Visa Information
I-20 Information
Consulate Interview
I-94 Information
I-20 Information
What is an I-20?
An I-20 is a three-page document produced from a student's SEVIS (Student Exchange and Visitor Information System) record. The first page contains program and biographical information; the second page consists of pre-printed instructions; the third page contains employment authorization data and spaces for travel authorizations. The I-20 also contains a bar code on the right side of the form, the word "SEVIS," and your unique student ID number printed above the bar code. This form is printed and sent to you by the Designated School Official (DSO) at the school where you will study and then presented to your local consular office during the F-1 -process.
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Why do I need an I-20?
You must present your I-20 to the consular office as proof that you have met certain academic and financial requirements and have been admitted to a United States institution. You will not be able to receive an F-1 visa without an I-20 from the DSO at your chosen institution. You will also need your I-20 if you decide to travel during your course of study and to apply for Optional Practical Training prior to your graduation.
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Who issues the I-20?
The DSO of the United States school that you will be attending will issue your I-20.
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What do I need to provide in order to receive my I-20?
In order to receive an I-20 you must meet the following conditions:
- A written application must be submitted to the school you wish to attend. Your application, school transcripts, and any other supporting documents must be received, reviewed, and evaluated at the school's location in the United States in order to determine your academic eligibility. The appropriate school authority must determine that your qualifications meet all standards for admission.
- Your English proficiency must also be listed on your I-20. The DSO of the school you plan to attend must indicate whether the school requires English language proficiency and if so, whether you meet that required proficiency. Westwood College requires English proficiency and you must prove this proficiency through an approved method – see Academic Catalog for complete list of English proficiency qualifications. Proof that you plan to obtain English proficiency to pursue your course of study is also required for approval of your F-1 visa. If you do not meet the minimum requirements in this area, we can refer you to a school that teaches English as a second language, which you may be able to attend before coming to Westwood.
- You must provide reliable documentation that you have adequate financial resources to meet expenses while studying at school. Westwood College requires this documentation in the form of a notarized Letter of Support from your sponsor accompanied by official bank statements reflecting an adequate amount of money in the sponsor's bank account. If you are independent and do not have a sponsor, you must provide us with your own official bank statements reflecting an adequate amount in your own bank account. We will not accept another person's bank statement without an accompanying signed and notarized Letter of Support from the account holder.
- The academic program you wish to study must qualify as a "full course of study." This means that you must be able to participate in 12 credit hours of study per term.
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Where do I go to get my I-20?
Your initial I-20 will be mailed to you by the DSO after you have satisfied the financial and academic requirements of the institution and been granted admission. If you happen to lose your I-20 or it is damaged while you are in the United States, your DSO can print you a new, current copy of your I-20.
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Can my I-20 be revoked?
Your I-20 cannot be revoked. However, your I-20 is only valid until the program end date that is listed on the first page and then only as long as you maintain the requirements of your visa status.
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How much does it cost to get an I-20?
There is no fee for obtaining your I-20. However, you must satisfy certain financial requirements for admission to a United States institution and your I-20 will only be issued after you have met those requirements and have been admitted to the school.
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