Applying for a Visa in USA
When you book a course at an American EC School, a VISA SPECIALIST will be appointed to you to help make your visa application go smoothly.
What’s a F-1 Student Visa?
To learn English in America you need a F-1 student visa.
When you have been accepted onto English course with EC, we send you an I-20 form. This is the first step in the student visa application process. With the I-20 form you can apply for a F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A Form I-20 is a government form that tells the U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1 Student Status.
U.S. Department of State - Student Visas Website
How to get an I-20 Form
Before EC sends out an I-20 you must send us:
- full payment for your course and accommodation.
- copy of your passport (the first page with photo and information).
- proof of sufficient funds to meet tuition and living expenses (at least $3500) through either a current bank statement or letter from your bank or a current bank statement or letter from a sponsoring person or institution along with a notarised affidavit of support.
What’s SEVIS?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the internet-based database system which tracks and stores information on the visa status and activities of international students holding F-1 and J-1 visas in the USA.
Please note that the SEVIS fee (which students need to pay to get an I-20 has increased to $200. This money is not collected by EC but is payable directly to SEVIS. This fee is non-refundable even if a visa is denied.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, it is required by EC that you have coverage for health insurance from your country or obtain insurance coverage from EC at time of enrollment or on your first day at the center.
Transferring your I-20 to EC within the US
F-1 students are required to have a valid form I-20 from their current place of study at all times. Students who have been maintaining their F-1 student status at another school in the US may transfer to EC without leaving the US.
To obtain an EC I-20 without leaving the US, you must follow the DHS transfer procedure. DHS regulations require the transfer procedure be completed within the first 15 days of beginning attendance at EC; failure to follow this procedure will render you out of status.
You can begin this process by notifying the International Student Advisor at your current school of your intent to transfer to EC, in order for your SEVIS record to transfer to EC.
The transfer-out procedure must be requested within 60 days of completing your program at your current school.
Once your SEVIS record has been released to EC, we will issue your EC I-20. Students must pick up their I-20 at the International Student Office on their first week of class.