Question:

How do I get the I-20 form? This form is for sponsoring a foreign student. How does the process work?
I would like to find out how the process works for foreign exchange students. We want to bring our niece to the US to learn some English and go to high school here and live with us. Who initiates the I-20 form and how does the process work? Thank you

Answers:

A-Best: The accepting school has to do the I-20. They have to be registered with USCIS. It is possible for someone to attend a public high school for a year on a student visa, but the school would have to show the cost of a year's education and you'd have to pay it, in order for your niece to be considered for the student visa. Many public school systems aren't used to doing this, unlike private schools and universities, so getting them to do the forms may prove difficult. Foreign students are only allowed to attend a public school in the US for one year. They can go to private schools for the entire 4 years. If the school does issue the I-20, they also have to enter the student in the student visa database, SEVIS. Unless your niece has the I-20 and is entered in SEVIS, she won't even be able to apply for a student visa.  

A: I think she should apply for a high school first; the school must have an office for international students, which issues the i-20 form  

A: Form I-20 is no longer issued to foreign students to attend PUBLIC elementary, middle school or high school. BUT, your niece can apply for PRIVATE elementary/middle/high school and language schools in US and be able to admit as a F1 student. you should check with the private schools at your area for their international student admission requirements. those schools must be approved by ICE in compliance with the SEVIS program. good luck. visit US department of State for the requirements and cost of foreign student education. http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1269.html http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1270.html http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html