A valid Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” is required for international students who want to attend the FVI School of Nursing and Technology on a student visa. Once you have F-1 student status, you must comply with U.S. immigration guidelines to maintain that status. Falling out of compliance can jeopardize your student visa and stall your nursing career indefinitely.
At FVI, our experienced and supportive team of enrollment advisors set you up for success with information, resources, and unwavering guidance to help you continue your studies and work towards finishing your degree. Here is what you need to know about Form I-20 and attending nursing school for international students at FVI.
School Acceptance
If you want to study nursing in the U.S., the first step is to apply to your chosen school. You must choose a school like FVI that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, the designated school official (DSO) at FVI will provide Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” Completing this form will allow you to start the process in applying for a student visa and enroll to study in the U.S.
Visa Application
Form I-20 is a prerequisite for applying for an F-1 student visa. F-1 status allows foreign nationals to legally reside in the U.S. while pursuing a full-time academic degree. You can do this at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You must present your I-20 at your visa interview as proof of your eligibility and intent to study healthcare program at FVI School of Nursing & Technology.
Entry Into the United States
Upon arrival in the U.S., immigration officials will review your original signed Form I-20 and F-1 visa to confirm your status as a nursing student. Keep these documents secure but readily available to present as needed during your travels.
How to Maintain F-1 Status: Do’s & Don’ts
So, you have done the work to apply and enroll in FVI’s two-year nursing program for international students. We can’t wait to welcome you to our modern healthcare simulation environments, and innovative learning labs in Miramar and Miami campuses in sunny South Florida!
As you enter nursing school, you should remain mindful of your commitment to comply with the terms of your Form I-20.
To maintain F-1 status, you must:
- Be enrolled in a full course load each semester. Minimum credits required.
- Maintain good academic status and make regular academic progress toward your diploma or degree.
- Ensure your Form I-20 and passport are both valid and unexpired.
Now, here are some things to avoid on a Form I-20 student visa:
- Being absent from school or out-of-status for more than five months could lead to the termination of your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.
- You cannot work more than 20 hours per week on campus during the school term. Proper authorization is required to work off-campus.
- Overstaying the 60-day grace period after completing your nursing program is also prohibited.
Updating Your Student Documents as Your Circumstances Change
If you have changes to your personal information, financial situation, employment details, or academic status, it’s important to notify the DSO at FVI as soon as possible. They must update your SEVIS record within 21 days to reflect these changes. If your nursing program takes longer than anticipated or you want to transfer to a different SEVP-certified school, you’ll need to update your Form I-20 with the help of your DSO.
FVI: Helping International Students Achieve Their Career Goals
FVI offers a warm and welcoming learning environment where you have the tools and support you need to excel. From helping you choose the best program for your needs to providing the necessary paperwork and working with you to stay compliant, our faculty and staff are committed to helping you make the most of your experience in the U.S. Contact FVI to learn more or apply online (the international admissions link will be available once we are ready to go live) today!
