The I-20 form is issued by the U.S. schools certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) to non-immigrant students wishing to study in the country. The Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) generates the form for the University. You will duly receive it from the designated school official (DSO). You'll get an email with instructions to select your I-20 delivery method.
What Is an I-20 Form?
The I-20 form, officially titled the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status, is issued by a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. It is required for students who wish to apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa to study in the country.
When an international candidate is admitted to a U.S. school authorised to accept non-immigrant students, the institution creates an I-20 form in SEVIS.
Steps to Check Your I-20 Status Online
You can check the status of your I-20 application online on the university’s portal.
1. Log in to the university portal
Use the credentials provided by your university's Designated School Official (DSO) to access your account.
2. Go to the I-20 section
Look for a section labelled "I-20 status" or similar. Details about the issuance and processing status of your I-20 form will be displayed here.
Documents Required for Tracking Your I-20 Status
Once you have applied for the I-20 and have provided the necessary documents, you can keep track of its status on the school’s online system using the credentials you received from the university. The login detail can be a student ID mentioned in your admission letter issued by the university.
What to Do if Your I-20 Status Shows "Pending" or "In Progress"?
If you log in to the university portal and your I-20 status shows “Pending” or “In Progress,” there are several possible reasons. Here’s what you can do:
- Verify the Information:
- Double-check your university account details to ensure all information is correct. Sometimes, a discrepancy in the information you provided (e.g., name or date of birth) may delay the process.
- Contact Your DSO:
- Reach out to your Designated School Official. They are responsible for reviewing and approving your I-20 form. They can give you more specific information about why it might still be in progress.
- Wait for Processing:
- It is not uncommon for I-20 forms to take some time to process, especially if there is a high volume of applications. Be patient, and continue to monitor your status.
- Review Required Documents:
- Ensure that all necessary documents have been submitted to your school for verification. This includes proof of financial support, passport information, and other required paperwork.
- Check Your Email:
- Your school may send you email notifications regarding your I-20 status or any missing documents. Make sure your inbox is checked regularly for updates.
Tips for Monitoring Your I-20 Status
These are a few tips that will help you better monitor the status of your I-20-
- Check Regularly:
- Log in frequently (at least once a week) to the university’s online system to check for changes to your I-20 status. Monitoring regularly will help you act quickly if there are any issues.
- Stay in Contact with Your DSO:
- Your Designated School Official (DSO) is your primary resource when dealing with issues related to your I-20. Maintain clear communication and let them know if you have concerns.
- Be Patient:
- The I-20 process may take time, especially during busy seasons (e.g., summer or fall). Ensure that you submit all necessary documentation promptly and allow ample time for processing.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have tried to answer your queries regarding the I-20 document. Check all the prerequisites for obtaining the i-20 before applying for it. While travel insurance is not one of the requirements of i20, it is recommended to insure yourself before visiting a foreign country. Stay organised and prepared, and make your study-related travels abroad a fruitful chapter of your life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.