You have decided to study English in theUnited States.

You have decided to study English in theUnited States.

What’s next?To learn English in America you will need an F-1student visa. Once you have successfully applied andenrolled into an English course with EC, we will sendyou an I-20 form. This is the first step in the studentvisa application process. With the I-20 form you canapply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy orConsulate. An I-20 form is an official form that tellsthe U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1Student Status.In order to be eligible for an I-20 you must meet thefollowing minimum requirements:

A completed enrollment form which includes thestudent’s overseas address

Registered for a course that is at least 18 hoursper week [24 Lessons = 18 hours, 30 Lessons =22.5 hours]

$150 Registration Fee + $150 Tuition Deposit =$300.00 USD

Optional $65 courier fee

A copy of the prospective student’s passport

Proof of sufficient funds to meet tuition and livingexpenses (at least $3500.00 USD). You mustprovide us with:

A bank statement or bank letter from yourbank indicating that you meet the minimumfinanical requirement dated no later than60-days prior to the current date.

A current bank statement or letter from asponsoring person or institution dated no laterthan 60-days prior to the current date alongwith an affidavit of support.The F-1 Student Visa Checklist

Once you receive your I-20, sign it!

Pay the $200.00 USD SEVIS Fee (see below for more information)

Contact your local U.S. Consulate or Embassy and schedule aninterview for your F-1 Student Visa

Prepare for your visa interview (see Section A for more information)

Write a successful letter for the US Embassy (see Section B formore information)

SECTION A - Paying the SEVIS Fee

On September 1, 2004 a new United States Department ofHomeland Security (DHS) rule started. This rule requires that peoplewho want F-1 and J-1 visas must pay a one-time fee of $200. This fee helps pay for SEVIS (Student and Exchange Information System)that U.S. schools use to make I-20 forms. If you are applying for anew visa, you may also have to pay any applicable visa applicationfees. Please read this information carefully:Who pays the SEVIS fee?

• New students with I-20s marked for “initial attendance” that wereissued on or after September 1, 2004 who are applying for a newF-1 visa from outside the US.

• New students with I-20s marked for “initial attendance” that wereissued on or after September 1, 2004 who are applying for achange to F-1 status from another status (B-2 for example).

• Current F-1 students in the US filing for reinstatement after beingout of status more than 5 months, and who are issued an I-20issued for reinstatement that is dated on or after September 1,2004.

• Canadians (who do not need an F-1 visa to enter the U.S.) shouldtake a copy of the SEVIS fee receipt to present at the port of entrywith the appropriate I-20. It will not be possible to pay the fee atthe port of entry.Do F-2 dependents have to pay the fee?

F-2 dependents do not have to pay the fee.Do I have to pay the fee if I travel outside the US?

If you travel outside the U.S. for more than a 5 month period, thenyou will need to pay the fee. If you travel outside for less thana 5 month period, you do not need to pay the fee. If you are acontinuing student, you will not need to pay the fee, even if you haveto renew your visa stamp. [continued in next section]

SECTION B - Preparing for Your Visa InterviewRemember:

• Plan to speak in English. The consular officer will ask you questionsin English. You must answer the questions yourself even if yourEnglish is not good.

• Plan to go into the interview room alone. Do not bring anyone elsewith you into the interview room even if your English is not good.The consular officer wants to make sure what you say is what youthink, not what someone else thinks.What you must prove at the interview?

• You have a good reason for going to the US. The consular officerwants you to show that you are going to the US for a goodeducational reason. S/he may ask: Why do you want to go to theUnited States? You should prepare to simply and clearly explainyour study plan (but do not make a prepared speech).

• You have enough money to study in the US. The consular officerwants you to show that you have enough money to pay for youreducation in the US. S/he may ask: Do you have enough moneyto pay for your education and life in the US? Whether you planto support yourself or will be supported by a sponsor you shouldbe prepared to show proof (bank statements and/or affidavits ofsupport).

• You will go home after your studies in the US. It is important thatyou are going to the United States only to study, not to live. The consular officer will believe that you will go home after your studyin the US if you have good reasons to return to your country. Thatmeans you must prove that the “ties” that bind you to your homecountry are stronger than the attractions that might make youwant to stay in the US. In other words, you must prove that youhave good reasons to return home after your studies.

SECTION C - Writing a Successful Letter for the US EmbassyWhen the officer interviews you for an F-1 Visa,

s/he wants to besure that you are a serious student. It will help if you type a letteroutlining your academic goals in the United States.If you are entering an EC school to study English and plan to returnto your home country directly following your study of English.

• First paragraph: Your name and the reasons you want to study(subject) in the United States. Indicate why you want to studyEnglish in the United States rather than at home.

• Second paragraph: Describe your educational background(including relevant work experience, if any). If you have beensuccessful in your studies describe your successes.

• Third paragraph: Outline your plan of study: include the time youwill study at EC, when you will enter any other institution, whenyou will return to your home country and what you will do uponreturn.If you are entering an EC school to study English and plan to studyat a university after EC.• First paragraph: Your name and the reasons you want to study(subject) in the United States. Indicate why you seek to studyEnglish in the United States rather than at home.

• Second paragraph: Describe your educational background(including relevant work experience, if any). If you have beensuccessful in your studies describe your successes. If possible,include a statement indicating why you believe you will besuccessful in your academic goals in the US.

• Third paragraph: Outline your plan of study: include the time you will study at EC, when you will enter any other institution, when you will return to your home country and what you will do uponreturn.