The I-20 form

When you complete your application to study at the USC Language Academy, we will send you a Form I-20 (the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant [F-1] Student Status). When you receive the I-20, check it carefully. Be sure your name, birth date, country of birth, and country of citizenship are all correct. If you find a mistake, mark it and notify the Language Academy immediatly as you will need the error corrected. We will correct the mistake and send the corrected I-20 to you by express mail. If the information is correct, read the information on page 2, then sign the I-20 in the space that is provided on page 1.

Financial Documentation

International students are required to prove that they have enough money to pay for tuition, fees, and living expenses while they are studying in the U.S. For the USC Language Academy, a minimum of US$2500 per month of study is required. You must submit your financial statement with an official stamp from the issuing bank. In addition, all family members, sponsors, etc. supporting you during your study must submit an official letter stating they will be responsible for covering your expenses while studying at the USC Language Academy.

Applying for a Student Visa

Applicants for student visas should apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office outside of the U.S. it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence. For further information about how to apply for a visa, please check the website of your nearest United States Consulate or Embassy.

For further information from the US government about applying for a student visa please visit the following sites:

To find the average wait time at your local embassy, visit the Visa Wait Time page on the U.S. Department of State website.

For the latest rules and regulations for those traveling to the United States, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Visit the EducationUSA website for visa information.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for information about student visas.

Before the Visa Interview

After scheduling your visa interview, you will need to pay the I-901 Fee (also known as the SEVIS Fee). You will need to pay the $200 fee online at http://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee. You must print the I-901 Fee Confirmation (receipt) and bring it with you to the visa interview.

Required Documentation at the Visa Interview

Each applicant for a student visa must bring the following to show the interviewer:

• An application Form DS-156, completed and signed. Blank forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices or online.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application.
• One photograph 5cm x 5 cm (2 in x 2 in) for each applicant, showing full face, without head covering, against a light background. THis photo must be attached to the Form DS-156.
• Form I-20 provided by the USC Language Academy.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover all expenses, also known as financial documentation.
• I-901 Fee Confirmation (receipt).

Recommended Documentation for the Visa Interview

Along with the documents above you may also be asked to provide:

• Your reason for studying English as well as your study plans while in the U.S.A. (for example-study for 1 year at USC Language Academy, study finance at U.S. graduate school for 2 years, return to home country to take CPA exam and work as CPA).
• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended (usually for the most recent 3 years).
• Your resume.
• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.
• Financial evidence that shows you or your sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

Applicants Bringing Dependents (spouse and/or children)

You will need to apply for an F-2 visa for any dependents who will stay in America with you. If any depemdent plans to study full-time, they will also need to apply for an F-1 visa (full-time study on an F-2 visa is not possible).

• Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g. marriage and birth certificates.)
• It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

Note: Dependents who would like to study part-time on an F-2 visa at the USC Language Academy can visit our Part-Time Study page.

Other Considerations

Student visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country, which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the United States when they have completed their studies.

Allow at least four to six weeks to complete the visa application process. If you have questions about applying for a student visa, contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your country.

Working as an F-1 Student

Students at the USC Language Academy are not permitted to work on campus. Students do have the option to volunteer at various organizations around Los Angeles. Once a student has been admitted to a degree program at USC they are permitted to work part-time on campus. For further inquires please contact the Immigration and Admission Advisor at langacad@usc.edu.

USC Language Academy
950 West Jefferson Blvd. JEF Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90089-1292
Telephone: 213-740-0080 • Fax: 213-740-0088