THE I-20 AND VISA PROCESSING

THE I-20 DOCUMENT

The I-20 is a document issued by a government-approved, education provider certifying that you have been admitted to a full-time or online study program and that you have justified sufficient financial means to reside in the U.S. The I-20 is officially titled the "Certificate of Eligibility" through which you can apply for an F-1 student visa. Your spouse or children will also each need their I-20 to obtain dependent visa status. The university’s experienced team will provide you the complete guidelines and instructions for that.

I-20 REGISTRATION PROCESS

After the university completes its admissions process, the enrolled students' names and other information are entered into the United States Higher Education Commission database, (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). This database processes the information and produces a file of the I-20 that is sent back to the university. Where the university’s team starts the paperwork towards the completion of the registration process according to the requirements. Additional NOC for traveling is required which depends on the student’s nationality and status.

I-20 FOR A STUDENT INSIDE THE U.S

Once you land in the United States and pass through the border inspections process, it is used for identification purposes and proof of your legal status. If you earn a job on or off-campus, you will be required to submit the I-20 to your employer during the hiring process. Off-campus employment information will be printed on the second page of your I-20. The university’s career counselors at this point will come in handy since they might choose the best option of employment for the candidate according to his competency and experience with exhilarating salary packages which could create an ideal situation for the student during his stay in the United States of America.

YOUR I-20 COMPLETION DATE

A date for completion is entered onto your I-20 with your particular major and degree level. This is an estimate of the time the University feels it may take you to fulfill all degree requirements. However, if you are not able to finish your program on that date, you must request an extension from the United States Higher Education Commission Advisor office at least one month before the completion date expires.

According to U.S. immigration regulations, the "completion date" is defined as the day you complete your final degree requirements. After which the university may process your documents towards their legalization and apply for the permits and NOC through the United States Higher Education Commission after the verification process.

PROCESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS:

For the processing of I-20 and Visa for Undergraduate Students, your completion date is considered to be the last day of final exams of the semester as your degree requirements are fulfilled.

PROCESS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS:

If you do not have a research component to your degree program (such as in the MBA program or other professional schools), your completion date would be the last day of final exams of the semester your degree requirements are fulfilled.

GRACE PERIOD

Once you have completed your program, you are allowed a 15-day grace period to travel to the United States, request a credit transfer, or change your status. Note: Students who are interested in working in the U.S. following their program completion must apply for Optional Practical Training work authorization at least 30 days before the actual program completion date, which will be guided by the career counselor at the time of graduation, the university’s legal department will do all the paperwork for the work permit to be applied afterward.

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - ENTRY VISA

To enter the United States, all international candidates are required to have the proper visa stamp placed in their passports, where the reason for travel shall be mentioned along with the NOC for traveling which shall be applied before the departure through the United States Higher Education Commission by the University attorney.

VISA EXPIRE AND LENGTH OF STAY IN THE USA

Every visa has an expiration date, it does not determine how long you can remain in the U.S. (a visa is an ENTRY document only). Once you are in the U.S., other factors determine your length of stay. In case your main concern is to apply for the nationality, you must inform your counselor before traveling so that documents and paperwork can be arranged where through the job fair and job placement program the student can get a job where he can serve for minimum 18 months to earn a green card leading towards completing the American citizenship program through one of the grounds that suites the student’s profile best.