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What is the form i-20? 

To study as an F or M student in the United States you need a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." Do you know what it is and why it is important?

 

After officials notify you of acceptance to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, a designated school official (DSO) at that school will give you one of two different types of this form:

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  • F Students: If you receive acceptance into an academic or language school and will attend school in F-1 status, you will receive the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students.”

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  • M Students: If you receive acceptance into a vocational school and will attend school in M-1 status, you will receive the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status – For Vocational Students.

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You will need the Form I-20 for any of the following:

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  • Paying your I-901 SEVIS Fee: You will receive a Form I-20 from a DSO from every school that accepts you. Use the Form I-20 from the school you decide to attend to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee.

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If you have any questions about the Form I-20, speak with the DSO at your school. Remember that only DSOs at SEVP-certified schools can issue a Form I-20 to an F or M student.

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Source: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2013/01/what-is-the-form-i-20

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