Study in USA · Guide
Accepting US Offers, Paying Tuition Deposit & Securing Original I-20 Form
Updated 31 August 2026 · 2 min read
Executive Summary: Converting an Admit into an I-20 Form
Receiving an official admission email from a US university is a major milestone! However, converting that admission offer into an official Form I-20 requires formally accepting the offer, paying a tuition seat deposit, and submitting your financial proof documents (Financial Proof Guide).
Here is what Indian families need to know upfront:
- Tuition Seat Deposit ($100 – $500 USD): Universities require a non-refundable tuition seat deposit to reserve your spot. This deposit is applied directly toward your first semester tuition invoice.
- Electronic Form I-20 Delivery: Under current US Department of Homeland Security regulations, universities issue your Form I-20 electronically as a signed PDF via email. You must print out this PDF on clean paper and sign Page 1 in blue ink!
- Key Fields to Verify on Page 1: Verify your SEVIS ID Number (
N00...) and School Code (XYZ214F...) printed at the top right of your I-20—these are mandatory for filing your DS-160 visa form (DS160 Form Filing Manual)!
Form I-20 Key Fields Map
FORM I-20 KEY FIELDS MAP
| Form I-20 Section | Key Information Printed |
|---|---|
| SEVIS ID (Top Right) | N00XXXXXXXX (Needed for DS-160) |
| School Code | XYZ214F00123000 (Needed for DS-160) |
| Program Start Date | Earliest Allowed US Entry (30 Days Prior) |
| Financial Cost Estimate | 9-Month Tuition + Living Total ($) |
Multi-Offer Strategy: Can You Accept Multiple Offers?
| UNIVERSITY A (Early Admit, No Aid) | UNIVERSITY B (Late Admit, Full TA/RA) |
|---|---|
| • Pay $250 deposit to reserve seat | • Admit arrives later in April with TA waiver |
| • Issue I-20 Form A for visa prep | • Forfeit $250 deposit at Uni A & switch to Uni B |
💡Parent Advisory: You can accept an offer and pay a deposit at University A while waiting for a late response from University B. If University B admits your child later with full assistantship funding, you can forfeit the $250 deposit and request an I-20 from University B!
Next Steps for Students & Parents
- How to evaluate multiple admission offers: Managing Multiple I-20 Offers Guide.
- Complete your DS-160 visa application: DS-160 Form Filing Manual.
- Book your F-1 visa interview appointment: US Consulate Slot Booking Hacks Guide.