I-20
Education & Academia abbreviation · Academic
| Stands for | Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Education & Academia |
I-20 stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20), an academic abbreviation.
Document issued by a SEVP-certified US school to an admitted international student, confirming enrollment and finances. Students need it to pay the SEVIS fee, apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa and enter the US.
Example: Bring your I-20 and passport to the visa interview and keep them with you at the border.
Usage notes
The form must be signed by a designated school official for travel, usually within the previous 12 months. It is updated whenever a student changes program, extends the end date or receives CPT. Exchange visitors receive a DS-2019 instead.
Related abbreviations
More academic abbreviations
- GTA – Graduate teaching assistant
- HBCU – Historically Black college or university
- HE – Higher education
- HEI – Higher education institution
- HLC – Higher Learning Commission
- HSI – Hispanic-Serving Institution
- IACUC – Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
- IDR – Income-driven repayment
- IFC – Interfraternity Council
- IRB – Institutional review board
- ISIR – Institutional Student Information Record
- J-1 – J-1 exchange visitor visa