What is a Form I-20 and Why Do I Need One?
The Form I-20 is issued by the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University
to certify to the U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1 Student
Status. It certifies that you have met our admissions requirements,
have been accepted for a full course of study, and have proven to
us that you have sufficient funds to study and live in the United
States.
You need a Form I-20 to obtain an F-1 student visa, or to keep lawful
F-1 status when transferring or changing schools within the U.S. Transferring
students do not have to receive our I-20 before coming to C.W. Post,
unless they are traveling outside the U.S. before classes begin. However,
transfer students need to meet with International Student Services
within fifteen days of starting classes.
Who is Eligible for the Form I-20?
You are eligible for the Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Visa once you are admitted to the
C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University for enrollment in a full
course of study and have provided documents proving that you have
the financial ability to support your living and studying expenses
for the full length of your program of study. However, not every
international student needs an I-20. If you are maintaining another
nonimmigrant status in the U.S. (except B1/B2), you do not need
an I-20 and may attend school full-time or part-time. If this is
the case, you must submit a copy of your current visa. Dependent
children in E, F, H, I, J, L, M, N, O, P, R, or S status need to
change status after their 21st birthday or if they marry. Any questions
regarding change of status should be addressed to International
Student Services at (516) 299-1451 or ois@cwpost.liu.edu
How Do I Get My Form I-20?
Complete the Form I-20 Application and
attach the required documents showing that you have the financial
ability to support your studying and living costs for the full length
of your program. Submit your complete application and all documentary
evidence to: International Admissions, C.W. Post Campus, Long
Island University, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, NY 11548-1300
USA. Unless you have given us other instructions, your Form
I-20 will be mailed within two weeks after all of these items are
received.
**Please note:
You may authorize your I-20 to be picked up by friend or relative,
but this must be done in writing.
There are two things you should not do if you are planning to be
a student:
- Do not enter the U.S. with a B-1 or B-2 visa unless it is marked
“Prospective Student.”
If you use a B visa to enter the U.S. you could be guilty of “fraudulent
entry” and refused permission to stay longer than six months
or to extend or change status.
- Do not enter the U.S. without a visa
(unless you are a citizen of Canada). If you are from a country
from which you can enter the U.S. as a visitor by showing a round
trip airline ticket, do not do this. If you enter without a visa,
you will be permitted to stay for only 90 days. You will not be
given more time or allowed to change to student status.
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