Form I-20 Visas for International Students

Crossing Borders, through our partnership with River Oaks Academy, is able to offer Form I-20 Visas for international students.

International Students – I-20, F-1 Visa Information

I-20 Application Process

River Oaks Academy is authorized by Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to enroll foreign non-immigrant students (under F-1 and M-1 student visas).  Students desiring an I-20 must present the following documentation to Crossing Borders.

1. International Student Enrollment Form
2. A I-20 Form Processing Fee
3. Registration $250
4. Deposit of $300
5. Proof of financial stability/sufficient funds while in the USA – Proof Of Financial Resources*
6. Proof of health insurance coverage while in the USA
7. Copy of passport identification page(s) *Must show picture, name, birth date and passport expiration date.*
8. If using a sponsor, a letter of support (I-134) from the sponsor and the sponsor’s current bank statement
9. Name of host and local address where student will be staying in the USA.
10. Permanent home address in country of origin.
11. Copy of all school transcripts for students entering the 7^th grade, or higher AND plan to attend a 1 year program.  Transcripts are not needed for summer programs or children.
12. Immunization records.  *Only for students in 1 year, or longer program*

Once all the above items have been received by Crossing Borders,River Oaks Academy will issue the I-20 form for that particular student.

The prospective F-1 student should present the following papers to a U.S. Consulate:

• Completed I-20 Form
• Passport, valid for at least six months
• Proof of financial resources
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt

*Proof of Financial Resources
As part of the I-20 application process, the student must demonstrate proof of financial support. This may be done by submitting one of the following:

1. Bank Statement showing either:

Personal funds 
a. Funds from an immediate family member outside the United States accompanied by a letter assuming financial responsibility. 
b. Funds from parents inside the United States accompanied by a letter assuming financial responsibility.

The Bank Statement must be from an officer of the bank or other financial institution in which the student or a family member has deposits. The statement must give the following details about the account: 
a. Date the account was opened 
b. Total amount deposited for the past year 
c. Recent balance

All financial documentation must be expressed in the U.S. dollars. These papers must be obtained in duplicate, so that one set of originals can also be presented at the U.S. Consulate with the visa application.

2. Affidavit of Financial Support (I-134) from an individual sponsor (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) inside the United States. Proof of financial resources must accompany the affidavit. 

SEVIS- Fee Information

On October, 2008, the US Department of Homeland Security started charging a nonrefundable $200 SEVIS fee for those seeking an F-1 visa from an embassy or consulate abroad for initial attendance at a school approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  Fee payment is not required for F-2 dependents.  This fee may be paid by submitting form I-901 either in paper form or online. You will need a credit card to complete the online form. Extra time is required if fee payment is paid by mail.  The I-20 form is needed before you can fill out the I-901 form. A receipt showing fee payment must be presented to the US Embassy or Consulate before the F-1 visa will be issued.

River Oaks Academy is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to enroll foreign non-immigrant students (under F-1 student visas). You must provide Crossing Borders and ROA with the required INS documentation before the INS I-20 form can be issued. Foreign students wishing to be admitted into the Summer English Program are required by Crossing Borders to enroll for a minimum of 4 weeks.

Additional Forms needed by International Students:
International Student Enrollment Form