Form I-20 and F-1 Student Status

Requesting Your Form I-20

Once an international student is accepted into a program and completes the enrollment process, they must submit a request to the International Student Services team for their Form I-20. An international student advisor, also known as a designated school official (DSO), will verify that the student has sufficient financial resources to cover all program costs and living expenses for one year. For details about acceptable documentation, please refer to the Proof of Financial Ability section.

After verifying the student’s enrollment and financial documents, the DSO will process and email the electronic Form I-20 to the email address provided by the student. It is essential for students to review the Form I-20 for accuracy and report any errors to the DSO immediately.

F-1 Student Visa

Students are responsible for paying any required fees (e.g. I-901 SEVIS fee) and applying for an F-1 student visa at a local U.S. embassy or consulate. AIMS Education’s International Student Services (ISS) team can provide guidance throughout the process, but ultimately, obtaining the correct nonimmigrant status and entering the United States legally is the student’s responsibility.

Transfer students and nonimmigrants seeking a change of status to F-1 should contact the ISS team for additional guidance.

Contact International Student Services

Applying for an F-1 Student Visa

Students who need an F-1 visa to enter the United States must generally follow the steps below after receiving their Form I-20. F-1 transfer students and nonimmigrants seeking a change to F-1 status should contact the ISS team for guidance specific to their circumstances.

Step 1: Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee

Students who are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee must do so before applying for an F-1 visa. Payment can be made online at the official I-901 SEVIS fee website. Be sure to save and print your payment receipt for your records, visa application, and travel to the United States.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Visa Application

Submit the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application electronically at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. After submission, print the confirmation page to bring to your visa interview.

Step 3: Schedule and Attend Your Visa Interview

Schedule your visa interview at the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence. Follow the instructions provided by the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Appointment wait times vary, so schedule your interview as early as possible.

Applicants should review the current passport and visa requirements provided by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. embassy or consulate where they will apply. Passport-validity requirements may vary based on nationality and other circumstances.

Bring the following required documents, as applicable:

• Valid passport that meets current U.S. passport-validity requirements
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa application fee payment receipt, if required
• Form I-20 signed by you and an AIMS school official
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt

You should also be prepared to provide additional documentation, which may include:

• Proof of financial support
• Academic records
• Evidence of your intent to depart the United States after completing your studies

During the interview, a consular officer will assess your qualifications and may request additional documentation. Be prepared to discuss your study plans, financial situation, and intent to return to your home country after completing your program. Approval is not guaranteed, so prepare thoroughly.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not require an F-1 visa to enter the United States as students. However, they must obtain a Form I-20, pay the required I-901 SEVIS fee, and meet the applicable requirements for admission in F-1 status.

Entering the United States

Students entering the United States in initial F-1 status may enter no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20. Continuing F-1 students, including eligible transfer students, may be subject to different travel and entry requirements and should contact the ISS team before traveling.

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission; it does not guarantee entry into the country. At the port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have the authority to grant or deny admission. Students must present the following:

• Valid passport that meets current U.S. passport-validity requirements
• F-1 student visa (unless exempt)
• Form I-20 signed by the student and the DSO
• I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt

CBP officials may also request additional documents, such as the college acceptance letter or proof of financial ability. Upon admission, students will receive an admission stamp or an electronic Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Students should retrieve and review their Form I-94 after entering the United States to confirm that their immigration classification and Admit Until Date are accurate. Any concerns should be reported to the ISS team promptly. Students should retain copies of all travel and immigration documents for future reference.

Arrival on Campus

Prior to the start of the first semester, new international students must contact the International Student Services (ISS) team to schedule an in-person meeting with an international student advisor. During this time, students must provide copies of their F-1 visa (if applicable), Form I-94, and Personal Information Form.

Maintaining Status

As an F-1 student, you are responsible for maintaining your immigration status and complying with the requirements of your authorized stay in the United States. Your primary purpose for being in the United States must remain your education.

To remain in compliance, students must:

1. Enroll in and maintain a full course of study during each academic term (excluding the final term, when applicable).
2. Attend all classes and maintain satisfactory academic performance.
3. Keep your address, phone number, and contact information up to date with your DSO.
4. Engage in employment only as permitted under F-1 regulations and obtain authorization from the DSO and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when required. Students should consult the ISS team before beginning any employment. Unauthorized employment is a violation of F-1 status.
5. Contact the ISS team before traveling internationally and obtain a valid travel signature on your Form I-20 when required for reentry. Before returning to the United States, confirm that your passport, Form I-20, and F-1 visa, when required, are valid for reentry.
6. Contact the ISS team before transferring schools, taking a leave of absence, extending your program, withdrawing from your program, or making other changes that may affect your F-1 status or authorized period of stay.
7. Before completing your program, contact the ISS team to discuss your plans and any required immigration steps. Depending on your circumstances, options may include Optional Practical Training (OPT), transferring to another institution, changing nonimmigrant status, or departing the United States. Students must take any required action before the applicable immigration deadline and must not remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay.
8. Monitor the Admit Until Date on your Form I-94 and contact the ISS team well in advance if you need additional time to complete your program or otherwise remain in the United States.

Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the termination of F-1 status and potential removal from the United States. For assistance, contact International Student Services.

Authorized Period of Stay

F-1 students are responsible for monitoring the Admit Until Date listed on their Form I-94. Students who need additional time to complete their program or otherwise remain in the United States beyond their authorized period of stay must contact the ISS team well in advance to determine what action may be required. An extension of the academic program in AIMS records does not, by itself, extend a student’s authorized stay in the United States.

International Student Services

Contact International Student Services with questions about:

• Proof of financial ability and Form I-20 requirements
• The F-1 visa application process and preparation for entering the United States
• F-2 dependent requirements
• Transferring to AIMS from another school in F-1 status
• Requests to change to F-1 student status
• Immigration documents and arrival requirements for new international students
• Other SEVIS-related questions connected to admission and enrollment

Contact International Student Services

International Student Services provides general institutional and F-1 guidance but does not provide legal representation or guarantee immigration outcomes.

This page provides a summary of international admissions policies. Applicants should review the current AIMS Education College Catalog for complete institutional requirements.