Transferring to TLC
Your smooth F-1 / I-20 transfer starts here. Continue your studies without interruption.
Already in the U.S. on an F-1?
Three steps move your I-20 to Tampa Language Center. You can transfer up to 10 days after a start date.
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.
- You can transfer up to 10 days after a start date.
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 · Notify your current school
Tell your school you intend to transfer. Fill out the top of this transfer form and email it to the designated school official (DSO) at your current school.
A non-immigrant student may transfer to a different school if the transfer procedure is followed: first tell the school you attend, then get a Form I-20 A-B from the school you want to attend. The transfer is complete only if you return the I-20 A-B to the designated school official within 15 days of starting at the new school. The official then reports the transfer to SEVIS.
Step 2 · Submit your documents to TLC
To be accepted at TLC, submit the following documents:
- A completed and signed F-1 application form, by fax, email or regular mail.
- A copy of your I-901 fee receipt (print it at fmjfee.com).
- A copy of your I-94 (print it at i94.cbp.dhs.gov).
- A copy of your passport and student visa, valid for at least 6 more months.
- Your transcripts from your previous school.
- The visa transfer-in form (the same form as in step 1).
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 application processing fee of $135.00. This is different from the registration fee and can be paid by credit card, check, or on our payment page. It covers your placement test and is not refundable.
After we receive, review and verify your documents, we issue a letter of acceptance and visa transfer-in form within 3–5 business days.
Step 3 · Take your forms to your previous school
Take the visa transfer-in form and the TLC letter of acceptance to the school that issued your last I-20, and follow your previous DSO’s instructions.
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
- 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 30 days after completing your program
- Or transfer to another school within 60 days after completing your program
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.