Let’s break it all down together in simple, clear terms. By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly what a university offer letter or I-20 is, how it works, and what to do next. Whether you’re a student or a parent, this guide will help you understand every step with confidence.
A University Offer Letter is the official document sent to you by the university that says:
"Congratulations! You’ve been accepted."
There are two types of offer letters:
Conditional Offer Letter
➤ The university needs you to fulfill some conditions before confirming admission (like submitting final academic results or proof of English proficiency).
Unconditional Offer Letter
➤ You’ve met all requirements! You’re officially admitted.
Pro Tip: You need an unconditional offer letter to apply for your student visa in most countries.
If you're applying to study in the United States, instead of an offer letter, you receive a Form I-20.
An I-20 is a special document issued by a SEVP-certified university in the U.S. It proves you’re eligible for a student visa (F-1 or M-1).
Key details on the I-20:
University name and address
Your SEVIS ID (a unique student tracking number)
Program start and end dates
Tuition cost and funding info
Important: Without the I-20, you cannot apply for a U.S. student visa. It’s not just a letter—it’s a legal visa document.
This depends on the country and the university:
Country | Approx. Time to Receive |
---|---|
USA (I-20) | 1–4 weeks after admission |
UK | 1–2 weeks |
Canada | 2–6 weeks |
Australia/NZ | 1–3 weeks |
⏳ Tip: Speed up the process by submitting complete and clear documents on time!
Here's your next step-by-step guide:
Read the letter carefully
Confirm your course, fees, and intake date.
Accept the offer
Usually through a student portal or by paying a confirmation deposit.
Arrange your financial documents
These are essential for your visa application.
Apply for your visa
Use your offer letter or I-20 as part of your application.
Prepare for your travel and accommodation
This is where our consultancy can guide you in every detail!
Let’s be honest: Studying abroad is exciting but also a little scary. The paperwork, deadlines, and steps can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in! At Access Education Network, we help you:
Choose the right course and university
Apply smoothly with high chances of success
Get your offer letter or I-20 faster
Prepare for visa interviews
Stay stress-free!
We’ve already helped 1000+ Nepali students successfully study in the USA, UK, and more. You could be next!