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Do You Need a Form I-20 for F1 Student Visa or Status?

If you do not live in the United States and do not have a visa, you must obtain an I-20 form to get a student visa (F-1 or M-1) before enrolling at Montgomery College. 

If a student is currently enrolled at Montgomery College and is ending their non-immigrant status (dependents turning 21 years old, or persons ending the employment which gave them a non-immigrant status, etc.), he or she may need to apply for a form I-20 to get F-1 or M-1 status through the Montgomery College International Coordinator's Office. Recent changes in immigration procedures may require you to start this process SIX TO NINE MONTHS BEFORE your current status ends. Make an appointment with an international student coordinator to get started. 

If you are residing OUTSIDE the USA and wish to take Distance Learning (online) classes from your home country, you may do so by contacting the Distance Learning Department. No I-20 for F1 visa is required.


Apply for an I-20

This is the MC I-20 application process for degree-seeking AND noncredit ESL program students. Complete the following steps and submit all materials to the MC campus you wish to attend prior to the following deadlines:

  • Fall Semester (classes begin late August/early September): June 1 (August 1 for students Transferring an I-20*)
  • Spring Semester (classes begin late January): October 1 (December 1 for students Transferring an I-20*)

*Students may only Transfer an I-20 if they are in current, valid F-1 status in the U.S.
**I-20 forms are not issued for summer sessions.

PDF version of Application Process for a Form I-20 (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) instructions.

At this time, we are UNABLE TO ACCEPT or RECEIVE documents sent through postal mail. After we have received and assessed your application, an international coordinator will contact you, providing comprehensive instructions on how to SUBMIT ALL DOCUMENTS using the MC Dropbox link.

All documents should be ORIGINALS (unless otherwise approved by the International Coordinator's Office) and must be in English or accompanied by a Certified English Translation. Please keep the ORIGINAL of all the documents that were sent to us.

Student visa application wait times vary for each country. The U.S. Department of States prioritizes student visas, so wait times for a student visa appointment may be less than that of a visitor or others. Visit Visa Appointment Wait Timesnew window and enter the name of the city you plan to go where the U.S. Consulate is located to see the current wait times. If the current Student Visa wait time means your Visa appointment would be less than 60 days before the start of the semester you are applying for, please contact our office and ask to expedite the process. For general student visa information, please visit U.S. Department of State Student Visanew window.

Please note, The Department of State officers at Education USA around the world work as counselors to help you understand the U.S. Educational system and U.S. visa process in your country. For more information, please visit EducationUSAnew window.

 

Apply to Montgomery College (MUST DO THIS STEP FIRST)

Submit your application on-line through the Office of Records and Registration first. Other documents can be sent after you apply.

 I-20 Request

Submit a Supplemental Information for I-20 Request form.

Provide Proof of College Level or High School Graduation

Submit an original or certified copy of ONE of the following (student MAY be asked to submit a Credential Evaluation in addition):

Provide Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Evidence of English Language Proficiency with ONE of the following is required for all applicants:

Provide Evidence of Financial Support

Persons  financially sponsoring a student must complete four steps.

Transfer Credits from Outside the United States

Submit with application ONLY if needed to prove college level.

Documents You'll Need to Provide. 

ONLY for students currently inside the U.S.

Complete a Transfer Clearance Form

ONLY for students currently inside the U.S. with an F1 Visa, and attending another school.

Submit All Documentation to Montgomery College

Please contact the International Student Office to upload above documentation.

Students Who Need Language Assistance

Voiance, a phone interpretation service, is now offering interpretation through Zoom. Students can ask for an interpreter to join any of our meetings.


Information for Permanent Residents, Immigrant Visa Holders, and Non-immigrants

Permanent residents, immigrant visa Holders, and non-immigrants are welcome to study at the College based on their visa and status requirements: 

  • Students in categories A, E, G, H I, J, K, L, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, and V are welcome to study part-time or full-time while they are in the United States and should apply directly to the Admission and Records/Registrar's Office on their campus of choice. Follow the College's regular admissions steps at Getting Started: How to Apply and Register. 
  • Those in categories, C, D, and WT= visa waiver, are NOT permitted to study but may apply to get the I-20 and apply for a F-1 Student Visa at a U.S. Consulate outside of the United States.
  • Those with F-2 status may study part time as long as their F-1 parent is still in status.
  • Visitors in B status may only take a course for their own interest while they visit the U.S. and should see an International Coordinator BEFORE applying to the College if they are interested in more study.

Persons Who Need to Change Non-immigrant Status

In certain exceptional circumstances, such as when a dependent is no longer eligible for dependent status, an individual with legal non-immigrant status already within the United States MAY HAVE THE OPTION TO REQUEST a "Change of Non-Immigrant Status" to transition to a student visa status and continue residing in the United States. To determine whether a Change of Non-Immigrant Status is feasible in your particular situation, you MUST SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. The application deadlines for such a change may differ from the standard deadlines, and all cases are evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note: Change of status is a process that takes several months. For the current processing times check USCIS websitenew window.