# The Form I-20 & Visa Application

- Link: https://www.ctsfw.edu/admission/international-students/the-form-i-20-visa-application/
- Published: 2025-10-30T16:24:24-04:00
- Author: Stephen Bornheimer

#  The Form I-20 & Visa Application

 1.  [ Home ](https://www.ctsfw.edu/)
 2.  [ Admission ](https://www.ctsfw.edu/admission/)
 3.  [ International Students ](https://www.ctsfw.edu/admission/international-students/)
 4.   The Form I-20 & Visa Application

## The Form I-20 & Visa Application

All F and M students who study in the United States need a Form I-20, “Certificate
of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Once accepted into a Student and
Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, nonimmigrant students will receive
a Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO).

Generally, foreign nationals who wish to travel to the United States must first 
obtain a visa, either a non-immigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant 
visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to travel to the United
States to study. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend 
determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.