What is the difference between an I-20 and a visa?
The SEVIS I-20 Form is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status. The purpose of the I-20 is to enable a foreign student to apply for a F-1 student visa to enter the United States to begin a program of study. The Visa is a stamp in the passport indicating (1) where the visa was issued, (2) the date the visa was issued, (3) the date the visa will expire, (4) the number of entries permitted, (5) the type of visa, and (6) the visa number. Before a non-immigrant can enter the U.S. a visa must be issued at the American Embassy or Consulate’s Office in his/her home country. Once the visa is stamped in the passport that permits someone to apply for admission to the United States at the port of entry or the arrival terminal at all international airports. Applicants should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The US CIS has authority to deny admission.
