. The Form I-20 is one of the most important papers you’ll handle in your entire study abroad journey, which will officially allow you to begin your U.S. student visa process.
In this guide, we’ll explain what it means, why you need it, how to get one, how to fill it out without mistakes, and answer the most common questions students from Nepal ask about the I-20.
What is Form I-20 in the USA?
The Form I-20, officially called the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is a document issued by U.S. universities and colleges that are approved by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
It confirms that:
- You have been accepted by a U.S. institution.
- You have shown enough financial proof to cover your studies and living expenses.
- You are eligible to apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa.
In simple words: Without an I-20, you cannot apply for a U.S. student visa.
Once you get your I-20, you’ll be ready to pay the SEVIS fee, prepare the DS-160 visa application, and finally schedule your F-1 visa interview. So, let’s walk through what the I-20 is, why it matters, and how you should handle it without mistakes.
By the time you are at the stage of receiving an I-20, you will usually already have:
- An admission letter from a U.S. university
- Your financial documents ready (bank statements, sponsor details, etc.)
- Academic transcripts and English proficiency proof
- A plan to apply for your F-1 student visa
If this sounds like your situation, you’re in the right place. Let’s start with the basics.
Who Issues I-20 in the USA?
The Designated School Official (DSO) at your chosen institution issues your I-20 once your admission and financial documents are approved. Only universities and colleges certified by the SEVP can provide it.
I-20 Visa Cost
The form itself doesn’t cost money, but once you receive it, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (around $350). You’ll also pay the visa application fee (DS-160 form, $185) later. These combined are often misunderstood as the “I-20 fee”, but it actually costs nothing; the fees apply to the visa process after you receive the I-20.
What Are Documents Required for the I-20?
To receive your I-20, you must usually submit:
- A valid passport
- University admission letter
- Proof of funds (bank statements, sponsor’s affidavit, or scholarship award)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- English proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent)
These documents confirm that you are both academically and financially prepared for studying in the U.S.
Who Issues I-20 in the USA?
The Designated School Official (DSO) at your chosen institution issues your I-20 once your admission and financial documents are approved. Only universities and colleges certified by the SEVP can provide it.
How to Get an I-20 Form?
Here’s a practical step-by-step process to get your I-20 from Nepal:
- Secure Admission
Apply to a SEVP-certified U.S. university. Once accepted, you’ll receive an official admission letter. - Prepare Financial Proof
Gather updated bank statements showing you (or your sponsor) can cover tuition and living expenses.- If a sponsor is supporting you, prepare their affidavit of support.
- If you’ve earned a scholarship, submit the award letter.
- Submit Required Documents
Send your passport details, admission acceptance, academic transcripts, and financial documents to the university. - University Verification
The university reviews your documents and verifies your funding. If all details check out, the DSO prepares your I-20. - Receive the I-20
The university either emails you a digital copy or sends a hard copy. Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly you submit your documents.
Pro tip: As soon as you get your I-20, double-check everything—your name, passport number, program dates, and financial details. Even small errors can cause visa delays.
How to Fill Your I-20 Form?
Your university fills most of the I-20, but you are responsible for checking and completing certain sections.
-
- Check Personal Information
Your name, date of birth, and passport number must match your passport exactly. Fill every detail correctly. - Review Program Details
Confirm that your program name, start date, and end date are correct. - Verify Financial Information
Check the tuition fee and funding section. If you have a scholarship or assistantship, make sure it’s correctly listed. - Note Your SEVIS ID
You’ll find your SEVIS ID number printed at the top of your I-20 form. It always begins with an “N” followed by a series of numbers (e.g., N1234567890). - Sign the Form
At the bottom of your I-20, there is a section for the student’s signature. You must sign it in ink (not digitally). The date should match the day you signed. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian also needs to sign.
- Check Personal Information
- Keep Multiple Copies
Scan and save a digital copy for safety. You’ll need the original I-20 for the visa interview, port of entry, and even later when applying for work authorization.
What is SEVIS Number on I-20?
The SEVIS ID is a unique number beginning with “N00…” printed at the top of your I-20. It links your student record to the U.S. immigration system. Your university will generate this for you once they admit you and enter your details into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You’ll need it to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and complete your DS-160 form.
Minor Yet Essential Details You Should Not Miss
- Don’t leave the student signature blank.
- Check the spelling of your name carefully.
- Ensure the financial breakdown matches your documents.
Consequences of Submitting an Incorrectly Filled I-20
- Delayed visa interview scheduling.
- Possible visa rejection if details don’t match.
- Extra time wasted waiting for a corrected I-20.
What Comes After Getting Your I-20
Once your I-20 is ready and correctly filled, here’s the sequence of what happens next:
- Pay the SEVIS Fee
Every student must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (currently $350 for F-1 visa applicants). Use the SEVIS ID from your I-20 to pay online at fmjfee.com. Print and keep the receipt; you will need it at the visa interview.
Note: Many students confuse the SEVIS fee with the visa application (DS-160) fee. These are separate payments. SEVIS is for the U.S. government’s student database, while the DS-160 fee is for your visa application at the embassy.
- Fill Out the DS-160 Visa Application
Complete the DS-160 online form, pay the visa fee, and schedule your F-1 visa interview. - Prepare for the Visa Interview
Gather your documents: I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation, passport, admission letter, and proof of funds. - Attend the Visa Interview
The I-20 is the central document the officer will review to confirm your student status.
Explore Our Complete Guide for a US Student Visa Application
Final Thoughts – Preparing for Your Study Abroad Journey
Reaching the I-20 stage means you are only steps away from achieving your dream of studying in the U.S. It is the official link between your university acceptance and your visa approval. Receiving and reviewing Form I-20 is not a hard job; you just have to be careful to keep it safe, locate your SEVIS ID, and check your details accurately.
For any assistance in managing documents, financial proof, and visa interviews, you can join a trusted educational consultancy around your locality.
Hardford Education, with years of experience in counseling, test preparation, and visa guidance, has helped many students move confidently from admission to successful visa approval.
Your American journey is now within reach. Handle your I-20 carefully, prepare wisely, and step forward with confidence! The opportunities waiting for you in the USA are worth every effort.
Contact Us Today for a smooth F1 visa application!
Frequently Asked Questions – Form I-20 Meaning
How long can you stay in the US after the I-20 expires?
For F-1 students, there’s typically a 60-day grace period after the program end date listed on your I-20 (or after OPT ends). M-1 students get 30 days. Note: if a DSO completes your SEVIS record for certain reasons, a grace period may not apply. Always confirm your exact end date and status with your DSO.
Is I-20 the same as an F-1 visa?
No. The I-20 is issued by your SEVP-certified school and proves you’re eligible for student status; the F-1 visa is issued by the U.S. Department of State and placed in your passport so you can travel to the U.S. You’re expected to bring the original I-20 to your visa interview, and your visa type must match your I-20 (F or M).
Can I fill the DS-160 without an I-20?
Practically, no—the DS-160 asks for your SEVIS ID, which is printed on your I-20 (or DS-2019). You should have your I-20 available to complete the DS-160 accurately.
Do we have to sign the I-20 form?
Yes. Both you and your DSO must sign the I-20; if you’re under 18, a parent/guardian must also sign. Students are generally required to sign by hand (ink) on the student attestation.
How much is the I-20 USA fee?
There’s no fee for the I-20 itself. After you receive it, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (usually $350 for F-1), and the nonimmigrant visa application (MRV) fee, currently $185 for student visas. These are separate fees.
What if you lose your Form I-20?
Contact your DSO immediately and request a replacement I-20; schools can reissue the form (often electronically). Keep scanned copies of all pages of your I-20 and hand-carry the original when you travel, never place it in checked baggage.
If you’re close to a visa interview or international travel, tell your DSO the dates so they can reissue promptly. For any doubts about maintaining status after a loss or theft, your DSO and the SEVP Response Center can guide next steps. If you need more guidance, consult with an educational counsellor in Nepal.
What is the difference between DS-160 and I-20?
The DS-160 is an online application form required for all non-immigrant visa applicants, including F-1 students. It collects biographical information, travel history, and security-related questions.
The I-20, on the other hand, is a document issued by a U.S. school that certifies a student’s eligibility for F-1 status. While the DS-160 is used to apply for a visa, the I-20 is essential for entry into the U.S. and maintaining student status.
Can you work in the U.S. with an I-20 visa?
I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility you need for US student (F1) visa. If you secure your F1 visa after receiving your I-20, you can definitely work in the USA as an international student.
