Who needs an I-20?
New students – Any non-citizen who wishes to obtain an F-1 (international student) visa or to change an existing immigration status to F-1 must first obtain an I-20 to verify your admission to a qualified school. Most I-20s are requested by students who are outside the U.S. and plan to apply for a student visa. A significant number of I-20s are also requested by individuals already in the U.S. on other kinds of temporary visas – exchange participant, diplomat, employee of an international organization, among others. Generally, applicants with tourist visa may not chance to student status while remaining in the U.S. Please see the international Student Coordinator for further details. Transfer students – Students who already have F-1 status with an I-20 from another school must obtain a new I-20 from Montgomery College. Each I-20 is valid only for the school named on the form.
