<p>does anyone know how detailed the I-20 form has to be filled out? Right now my son's middle name (does it have to match passport?), admission number (is that the student number?) and amount of scholarship is missing. Since we don't need to apply for visa, I'm worried that that might be trouble at the border. s has emailed USC but has not heard back yet. The email he sent to the person who signed the form was bounced back so he doesn't know if there is no such person, wrong email or what. </p>
<p>We are not even sure who to contact, admission? admission counselor? International office?</p>
<p>I don't know what the I-20 form is, but it sounds like something for international students. If you are an international student, are you sure that you don't need a student visa to enter the US? I suggest you call USC admissions office to make sure that all of the necessary information is typed in correctly for your child to be able to enter and leave the country without difficulty. I would be concerned about missing information.</p>
<p>Everything should be filled out on the I-20, I believe, including the bits of info you're missing. How different is your son's name on his legal documents? It should match the passport since that's what he will use to enter the US.</p>
<p>The International Student Office is your best bet, but take it from me --- do not take what they say as gospel and double-check it yourself. When I was in grad school as an international student a few decades ago, the International Office (at another school) gave me BLATANTLY incorrect advice on one occasion, which if followed would have made it impossible for me to renew my visa and graduate. I was very lucky to have a friend point out the mistake in time for me to correct it.</p>
<p>Bookmark this page and make it a point to familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations: USCIS</a> Home Page The ones of interest are probably in the "Laws and Regulations" section. The problems with the I-20 you list need to be corrected. Name needs to read exactly as on the passport, scholarship amount needs to be stated, you should be prepared to present evidence of your ability to absorb any remaining costs.</p>
<p>Make absolutely sure your son does not require a visa. If you are from certain countries you don't need a visa to visit the USas a tourist, but an extended stay to study will very likely require an F-1 visa. This is most certainly an area where USC should not be trusted. Once you have the correct I-20 form, go to the US Embassy and discuss the situation with a consular officer. They are usually pr**ks who have no accountability to anyone, and tend to be quite rude, so be prepared to swallow your pride and to be treated poorly. You also need to brush up on any tax treaties between your country and the US, and read up on the tax treatment of scholarships, which is probably in the detailed instructions for form 1040-NR.</p>