Do I need to have an I-20 form if I enter a public school as an international student with F-1 visa?

Question

I am an international student with F-1 visa in America. I am 17 and study in a private school in Boston. I will be moving to Houston to live with my aunt (she isn't my guardian). My question is: How can I enter a public school which I am zoned in? Do I need an I-20 form issued by the public school? I will be 18 this summer, do I need a guardian when I enter the school next year?
Thank you very much for your answer.

Answer 1

Yes, you'll need an I-20, and the school has to assess the tuition for the year of public education, which will have to be paid. While public education is free to residents, you aren't a resident and if you intend to go to a public school in the US, you will be expected to pay for it. Plus, lots of public schools aren't familiar with the immigration paperwork or don't want to do it, so it could be a more of a problem than you would think.



If you're not going back home to get a new visa, then you'll have to extend your status through USCIS with the proper forms. You don't need a legal guardian as such. However, if you don't do all the things you need to do, you'll be out of status, and illegal. That would certainly create serious problems for you if you intend to go to university and could make it impossible.

Answer 2

Yes as a F1 student you definately need an I-20 to enter any school.The I-20 should be issued before you enter the school.I dont think you have to have a guardian, you just need an adequate sponsor.

Answer 3

Congress surpassed a regulation in 1996 that placed regulations on overseas scholars in U.S. public colleges. the limitations --- restrict overseas scholars from attending public problem-free colleges or publicly-funded man or woman practise classes decrease secondary college attendance to three hundred and sixty 5 days require secondary college scholars to pay the faculty the completed, unsubsidized in line with capita fee (fee for each pupil) of guidance So perchance those regulations are in the back of the refusal to issue I-20s.