VIDEO: Getting an I-20

If you want to stay in the U.S. for more than a few months (3-6 months, for example), or if your course of study is 18 or more hours per week, you need a student visa. To get a student visa, you MUST have a form I-20, issued by a DHS-authorized school, college or university.

To receive a form I-20 from Agape English Language Institute, please complete these steps:

1. Complete the online Application for Admission.
2. Pay the 75 USD Application Fee on our website (http://www.aeliusa.com/payfee) or via bank check, Western Union, or Wire Transfer (please contact us for details on sending money by Western Union or wire transfer). Pay fee online.
3. Submit a copy of your passport data page (the page with your name, date of birth, etc.).
4. Send Agape a copy of a bank statement (or a letter of financial support) showing that you have more than 3,700 USD for each 9-week session at Agape. Please include the current exchange rate and the balance of your account in American dollars (USD).
   
   If the bank statement belongs to someone who is not in your family, and he/she will be supporting you during your studies in the U.S., then we will need a notarized letter from that person with his/her name, address and phone number, saying that he/she will support you during your entire time of study in the U.S. If the person who will support you is living here in the U.S., then he/she must pay for one session (1,700 USD) in advance before Agape can mail you the I-20. This money is refundable.
   
   Optional: If you need us to send your I-20 by DHL or United States Postal Service express mail, please include 100 USD for the express mailing fee. We highly recommend this form of shipping as it is the only way we can guarantee arrival of your I-20. You can send this together with your application fee.

VIDEO: Preparing for the F1 Student Visa Interview

When you have successfully completed steps 1-4 above, you should receive your I-20 from Agape within 7-10 days.

1. Once you have received your I-20 form, you must apply for a student visa and make an interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. It is very important to schedule an interview as soon as possible, because the waiting time can be several weeks.
2. Important: Before you go to the embassy or consulate, please watch the video "Preparing for an F-1 Visa Interview".
3. Attention: Students who want to enter the United States with a student (F-1) visa must remember to pay the SEVIS fee (200 USD) at least three business days before going to the U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa interview. (Information on the SEVIS fee can be found at the following websites http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm.) The SEVIS fee can be paid online with a credit card at the following site: http://www.FMJfee.com. You can also pay by check or money order. Each student must pay the SEVIS fee directly to SEVIS. Agape will not accept any money from students for the SEVIS fee.
4. Refunds: If you do not get a visa, the application fees and express mail fees are not refundable.

We would be happy to have you or anyone you know join one of our intensive English programs. Please mail us the application, bank statement, and the fees as soon as possible, so we can quickly process your application. We are excited for you to begin this new adventure in your life. If you have any questions or need more information, contact the Admissions Office.