I-20 or DS-2019 Information
The I-20 or DS-2019 are multi-purposeful documents issued by a U.S. government-approved educational institution certifying that a student has been admitted to a full-time program of study and has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the U.S for the duration of the program. The I-20 or DS-2019 is officially titled the “Certificate of Eligibility,” because it allows an individual to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. All nonimmigrant visitors are required to have a valid visa in their passport to be allowed entry into the U.S (with the exception of Canadians*).
VISA INTERVIEW RESOURCES
Below are some resources to help you with your Visa interview provided by Travel.State.Gov.
Interview Tips
*All of these tips should be taken as suggestions only. There are no set guidelines or rules for how to pass the Visa Interview. Questions the Visa Officers ask vary and change person-to-person.
- Be on time (Show up to your appointment early. Don't be late.)
- Be honest (Answer each question the Visa officer asks you truthfully.)
- Be specific (Provide explanations for your answers. Short one word or one sentence answers may not be enough of an answer for the Visa officer.)
- Have all your paperwork/checklist items with you
- Know why you want to study in the U.S. AND return home (Remember, the purpose of a student visa is for studying with the intent to return home.)
- Know how you will be funding your time in the U.S. (Are you on scholarship? Is your family providing you the money? Etc.)
- Know what you will be studying and why you are choosing Coastal specifically to learn that degree. (What about Coastal made you want to come study here? Etc.)