How to apply for your I-20

These instructions are for students who have been admitted to QCC - Now that you're admitted it's time to prepare for your next steps.  Your first step is to review the International Admitted Page and prepare to begin your I-20 application. Click the button below to visit the Admitted International Student page and watch the video below to review step-by-step instructions on how to obtain your I-20.

Admitted International Student Page Opens in a new window

International Students planning to apply for a student (F1) visa will need an I-20 issued by QCC. An I-20 is a federal document issued by QCC that certifies to the US government that you are eligible for an F-1 student visa based on the documents we received from you. Please follow the required steps below in order to qualify for an I-20 from QCC. 

Step 1. Submit your I-20 Application Form

Once you receive your acceptance letter you can begin your I-20 application process.  You will need to complete and upload your I-20 application and supporting documents to QCC's Dynamic Forms Webpage.  

If you have already registered for classes and have  activated your Tiger ID account*, use your  Single Sign-on (SSO) credentials to access Dynamic Forms.

If you have neither registered for classes nor have activated your Tiger ID account, you can create a  guest account to upload your I-20 application and your documents.

• Registered Students: Access QCC’s Dynamic Forms to submit your I-20 application and supporting documents Opens in a new window

• Create a Guest account Opens in a new window

Please note: *Students can only activate their TigerID two business days following the day they enroll in classes.  To claim your TigerID, you will need a social security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, use your CUNY-assigned External ID number in the Social Security number field which was provided to you on your acceptance letter. 

Step 2: Submit Sponsor Financial Documentation  

All documents Must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.

Your sponsor(s) will need to submit the following: 

Document 1: Checking/savings bank statement* showing:

• Sponsor's name
• Account activity for last three months
• A current balance of at least $44,000 with the last three months of transaction history.  (*Certificates of deposit (CDs) are acceptable provided that the CD maturity date is before the semester start date).

Document 2: Two (2) forms of employment verification. Acceptable forms of proof included

• Current paystub AND paystubs for last three months
• Certificate of ownership and proof of company profits and losses (if sponsor is self-employed)
• Most recent tax return
• Income-related bank account deposits
• Letter from sponsor's employer that states the sponsor's name and annual income

• • If you have a housing sponsor here in the US (planning to live with family or friends):
  • Your housing sponsor will need to complete an Affidavit of Support and provide copies of renter's agreement, lease, or mortgage statement.  

Self-Sponsor Students and required Documentation

If you are a self-sponsored student you must submit the following:

• Bank statement in student's name with a current available balance of at least $104,632.80 USD and transaction history for the last three months.

*Student may also have to provide further evidence of funding as determined on a case-by-case basis.

The International Student Center will email you your I-20 accompanied with further instructions and tips on how to secure a student visa appointment and how to prepare for your interview.  Once you receive your I-20, read the instructions carefully and do the following:  

1. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee
2. Complete DS-160 and Apply for an F-1 visa at the U.S. consulate in your home country
3. Prepare for your visa interview

NOTE: Students who plan to pay their I-901 via Western Union MUST complete the I-901 online and receive a unique coupon number. 

Students already in the US with a valid I-20 may transfer to QCC and transfer their I-20 record.  To do so, students must be admitted and submit the following documents:

1. Transfer Enrollment Status Form completed by the former school DSO
2. All previous I-20s (copy)
3. F-1 visa page (copy)
4. I-94(copy)
5. Passport ID page (copy)

NOTE: Transfer students must submit a complete I-20 application by the first day of classes.

F-1 students are not permitted to enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on the I-20 Form. Once you arrive, you must report to the International Student Center (ISC) located in the Library Building, Room L-431 and complete the following steps:

• Submit a copy of your I-94 record 
• Submit a copy of F-1 visa page
• Visit the Office of Admissions to determine if you must take the CUNY ESL Test 
• Reserve your seat with ISC to attend a mandatory International Student Orientation

Visa Approvals and Denials

Visa Approval:

Congratulations! Contact the International Student Center at isc@qcc.cuny.edu to confirm your arrival date and travel plans.

Visa Denial:

Most QCC students will be successful in obtaining their student visas, however, a small number of students may have their visa applications denied under 214(b), which means the applicant did not demonstrate to the consular officer that they have non-immigrant intent, and/or did not fully demonstrate they have sufficient ties to their home country (family, job, education, property).  The visa officer is required to verbally inform you of the reason for the visa denial. If your visa is denied, please email the International Student Center with the date and location of your visa interview, and details regarding the reason given by the visa officer for the denial.