Definition of an International Student Requiring an I-20
You are an international student requiring an I-20 if you:
- Are currently studying in the United States on a student visa (F-1) in high school, college, or an English language program; or
- Intend to enter the United States with a student visa
Financial Documentation for I-20 Issuance
For students intending to hold a student (F-1) visa:
Government regulations require students who will hold a student (F-1) visa to prove to the university that they will be financially supported for the entire time they intend to be enrolled. For this purpose, you must submit the International Student Financial Statement (ISFS), which you may download.
The ISFS gives us information about you and your sponsor and the sponsor's willingness to be responsible for your educational and living expenses. We do not accept substitutes or any other form. The ISFS should be submitted at the time of application or shortly thereafter. Please note the following:
- Part II of the ISFS must be completed in its entirety. You must show assured support for each year you expect to attend Rutgers University.
- The International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) and all supporting documents must be signed and dated no more than nine months prior to your projected enrollment at Rutgers. You will be asked for updated funding information if required.
- Your sponsor must submit an original letter from his or her financial institution stating the amount of funds available in the account(s) that will be used to sponsor you. Funds must be documented in U.S. dollars. A letter stating that an account is available without the amount listed will cause a delay in issuing your I-20. If your sponsor prefers, an original letter from a U.S. employer stating the position and salary held by the sponsor is an acceptable form of financial documentation. These forms of documentation are required before Rutgers can issue an I-20.
- Financial documents must be originals or faxed directly from the financial institution.
- Documentation of financial resources must be on bank letterhead.
- Monetary denomination must be listed in U.S. dollars only.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Students currently attending school in the U.S. will need to submit copies of all previous I-20s and a copy of their I-94 and the international student adviser's report. Back to Top The I-20 Process
The I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for those who wish to study in the U.S. The I-20 form must be taken to the American embassy or consulate when you apply for a visa.
It is imperative that you submit all required documentation for I-20 issuance. You will experience a delay in receiving your I-20 if all documents are not received in a timely manner.
IMPORTANT: Apply for admission by the due date to ensure that you will receive your I-20 in time to enroll. If all required information is not received, you will not be issued an I-20. If you are applying or reapplying, you must send updated financial documents dated no earlier than nine months prior to the start of the semester for which you are applying or reapplying.
You will be issued an I-20 after you have:
- Supplied all necessary financial documentation to the admissions office
- You and your sponsor must complete and return the International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) along with an original bank statement stating the amount of funds available in the account(s) that will be used to sponsor you.
- Been admitted
- Accepted our offer of admission
- After you must indicate your intention to enroll at the university on the Your Rutgers Status screen--.with the appropriate area checked (indicating that you need an I-20)-- undergraduate admissions will issue an I-20.
Back to Top International Student Adviser's Report
If you have accepted an offer of admission to Rutgers and you are currently studying in the U.S. on a student visa (F-1):
- You are required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to notify your foreign student adviser of your departure.
- You and your current foreign student adviser must complete and return the electronic International Student Adviser's Report, which you may access here.
This form will give Rutgers University your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) release date. This is the date given whereby Rutgers University will have permission to issue you a new I-20. See your current International Student Adviser for further explanation and details. - Prior to registering for classes at Rutgers, admitted international students must report to the following office on their regional campus to check in:
New Brunswick/Piscataway
Center for International Faculty and Student Services
Rutgers University
180 College Avenue
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8537
732-932-7015
Camden
Office of International Student Services
Rutgers University
311 N. Fifth St.
Camden, New Jersey 08102
609-225-6043
Newark
Office of International Student Services
Rutgers University
175 University Ave
Conklin Hall, Room 216
Newark, NJ 07102
Tel: (973) 353-1427
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