What are the I-20 in the USA requirements?

Your Form I-20 proves that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States.
Therefore, it may be needed when you apply for the benefits available to F and M students. If you
are eligible to apply for a driver's license or a social security number, remember to bring your Form I-
20 with you.

How many days will it take to get an I-20 from university?

When to Get I-20 Form? After successfully submitting the documents at the university, it will typically
take one to two weeks to process your I-20 form. However, you can also check the status of your
form using the tracking number sent by the university. The SEVIS number is also given in your form.

How to request I-20 from university?

2 Required documents for the I-20 request e-form. They must be in digital format of PDF or JPEG.

1. Copy of the identity page of your valid passport.

2. Financial documents meeting your academic program's estimate of expenses.

3. Currency conversion:

How long is a I-20 valid for?

Program End Date

If a student completes the program of study prior to the completion date, the I-20 will automatically
expire on the date the student completes. A student has an automatic grace period of 60 days upon
the completion of studies.

Can the I-20 be rejected?

International students must submit proof of funds when they apply for a US student visa. The
amount equals the cost of attendance for a year specified in their Form I-20. Lack of funds or unclear
financial sources is an immediate reason to reject your US student visa application.

How much is the SEVIS fee?

Fee Amounts

Description Amount

I-901 SEVIS Fee F or M visa applicants (full payment) $350

I-901 SEVIS Fee J visa applicants (full payment) $220

I-901 SEVIS Fee special J-visa categories (subsidized payment) $35

I-901 SEVIS Fee government visitor (no payment) $0

{The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the web-based system that the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information regarding: Student and
Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools.}

Is the SEVIS fee refundable?

The SEVIS fee will not be refunded. However, if you reapply for a new F-1 visa within 12 months of
the denial, you will not have to pay the fee again.

What is the next step after getting the I20 form?

I-20 Form Uses

After receiving the I 20 Form, you should go ahead to pay the I-1901 SEVIS fee. This fee is
mandatory to be paid before entering the US. To complete the payment process, information from
the I-20 Form is required.

{The visa fee is to defray the cost for machine-readable visas and to support the consulates. There
is a separate non-refundable fee for anyone seeking a nonimmigrant visa for the United States. The
I-901 SEVIS fee is a separate fee paid to SEVP. This fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor
Program in DHS}

What is the difference between I-20 and DS 160?

An I-20 is a document issued by a school that you bring to the US consulate to request an F
(student) visa. The DS-160 is the document used to obtain a J visa.

Who is eligible for Form I-20?

You need a I-20 form if you are an international student who is a: Non-immigrant who has never
attended a school or a university in the United States. Non-immigrant wishing to transfer from a
secondary school, college, or university in the US. Non-immigrant changing your current visa status
to a F-1 visa.
Does a visa officer know about the I-20?

The visa officer will also review your I-20 form, provided by your US school. This document
includes details about your academic program, duration of study, and financial information, such
as: School name and location.

Can my uncle sponsor me to study in the USA?

Yes, anyone could sponsor you. However, you would need to provide evidence of the funds and
convince the consular officer that the funds would, indeed, be available. Prepaying tuition and
housing might help.

can i show my uncle's FD in my I 20 form and visa process

Search Results

Often, direct blood relatives are required to provide this affidavit. Your parents, spouse,
grandparents, maternal and paternal aunts, and uncles can provide this, but a distant relative can't

What is the financial proof for I-20?

The most preferred mode of how to show funds for I-20 is in the form of a loan sanction letter.
After taking a loan from any known national or international lender they give a loan sanction letter
which can be shown to get your I-20 form and to clear the visa interview as well.

How to show proof of funds for a visa?

As we have discussed above, proof of funds can be provided in different forms. One of those can
be a detailed bank statement. The bank statement is a record of all the customer account
transactions over a specific period. The account's activity is shown on the account holder's bank
statement

What is the next step after SEVIS fee?

Print a Receipt

In order to get your student visa, you must present proof of your I-901 SEVIS Fee payment at your
visa interview. The printed confirmation will serve as proof of payment for the I-901 SEVIS Fee.
Print a receipt of payment after you have completed your I-901 payment on FMJfee.com.
How much bank balance is required for a US visa?

To demonstrate sufficient funds, you'd ideally have at least 45,000 (1.5 times 30,000) in your bank
account for at least 6-9 months before your visa application.

Comparison Of Financial Requirements For Student Visas To Other Countries

The US approach to financial requirements is more flexible compared to other popular

study destinations.

Let’s now explore the minimum bank balance requirements in other countries, too.

Country Proof of Funds Required in INR/year

USA Tuition Fee + 1 year of living expenses i.e, INR 8,33,120 (USD 9,920)

Canada INR 12,20,000 (CAD 19,713)

UK Tuition Fee + 9 months of living expenses

Australia INR 13,36,788 (GBP 12,154)

Germany INR 10,13,333 (EUR 10,931)

New Zealand INR 9,92,488 (NZD 19,188)

France INR 6,58,428 (EUR 7,102)

Japan INR 7,96,465 (YEN 13,57,196)

How Much Bank Balance is Required for US Student Visa: Understanding the Requirements

Forget a one-size-fits-all minimum balance for F-1 student visas in the US. Unlike some countries,
the US focuses on whether you can cover your individual costs.

The key is demonstrating you have enough funds for your entire study period, as estimated on
your I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). While there’s no set
minimum, many universities and embassies recommend having enough to cover at least the first
year’s expenses listed on your I-20. This shows you can financially support yourself initially.

Although some sources suggest having at least INR 8,33,510 (based on an exchange rate of INR
83.35 per US dollar) or 1.5 times your I-20 expenses, this is just a general starting point. The focus
is on proving you can cover your specific costs.
Here are some key points to remember:

Cost Variations: The estimated costs on your I-20 form can vary significantly depending on several
factors:

 University: Public universities generally have lower tuition fees compared to private
universities.

 Location: Urban areas typically have higher living expenses compared to rural areas.

 Program of Study: Certain programs, like medicine or engineering, may have associated
costs that differ from others.

Who can Sponsor My Education Abroad?

Sponsors can be individuals or organisations willing to financially support your US education.

Traditionally, sponsors are often family members – parents, grandparents, or even siblings.
Combining contributions from multiple relatives can also be a viable option to meet the required
financial resources.

While some sources might mention a preference for sponsors residing in your home country, the
US Department of State does not explicitly state any geographical restrictions on the location of
your F-1 visa sponsor.

Here’s what truly matters for your sponsor:

 Financial Stability: Your sponsor must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover
your entire first year of educational expenses, and potentially the entire program duration
(though not mandatory). They should provide documentation like bank statements, tax
returns, or employment verification letters with income details.

 Strong Ties to Home Country: The goal is to showcase a reliable and sustainable financial
support system for your studies. Your sponsor’s ties to their home country (through
employment, property ownership, etc.) can strengthen this aspect.

Criteria for Choosing Sponsors Importance of Sponsorship Documentation

Visa Approval: Essential for proving the sponsor’s ability to provide necessary fi
Financial Stability
support.

Long-term Employment Income Verification: Helps confirm steady income for sustained financial suppo

Willingness to Commit Dispute Prevention: Formal agreements protect both parties by clarifying expe

Previous Sponsorship Efficiency: Experienced sponsors likely navigate documentation requirements m

 Experience effectively.

Financial Documents and Proof of Funds for US Study Visa

When applying for an I-20 form as part of the visa process to study in the U.S., students must
provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover their tuition, living expenses, and other
costs while in the U.S.

Here’s a list of acceptable financial documents that can be used to demonstrate financial ability.

Type of Document Description

Bank Statements Recent statements (last 3-6 months) showing funds for at least the first year of stu

Scholarship or Grant Letters Official letters confirming the amount and duration of the award.

Loan Approval Documents Official letters from banks or financial institutions indicating the approved loan am

Commitment letters from sponsors, with proof of their financial ability (bank state
Sponsorship Letters
income verification).

Commitment letters from sponsors, proof of their financial ability (bank statemen
Employer Sponsorship Letters
verification).

Government Sponsorship
Official documents from a government body confirming financial sponsorship.
Letters

Income Verification Pay stubs, employment letters, and tax returns showing a sponsor’s income.

Certificates of Deposits Verification of fixed deposits or investments demonstrating financial capacity.

Specifications on Loan and Sponsor Letters

Moving beyond traditional financial documents like bank statements and property ownership, loan
approval letters and sponsor letters can further solidify your financial standing for your US student
visa application.

Let’s delve into the specifications for each.

1. Loan Approval Letters:

  What to Include:

o Confirmation of the loan amount

o Disbursement details (how and when the funds will be made available)

o Your status as the borrower

 Presentation Tips:

o Ensure the letter is from a reputable lending institution (bank, government agency,
etc.)

o The letter should clearly outline the loan terms and conditions, including interest
rates, repayment schedule, and any grace periods.

2. Sponsor Letters (if applicable):

 What to Include:

o A clear statement of the sponsor’s intent to financially support your studies

throughout your program.

o The duration and amount of funding the sponsor will provide (be specific about
yearly or semester funding).

o The sponsor’s contact information (name, address, phone number, email).

 Presentation Tips:

o Attach documents that verify your sponsor’s financial stability, such as bank
statements or employment verification letters with income details.

o Ensure the sponsor letter is signed and dated.

o If sponsorship is shared amongst multiple relatives, include separate letters from

each sponsor outlining their respective contributions.

How to Effectively Present Your Financial Proof

Now that you know how much bank balance is required for a US student visa.

Let’s explore how to effectively present all your financial documents for a strong visa application.

 Original Documents or Certified Copies: Always prioritise submitting original documents. If

originals are unavailable, obtain certified copies from the issuing institution.

 Translated Documents (if applicable): If any documents are not in English, have them
translated by a certified translator and include the translated copies along with the
originals.

 Well-organised: Present your documents neatly and chronologically for easy review by the
visa officer. Consider creating an index or table of contents for a comprehensive financial
portfolio.
This will showcase your financial resources in a clear and organised manner, making it easier for
the visa officer to assess your ability to cover your educational expenses.

How to Apply for a US Student Visa from India?

Once you’ve gathered the necessary documents, including your financial statements, you’re ready
to navigate the US student visa application process. Consider the following steps for a higher
approval rate.

1. Get Accepted to a SEVP-Approved School:

 The first step is to secure admission to a US institution certified by the Student and
Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

 You can find a list of SEVP-approved schools on the US Department of State website.

 Once accepted, your school will issue you a Form I-20, which serves as a certificate of
eligibility for your student visa application.

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee:

 The SEVIS fee is a mandatory processing charge for students applying for F or M visas.

 You can pay this online using a debit or credit card after you receive your Form I-20.

 The amount varies depending on the visa type, but typically around INR 30k for F visas.

3. Complete the Online Visa Application (DS-160):

 This online form gathers your biographical information, travel details, and other relevant
data.

 While completing the DS-160, you’ll need to upload a digital passport photo that meets
specific requirements.

 Make sure to save your progress frequently, as the system times out after a period of
inactivity.

4. Schedule Your Visa Interview:

 After submitting the DS-160 form, you can schedule an interview at a US embassy or
consulate in India.

 Waiting times can vary depending on location and workload, so plan well in advance.

 You can check the US Department of State website for estimated wait times.

5. Gather Required Documents for the Interview:

Here’s a list of essential documents to bring for your visa interview:

 Valid Passport
  A copy of the photo used in your DS-160 form

 Confirmation page of your DS-160 submission

 Confirmation page of your SEVIS fee payment (I-901)

 Original Form I-20 provided by your school

 Academic transcripts and standardised test scores (if applicable)

 Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your education and living expenses in the
US. This could include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsors’ financial
documents.

Also read:

1. Schedule OFC Appointment for US visa: Fees, Documents & Centres

2. US Visa Fees for Indians: Application & Validity

3. Non-Petition Based US Visa Fees for Indians

4. Non-petition-based visas do not require an employer or a US resident to
petition for a person who intends to enter the US for a limited period. The
candidate can apply for a non-immigrant visa by filling out Form DS-160
and following the regular processes for paying a fee, scheduling an
interview, submitting supporting papers and sitting for the interview.
5. Here’s a breakdown of the non-petition-based US visa fees for Indian
citizens:

Types of US Student Visa

There are three main types of US student visas: F, J, and M. Each caters to different educational
goals and has its visa fee as of April 29, 2024.

Let’s look at each of them one by one.

1. F Visa (F-1 Student Visa):

 Purpose: Ideal for full-time academic studies at accredited universities, colleges, or

intensive English language programs.

 Latest Amendments: There haven’t been any major recent amendments to the F visa
category. But, it’s always a good idea to check the US Department of State website for any
updates.

 Visa Fee: The current SEVIS fee for F visas is INR 29k. You’ll also need to pay the visa
application fee, which is typically around INR 13k.

 Preparing for Your F-1 Visa Interview?

 Refer to this helpful resource: A Guide on USA F-1 Visa Interview
Questions and Answers 2024
ere’s a breakdown of the non-petition-based US visa fees for Indian citizens:

Visa Name Fees

B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourism) Visa $185 (INR 15.5K)

C-1 Visa (Transit) $185 (INR 15.5K)

D Visa (Crew) $185 (INR 15.5K)

F Visa (Student) $185 (INR 15.5K)

I Visa (Media) $185 (INR 15.5K)

J Visa (Exchange Visitor) $185 (INR 15.5K)

M Visa (Vocational Student) $185 (INR 15.5K)

TN TD Visa (NAFTA Professional) $185 (INR 15.5K)

T Visa (Human Trafficking Victim) $185 (INR 15.5K)

U Visa (Crime Victim) $185 (INR 15.5K)

Understanding the US visa fees for Indians is crucial for budgeting and planning your visa
application process. Depending on your specific situation and visa type, additional costs may arise,
such as administrative fees, biometrics fees, or visa issuance fees. Always check the latest updates
from official sources to ensure you have the most current information.

Tips to Prepare for US Student Visa

Do you know?

According to ICEF Monitor, the US visa refusal rate has increased twice in 2023 compared to 2022,
reaching 36%. It’s critical to keep yourself prepared to save yourself from these rejections!

Let’s look at some tips.

 Strong Academic Credentials: Present a solid academic record with good grades and
standardised test scores (if required) to showcase your preparedness for US studies.
  Financial Proof: Meticulously document your financial resources to demonstrate you can
cover tuition and living expenses. Bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor
documents are crucial.

 Clear Ties to Home Country: Convince the visa officer you have strong ties to your home
country and intend to return after completing your studies. Family ties, job prospects, or
property ownership can strengthen your case.

 Genuine Educational Plans: Be clear and concise about your educational goals in the US.
Explain how your chosen program aligns with your future career aspirations.

 Truthful and Consistent Information: Ensure all information provided throughout the
application process is accurate and consistent. Discrepancies can raise red flags and lead to
rejection.

 Practice Makes Perfect: Prepare for your visa interview by rehearsing potential questions
and answers. Speak confidently and truthfully about your plans.

 Dress Professionally: Project a professional image at your interview. Dress appropriately

and arrive on time to demonstrate seriousness and respect.

 Follow Instructions Carefully: Read application instructions thoroughly and adhere to all
deadlines and document requirements. A complete and error-free application makes a
positive first impression.

Conclusion

Indian students aspiring to study in the US must know that understanding the minimum bank
balance required for a US student visa is crucial for demonstrating financial stability to the visa
authorities. By acquainting yourself with the financial prerequisites and essential documentation
highlighted in this guide, you can effectively navigate the visa process and enhance your prospects
of approval.

Don’t let financial uncertainties stall your education aspirations in the US. With LeapFinance, you
can explore comprehensive services for every step of your study abroad journey, from loans to visa
assistance

Important of I-20 form in US for watch below video:

https://youtu.be/EY9mBm8H8D4?si=uhKx7sROykKktsUQ

Do you dream of living and studying in the United States? The F1 visa is all you need to have this
opportunity!

In this simple guide, we will explain step by step how you can become a student in the USA.
What is the F1 Visa?

The F1 Visa is an authorization granted to non-immigrants that allows foreigners to come and
study in the USA. To qualify, basically you need to be a student at an accredited educational
institution in the United States that is authorized to enroll international students.

Benefits of the Student Visa

The primary benefit of the F1 Visa is that it allows you to enter the USA legally and even apply for
an American driver’s license. Besides learning or improving your language skills, you will have an
enriching cultural experience, expand your network, and gain better career opportunities.

How to Apply for the F1 Student Visa

To obtain the visa, you need to go through the process at the embassy of your home country. It’s
super simple and quick. Below are the necessary steps for obtaining it:

1. Choose an Accredited School

To start the process of obtaining the student visa, it’s crucial to choose an accredited school, such
as MILA. With your acceptance, MILA will provide the I-20 document, essential for the visa
application. Explore our campus by clicking here.

2. Fill out the Necessary Forms

After acceptance at MILA, it’s time to start the visa process by filling out Form DS-160 and paying
the SEVIS fee. Have your valid passport and banking information ready to facilitate the process.

3. Prepare for the Interview

After filling out your forms and paying the fees, it’s time to prepare for the interview at the US
consulate. Prepare a folder with all the necessary documents, printed and updated, to prove your
study plan, such as the I-20 provided by MILA, Form DS-160, proof of income (like bank statements
and tax returns), personal documents (like birth and marriage certificates), passport, and others
that can assist you in getting your visa approved.

4. Attend the Interview and Plan Your Trip

The crucial moment has arrived: the interview at the consulate. Present yourself well-prepared
and confident, with all documents in hand. Every detail matters in the process. Upon passing the
interview, you’ll be one step closer to embarking on your study journey in the United States!