The Form I-20 is one of the most important documents for international students planning to study in the United States on an F-1 student visa.
What Is a Form I-20?
The Form I-20 is a document issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution that certifies:
- You have been admitted to a full-time program of study.
- You have demonstrated sufficient financial resources to support yourself while studying in the United States.
- You are eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa.
The Form I-20 is officially titled the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
This document is required to:
- Apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
- Enter the United States as an F-1 student
- Maintain your student immigration records while studying in the United States
How Do I Receive My Form I-20?
After you have been admitted to Citrus College and all required admission documents have been received and approved, the International Student Center (ISC) will issue your Form I-20.
Students will receive:
- An Acceptance Letter
- A digitally signed Form I-20 issued by a Designated School Official (DSO)
These documents will be sent electronically and will include instructions regarding the next steps in the F-1 visa process.
How Do I Activate My Initial Form I-20?
Before applying for your F-1 visa, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
Step 1: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Visit:
and submit your payment online.
Your SEVIS Identification Number can be found in the upper-left corner of your Form I-20 and begins with the letter "N."
Step 2: Print Your Payment Receipt
After submitting payment, save and print your SEVIS fee receipt. You may be asked to provide proof of payment during your visa interview and when entering the United States.
Step 3: Apply for Your F-1 Visa
Once the SEVIS I-901 fee has been paid, you may schedule an appointment with a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and apply for your F-1 student visa.
Transfer Students
Students transferring an active F-1 record to Citrus College typically do not need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again, provided they are using the same SEVIS identification number.
Important Reminder
Receiving a Form I-20 does not grant permission to enter the United States.
New international students must:
- Receive a Form I-20 from Citrus College.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Obtain an F-1 student visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate (unless exempt from the visa requirement).
- Present the required documents when entering the United States.
Students may not begin studying at Citrus College until they have completed the required immigration steps and have been admitted to the United States in the appropriate student status.