You’ve received your admission letter to a U.S. university or college for Fall 2025—congratulations. The next important step is applying for the Form I-20, which is required to obtain the F-1 student visa and begin your journey as an international student in the United States.
Form I-20, officially known as the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” is issued by a U.S. institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It confirms that you’ve been admitted to a full-time academic program, have demonstrated the financial means to support your studies and living costs, and are eligible to apply for an F-1 visa.
Most universities issue the I-20 after you formally accept their offer of admission and submit the necessary documents. If your studies begin in August or September 2025, it’s best to complete the I-20 application process by April or May.
To receive your I-20, you will generally need to submit the following:
– A scanned copy of your valid passport’s identification page. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the start of your academic program.
– Proof of financial support showing funds to cover one year of tuition, fees, and living expenses. This can include bank statements, an affidavit of support from a sponsor, letters confirming scholarships or assistantships, and education loan approval documents.
– A copy of your official admission letter from the university or college.
– A completed I-20 request or visa form provided by your institution, often accessible through your university’s student portal or international student office.
Once your I-20 is issued, the next steps include:
– Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 USD. This connects your SEVIS ID, found on your I-20, to your records in the U.S. immigration system.
– Scheduling your F-1 visa interview by completing the DS-160 form, paying the visa application fee, and booking an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. You will need to take your I-20, passport, proof of finances, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS payment receipt, and admission letter to the interview.
For Fall 2025 students, the timeline typically follows these milestones:
– Final deadline to apply for an I-20 varies by university but generally falls between May and June 2025.
– F-1 visa interviews typically begin in May.
– Programs often begin mid-to-late August 2025, with the latest U.S. entry date being up to 30 days before the program start—between July 15 and August 15.
Before your program begins, the I-20 can also be used to apply for your F-1 visa, seek student loans (if required by the lender), complete university pre-arrival tasks, and book your travel to the United States after securing your visa.
