Okay, so I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about whether you can book an F1 visa slot without your I-20. It’s a bit of a tricky situation, so I figured I’d just share my own experience going through this whole process.
First off, I started digging around online, trying to find any solid info on this. What I found was pretty mixed. Some sources were saying straight up, “No, you absolutely need your I-20 to even think about booking a slot.” They were talking about how you gotta have your SEVIS number from the I-20 to fill out your DS-160 form, and that’s a must-do before you can schedule anything.
But then, other folks were saying, “Well, maybe it’s possible, depending on the US Consulate you’re dealing with.” The idea here was that if the consulate doesn’t require you to complete the DS-160 before booking, then you could technically get an appointment before your I-20 arrives.
So, after all this back and forth, I decided to just take the plunge and see what happens. I went ahead and started working on my DS-160, even though I didn’t have my I-20 yet. You can actually start filling it out without the SEVIS number, just don’t submit it yet.
Then, I moved on to the visa appointment website. I created a profile and started poking around. Here’s where it got interesting. I was able to go through most of the steps without needing the I-20. I entered my DS-160 confirmation number, university name, and some other basic details. But, of course, they eventually asked for the SEVIS ID, which is on the I-20.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I did:
- Started DS-160: Got the ball rolling on my DS-160 application online.
- Created a Profile: Made an account on the visa appointment website.
- Filled in Details: Put in all the info I could without my I-20.
- Reached a limit: I couldn’t proceed at all because I didn’t fill in my SEVIS ID from I-20.
- Waited for I-20: Now, I had to wait for my university to send the form.
- Got the I-20: It finally arrived after a long wait!
- Finished DS-160: Added my SEVIS ID and submitted the form.
- Scheduled Appointment: Used my I-20 details to finally book the visa slot.
In the end, based on my experience, you might be able to get some of the groundwork done without your I-20, but you won’t be able to book your slot at all. You can do nothing without your I-20. You absolutely need that I-20 to complete the DS-160 and get your appointment.
Also, remember, you gotta pay the I-901 SEVIS fee after you get your I-20. Don’t forget that part!
So, to anyone out there stressing about booking a visa slot, just take a deep breath. Get your application started, work on your DS-160, and keep in touch with your university about that I-20. It’s a bit of a waiting game, but you’ll get there!
