Liquid savings
Savings and fixed deposits in the student's or parents' names, with statements.
F-1 visa · I-20
Form I-20 Explained: What It Shows and How to Get It
The I-20 is the document your US university issues to show you're admitted and can pay for your studies. You need it to pay the SEVIS fee, fill the DS-160, attend your visa interview and enter the US.
- Issued after admit + funds proof
- Shows your SEVIS ID
- Cost of attendance printed
- Sign it before the interview
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Quick answer
Form I-20 Explained: What It Shows and How to Get It
Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) is issued by your US university's Designated School Official after you accept the admit and submit proof of funds for at least the first year. It shows your SEVIS ID, program and dates, estimated costs and how they're funded. You need it to pay the SEVIS fee, apply for the F-1 visa and enter the US, up to 30 days before the program start date.
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Official sources: Study in the States (DHS)
I-20 at a glance
- Issued by
- Your university's Designated School Official (DSO)
- Needed for
- SEVIS fee, DS-160, F-1 interview, entry to the US
- Funds proof
- At least the first year's cost of attendance (bank statements, loan sanction, sponsor letters)
- Earliest entry
- Up to 30 days before the program start date
- Visa issuance
- F-1 visas can be issued up to 365 days before the program start
- Travel signature
- Needed for re-entry; usually valid for 12 months while studying
How to get it
Getting your I-20
- 01
Accept the admit
Accept the offer and pay any enrolment deposit the university asks for.
- 02
Submit funds proof
Upload bank statements, a loan sanction letter or sponsor documents covering the first-year cost on the university's estimate.
- 03
Upload passport and details
Passport copy, address and dependants' details if any.
- 04
Receive the I-20
Most universities now issue electronic I-20s by email; print and sign it.
- 05
Check every detail
Name, date of birth, program, dates and funding must be correct; ask the DSO to fix errors before your interview.
Funds
Funds that count for the I-20
Education loan
A sanction letter from a bank, NBFC or international lender for the loan amount.
Scholarships and assistantships
Award letters reduce the funds you need to show.
Sponsor support
Affidavit of support and statements from relatives who will pay.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).
Yes. Most US universities accept a sanction letter from a recognised lender as proof of funds.
Ask your university's international office to issue a corrected I-20 before your interview. Errors can cause delays at the consulate.
Usually yes — the university issues an updated I-20 with the new start date.
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