Obtaining Your Immigration Document To Study In The United States
The I-20 is a United States Department of Homeland Security document issued by SEVP-certified schools that provides supporting information on a student's immigration status. Admitted students attending a university in the United States need this form to pay the required I-901 SEVIS fee, apply for a visa, and enter the United States.
Please note the following deadlines to be admitted to the university and receive an I-20:
- Summer Term – March 15
- Fall Term – July 1
- Spring Term – November 1
I-20 Request Process
Admitted international students can begin working on their I-20 Request Form once they have demonstrated English proficiency and confirmed their intent to enroll by paying the $300 non-refundable tuition deposit in the Admitted Student Portal.
Students are emailed access information to their Admitted Student Portal after admission. The portal contains a link to the I-20 Request Form.
The I-20 Request Form allows a student to upload supporting documents such as: passport, dependent passports, proof of funding (i.e. bank statements/letters, official financial guarantee), and affidavit of support.
Passport(s) must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the first day of class. Florida Tech is unable to issue you an I-20 document if your passport is expired.
Proof of funding must equal or exceed Cost of Attendance for one academic year. Students who were offered a partial academic merit scholarship or other university funding can deduct the amount from the Total Cost of Attendance. This total is a combination of direct university costs and indirect costs such as tuition, fees, housing and meal plan, books, and expected personal expenses.
Undergraduate Cost Of Attendance (Based On Major)
- Engineering and Science = $63,720
- Business, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Aviation (non-flight) = $60,640
- Aviation (with flight) = $82,640
Graduate Cost Of Attendance (Based On Program)
- Business = $35,908
- Engineering, Science, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Aviation = $42,640
Getting Your I-20 Document Delivered To You:
Florida Tech will email the I-20 as a PDF attachment. Students can download the copy and use it for their US Embassy appointment.
Students who are transferring from another school in the United States may have the option to pick up their I-20 document in person on campus. Transfer students must notify the proper office at their current institution of their intent to transfer to Florida Tech as soon as possible, and they must provide their current institution with a copy of their Florida Tech admission letter.
After Receiving Your I-20
Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee and keep your receipt. Then make an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate responsible for issuing F-1 nonimmigrant student visas for your home country.
Schedule Your Visa Appointment ASAP
Depending on location, wait times for an F-1 visa appointment can take from up to 2 weeks to 11 months. To view appointment wait times and schedule an appointment visit Travel.State.Gov. Admitted students who are unable to secure an embassy appointment, may have to be reevaluated for a future term.
Please note: Florida Tech policy states that students are required to attend the university for one full semester if they enter the United States on an I-20 issued by Florida Institute of Technology. We will not release a student to another school until he or she completes one full semester of attendance. There are no exceptions to this policy.