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F-1 Visa & I-20 Information for International Students.

If you want to study in the United States, you’ll need to apply for an F-1 student visa. Right now, over a million international students are studying in the U.S.—and with the right preparation, you can be one of them.
At A F International, we are proud to be SEVP-certified (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). We are authorized to issue Form I-20, a key requirement for your F-1 Visa application. We welcome students from all over the world to improve their English through our full-time programs.

To help you begin, we’ve created a simple, step-by-step guide that explains everything:

  • What an F-1 visa & i20 is
  • The rules you need to follow
  • And what you need to apply

What Is an F-1 Student Visa?

The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to study full-time at an approved US school.

Who Needs an F-1 Visa?

  • Students who want to study full-time at a U.S. language school, college, university, or other academic institutions.
  • Anyone applying to a SEVP-certified school who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Key Benefits Of an F-1 Visa?

  • Study full-time in the United States.
  • Transfer to other SEVP-approved schools during your program.
  • Extend your program if you need more time to complete your studies.
  • Eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training after completing the program.
  • Bring eligible dependents on an F-2 Visa.

What is a Form I-20?

The Form I-20 is an official document. It is issued by a SEVP-certified school to international students who are accepted for a full-time program.

Here is what you need to know about I-20 –

  • It proves you have been accepted to a U.S. School and are eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa.
  • It is only issued by SEVP-certified schools authorized by the U.S. government.
  • You’ll need your I-20 to schedule your visa interview and to enter the United States.
  • You must keep your I-20 valid and updated during your entire program.

Without a valid I-20, you cannot legally stay in the U.S. as an F-1 student.

How to Apply for an I-20?

Getting your Form I-20 from A F International is quite simple. Just follow these steps to get started –

  1. Fill out the student application form, adding your personal and academic details.
  2. Submit the needed documents – a copy of your valid passport and proof of financial support.
  3. Pay the non-refundable application fees.
  4. Once we verify your documents, our team will prepare and send your official Form I-20.
  5. Use your I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa

Need help? Our team is here to guide you at every step!!

How to Apply for an F-1 Visa?

Receive Form I-20

  • Your U.S. school issues it after you are admitted.
  • Sign the form and keep it safe with you – it is needed for the visa interview and travel.

Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

  • Fee: $350 (as of 2025)
  • Website: https://fmjfee.com
  • Save the confirmation receipt: you may need it for your visa interview.

Complete the DS-160 Application Form

  • It’s an online application for a non-immigrant visa.
  • Fill it out at https://ceac.state.gov/DS-160
  • Upload your recent passport-style photo.
  • Print the confirmation page with the barcode.

Book A Visa Interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

  • Go to the website of the U.S. Embassy.
  • Pay the visa application fee (usually $185)

Then schedule –

  • Biometrics appointment (if needed)
  • Visa Interview

Attend the Visa Interview

Make sure to carry the following documents –

  • DS-160 Confirmation Page
  • Valid Passport
  • Visa appointment confirmation
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • I-20 Form
  • Financial documents (to prove you can pay for your studies)
  • School Admission Letter
  • Academic Records and Test Scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE)

You need to be prepared to explain why you have chosen the school and your academic goals. Of course, don’t forget to share your ties to your home country. You need to prove that you will return after your studies.

Wait For Visa Processing

If approved, your passport with the F-1 visa will be returned within a few days or weeks, depending on the consulate.

Travel to the U.S. 

  • You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program actually starts (as listed on your I-20).
  • Show your passport, F-1 Visa, and I-20 at the port of entry.
We're Here for You!

Transferring From Another U.S. School (F-1 Visa Students)

At A F International, we welcome transfer students and are here to assist you through every step of the SEVIS transfer process. 

Eligibility to Transfer Your SEVIS Record

You can be eligible to transfer your SEVIS record if – 

  • You are currently holding a valid F-1 status
  • You have been admitted to a new SEVP-certified U.S. School. 

You will begin your program at the new school within 5 months of –

  • Completing your current program, or 
  • The last date of attendance at your current school, or 
  • The end of your OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Transfer Timeline And Process

A F International helps F-1 transfer students from other SEVP-certified schools in the U.S. We’ll guide you through each step of the SEVIS transfer process to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Apply and get admitted

  • Submit your application to the U.S. school you want to transfer to. 
  • Once accepted, you receive an admission letter from that school.

Request SEVIS Transfer From Your Current School

Inform your Designated School Official at your current institution that you want to transfer. Provide them with – 

  • The SEVIS code of your new school ( you can get it from your new school)
  • Your admission letter
  • A requested transfer date

Note: The SEVIS transfer date is the one when your SEVIS record is officially given to the new school. You cannot work on campus or travel internationally with your new I-20 until the transfer is completed. 

Receive Your New Transfer-Pending I-20

  • Once your SEVIS record has been released, your new school will issue a transfer-pending I-20. 
  • Review and sign the new I-20. Keep it with your immigration documents. 

Complete The Transfer Process Upon Arrival

Arrive in the U.S. (or report to the new school if you are already in the U.S.) by the program start date given on your new I-20. 

  • Check in with your school’s International Student Office (DSO) and provide any needed documentation. 
  • The school will then complete your SEVIS transfer and activate your F-1 status at their institution. 

Talk to our advisor now to know how things work!! 

Maintaining F-1 Status

Once you have transferred and enrolled, it’s essential to maintain your F-1 student status throughout your studies. Here’s how to do –

Maintain Full-time Enrollment

You must be enrolled in a full-time academic program as highlighted by your school.  There should be regular attendance and satisfactory academic progress to maintain your F-1 status. 

Keep Your Documents Valid

Your passport should remain valid at all times.

Your Form I-20 should be accurate and valid – 

  • Don’t let your program’s end date expire. 
  • Request an I-20 extension in advance if more time is needed for your study program. 

Notify Your DSO of Any Changes 

You must inform your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days if any of the changes occur – 

  • Change of residential address.
  • Change of name, major, or academic level.
  • Transfer to a different school. 
  • Withdrawal, leave of absence, or early program completion. 

Your DSO will update your SEVIS record accordingly. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

  • OPT is a temporary work authorization. The F-1 students become eligible for it after completing a program of study. 
  • You should be eligible for up to 12 months of OPT. 
  • Speak to your DSO about the application process, deadlines, and maintaining status when on OPT. 

Note: Your OPT should be approved by USCIS. Also, make sure to receive an Employment Authorization Document before you begin work. 

Travel and Re-entry

If you plan to travel outside the U.S., make sure you have – 

  • A valid travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 (signed within the past 12 months)
  • A valid F-1 visa and passport
  • Proof of continued enrollment. 
  • Also, a proof of financial support (recommended)

However, always consult your DSO before international travel to avoid issues at re-entry. 

Still Confused? We are here to guide!!

Why Choose A F International?

A F International offers a welcoming, supportive environment for international students pursuing academic and language goals in the U.S. 

SEVP-Certified School

  • It is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue Form I-20 for F-1 student visas. 
  • It is fully compliant with SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) regulations. 

Personalized Support For International Students

Dedicated staff to assist with – 

  • Visa documentation
  • SEVIS transfers
  • I-20 extensions
  • General immigration guidance

Friendly, multilingual guidance to help you feel at home from day one. 

Convenient Campus Locations

  • You can study at the Pasadena campus or the Thousand Oaks campus. Both are within reach of Los Angeles and Southern California’s top attractions. 
  • The campus is accessible by public transportation and surrounded by student-friendly amenities. 

Small Class Sizes & Flexible Schedules

  • You learn in an environment where instructors know you by name. 
  • There are flexible scheduling options to fit your learning pace and lifestyle. 

Contact our Admission Team now!! 

Start With Your U.S. Study Journey!! 

Take a step forward towards your academic and cultural journey in the United States. Apply for your I-20 now and get the needed visa support at every step. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but there are restrictions:

  • On-campus work: It allows up to 20 hours per week during school sessions, and full-time during official breaks.
  • Off-campus work: Only allowed with authorization, such as:
  1. CPT (Curricular Practical Training) – during your studies
  2. OPT (Optional Practical Training) – after completing your program

Unauthorized work can result in loss of status.

It depends on the school, but typically:

  • After you are accepted and submit all required documents. 
  • Those include financial proof and a passport copy. 
  • The school will issue your Form I-20 within 5–10 business days.

Shipping time for the physical I-20 may vary depending on your location and the delivery method.

Yes, F-1 students can transfer to another SEVP-certified school after arriving in the U.S.

  • Make sure you hold a valid F-1 status and follow proper SEVIS transfer procedures.
  • The new school will issue you a transfer-pending I-20, and your SEVIS record will be updated.
  • Always speak with the DSO at both schools before making any changes.

Here’s what you typically need for your F-1 visa interview:

  • Valid passport
  • Form DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode)
  • Academic records (transcripts, diplomas, test scores)
  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
  • Form I-20 (signed by you and the school)
  • Visa appointment confirmation
  • Admission letter from the school
  • Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters, etc.)
  • Ties to your home country (to show intent to return after your studies)
  • The consular officer may ask for additional documents, so be prepared.

This Article is Written by : AF International Editorial Team

Admissions & Academic Team, AF International School of Languages

The AF International Editorial Team brings together admissions advisors, ESL instructors, and international education specialists with over a decade of experience supporting global students. Our mission is to provide clear, accurate, and trustworthy information to help students succeed in their studies and visa process.

Our Students Love Us!

Student
Testimonials

AF International made the visa process so much easier. I was nervous about applying for my I-20, but the admissions team guided me step by step. Now I’m studying full-time in Pasadena and my English has improved so much in just three months.
Maria G.Brazil
Transferring my I-20 from another school was simple with AFI’s help. The staff explained everything clearly, and I felt supported from the first day. I also love the small class sizes — it’s easy to ask questions and practice speaking.
Keita T.Japan
The teachers here really care about the students. Not only did I get my F-1 visa smoothly, but I also built the confidence to use English every day at work and in my community.
Ahmed K.Saudi Arabia
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