Visa Information

In order to study in the US you must have the following immigration documents:

Valid Passport: A passport is an official document distributed by the government that confirms a person’s identity and citizenship in a specific country. 

Form I-20: This document is issued by SEVIS. It must be completed before trying to obtain a visa.

F-1 Student Visa: This is the most common type of visa that students receive to study at an English school, college or university in the United States. 

I-94 Electronic arrival/departure record: This document contains important information about your arrival and departure. It is used by the U.S Customs and Border Protection and it has to be valid in order for you to study in the US.

How to apply for your F-1 VISA

1. Apply to Columbia School of English
All students are required to apply to Columbia School of English first. Please apply online through our online application and attach these two documents:

• Proof of financial resources. Your bank statement needs to shows at least 13,000 USD per three-month term that you plan to attend CSE. Or if applicable, a SACM scholarship letter.
• Copy of your passport. Your passport must be valid at least six months after your projected last day of school.

2. Letter of Acceptance and Form I-20
Once we have received your application, necessary documents and application fee, we will email you our admission decision within 24-36 hours. If you are accepted into our program, we will send your acceptance letter and a I-20 Form.

3. Paying your SEVIS I-901
Once you have received your I-20 from Columbia School of English you must pay the $200 fee towards SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). SEVIS is an Internet-based system that allows schools to share the status and records on a student’s F-1 visa. This information is shared with the US department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The $200 fee can be paid online with a credit card at www.fmjfee.com. After paying the fee you must print the fee receipt and attach it to your Form I-20. This fee must be paid before you go to your visa interview appointment. 

4. Applying for your F-1 Visa
After paying your SEVIS fee and receiving your I-20 from Columbia, you now must complete an application for an F-1 student visa. Once you have completed the application you must set up an appointment with you nearest US embassy to make a visa interview appointment.

You must bring the following with you to your interview:

• Columbia School of English acceptance letter
  
• Form I-20 
  
• Passport
  
• Your SEVIS I-901 payment receipt
  
• Proof that you will be financially stable for studying abroad 

For more visa information or questions visit travel.state.gov.