F-1 VISA

Before applying for an F-1 visa, all student and exchange visitor applicants are required to be accepted and approved for their program. The staff at the American Language Institute have a combined 45 years experience in assisting foreign citizens who wish to come to the U.S. to study.

The American Language Institute is authorized under Federal law to enroll non immigrant alien students. Students not living in the U.S. can use an I-20 form issued by the American Language Institute to apply for an F-1 Visa from their home country. Students currently attending another school in the U.S. can transfer to the American Language Institute. Other individuals currently in the U.S. can change their visa status to an F-1 Student Visa through the American Language Institute.

Students who request an I-20 will be required to complete a registration form and submit certain financial information. Our Student Counselors and "Foreign Student Office" will guide you through the necessary steps to receive an I-20. 

Students studying with an F-1 Student Visa are required to study in a full-time ESL program - a minimum of 18 hours per week.

When you are accepted into our program, a completed I-20 form and a letter of acceptance will be given or sent to you. Our Director of Admissions will assist students residing in the U.S. by processing their change of visa status or their application for transfer from another U.S. school and by having all required documents forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. 

Overseas students will have to go to their local U.S. Consulate or Embassy with their passport, I-20 form issued by the American Language Institute and appropriate financial information to apply for an F-1 Student Visa. 

You will need to provide us with the following in order for us to issue your I-20:

            · A copy of your recent (not more then 60 days old) bank statement, or a letter from your bank (in English) showing you have sufficient funds for the length of your stay in New York.

          · If someone is sponsoring you, we will need their bank statement, or a letter from their bank (in English) showing they have sufficient funds for the length of your stay in New York. Your sponsor also must complete an Affidavit of Support.

For more information on the visa process requirements go to:

 https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html