F-1 Student Visa
Your path to studying English in the USA starts here. We provide the I-20 you need for your F-1 visa in just 3–5 business days.
F-1 student English program
Get your F-1 visa application moving quickly. Our full-time, intensive program is designed to help you reach English fluency while you experience American culture.
Good to know: the F-1 application forms for our Sarasota campus are still being finalized (the old site marked them “coming soon”). Email sarasota@tampalanguagecenter.com or call 941-316-0449 and we’ll guide you through your application.
1 level = 12 weeks of instruction
- Installments of $1,095.00 every 4 weeks are also available.
- Annual registration fee: $150.00
- Classes meet Monday–Thursday, 9 am–2 pm.
- No night schedules or online classes available.
The $150.00 registration fee for the Intensive English Program is paid at the beginning of the student’s first enrolled quarter. Books are not included (normally $100–150 per quarter).
Step 1 · Get your acceptance letter & I-20
To receive a TLC acceptance letter, submit the following documents 15 days before our next program start date:
A current bank statement showing funds for tuition and living expenses for at least 3 months (1 quarter): at least $6,500.00 USD if you are single. If you are married or have children, call or email our office to ask how much you need to show. We need original documents from your bank, or electronic documents issued by your bank.
A financial guarantee statement from your sponsor, with a current financial statement (original or electronic documents from your sponsor’s bank) and a picture ID of your sponsor.
Questions about bank documents? Read our bank statement FAQ
Then pay the I-20 application processing fee of $100.00 (non-refundable) plus $35.00 for your placement test. This is different from the registration fee. You can pay by credit card, check, or on our payment page.
Once we have received, reviewed and verified your documents, we issue your acceptance letter and I-20. This takes 3–5 business days. We can send your documents internationally for an additional fee.
To get your visa, apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
What to bring to your embassy appointment
For F-1 visa procedures and requirements, contact the U.S. Embassy in your country. Find it here: usembassy.gov.
- Your passport, valid for at least 6 more months.
- A signed SEVIS initial I-20. A student visa is not issued unless a SEVIS I-20 is presented (including the I-20 of any dependents).
- The receipt for your SEVIS I-901 fee ($350.00). You can pay it online at fmjfee.com. An explanation and FAQ are at ice.gov/sevis.
- Your TLC acceptance letter and any other documents TLC gave you.
- A bank letter or letter of financial support showing funds for your expenses while you study in the United States.
- A 2" x 2" photograph.
- The receipt for your visa application fee.
- Transcripts and diplomas from your previous schools, if applicable.
- Standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT and so on), if applicable.
- Proof of relationship with your spouse or children (marriage or birth certificate), if applicable.
- Check with your embassy, because every country has different requirements.
Arriving in the United States
When you arrive, present the following to the immigration officer:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security rules say F-1 visa holders are not admitted to the U.S. more than 30 days before the program start date on their I-20. Please consider that date carefully when you plan your travel.
Students who enter earlier may do so only if they also hold a valid B-2 (tourist) or B-1/B-2 (business/tourist) visa. You cannot begin your program in B status, so you must leave the U.S. and re-enter on your F-1 visa no more than 30 days before your program starts.
For initial admission you must attend the school named on your visa. If you have I-20 A-B forms from more than one school, present the one from the school you intend to attend to the consular officer. Not attending the named school means losing your student status.
Maintaining your status in the United States
When you enter the United States on an F-1 visa you are granted F-1 status. To keep it while you study at TLC, you must:
- Attend classes full time (20 hours per week)
- Keep your I-20 valid
- Pay your course fees in full ($3,160 per quarter, or $1,095 every 4 weeks for 12 weeks, plus the $150 registration fee)
- Show progress in your program of study
- Request any extension 30 days before your approved ending date ($50 extension fee)
If you cannot complete your program within its expected length plus a grace period at a single educational level, or you have been a student for more than eight consecutive years, you must apply for an extension of stay. File form I-538 with the immigration district office that has jurisdiction over your school at least 15 days, and no more than 60 days, before your authorized stay expires.
- Leave the U.S. within 60 days after completing your program
- Or transfer to another school within 60 days after completing your program
A non-immigrant student may transfer to another school if the transfer procedure is followed: tell your current school, then get a letter of acceptance and a transfer form from the school you want to attend. You must finish your current program with TLC before transferring.
Traveling outside of the United States
If you plan to travel outside the United States while studying at TLC, make an appointment with the Principal Designated School Official to discuss your plans. Your I-20 must be signed before you travel.
Your F-1 visa and passport must be valid for you to return to the U.S. If your visa has expired, renew it at the U.S. Embassy in your home country.