How to Obtain an I-20

What is an I-20 form?
The I-20 form is a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status for those who wish to study in the U.S. It is imperative to submit all required documentation for I-20 issuance. You will experience a delay in receiving your I-20 if all documents are not received in a timely manner. The I-20 form and your letter of acceptance must be taken to the American embassy or consulate when you apply for a visa.

Who requires an I-20 form?
International students who satisfy the following conditions require an I-20 form:

• Students are currently studying in the United States on a student visa (F-1 or J-1) in high school, college, or an English language program; or
• Students who intend to enter the United States with a student visa

• Been admitted into Benedictine University
• Supplied at the time of application, or shortly thereafter, all necessary financial documentation (including your Confidential Financial Statement of Support) to the Benedictine University Enrollment Center
• Your sponsor must submit an original letter from his or her financial institution stating the amount of funds available in the account(s) that will be used to sponsor you. Funds must be documented in U.S. dollars.

• Yes there is a fee of $100.00 The SEVIS I-901 fee is mandated by Congress to support the program office and the automated system that keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintain their status while in the United States. Each student or exchange visitor issued an initial Form I-20 or DS-2019 on after September 1, 2004 is responsible for paying this fee to SEVP. For additional information, please view the state department web site at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm

• Letter of admission from the International Programs Office at Benedictine University
• Send an e-mail to intcenter@ben.edu AND cswett@ben.edu to confirm your acceptance of Benedictine University's offer of admission. In the mail, please also include your date of appointment with the embassy/consulate.
• Original financial documents required by the university
• Submit supporting financial documents with your application
• Completed Confidential Financial Statement of Support
• Ensure that the amount in your sponsor's account is sufficient for the academic year
• Report all financial documents in U.S. dollars
• Complete all information required on you application and other required documents
• Your name on your Confidential Financial Statement of Support should appear the same as your name on your passport.
• Your birth date and other requested information should be written correctly
• Submit all necessary credentials by the priority application date to ensure that you receive your I-20 in time

• Take the International Student Transfer Release form to the DSO (Designated School Official) of your current school and request that your SEVIS record be released to Benedictine University. If you have maintained status, you are considered eligible to transfer to another school. The completed form must be returned to the International Programs Office at Benedictine University.
• Mail copies of your current immigration documents to the International Programs Office at Benedictine University
  • I-20
  • F-1 visa
  • passport picture
  • expiration date
  • I-94 card
  • EAD card for OPT (if you're an OPT)
  • Confidential Financial Statement of Support