The ESL Center at NVCC - ESL International Admission, F-1 visa information, school transfers, change of status for English training

International Admission

International Admission for Non-Credit ESL Students

The Intensive ESL program at The ESL Center of Northern Virginia Community College, Loudoun Campus, prepares the documents required for submission to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS, formerly INS) for a Student Visa (F-1). Information and application packages for overseas I-20's, for change of status to F-1, and for school transfers are available at the Office of Continuing Education, room LR 268 or online at www.nvcc.edu/international.

Email the ESL Center at loesl@nvcc.edu with questions regarding the Intensive ESL program.

ALL documents submitted to the college must be in English or have an official certified translation attached. Only complete application packets will be accepted and processed.

The application deadlines for Overseas I-20s and Change of Status are for ...

the Spring semester:	November 1
the Summer semester:	March 15
the Fall semester:	June 1

	Overseas I-20 Application
	We accept students coming from overseas for our Intensive ESL (English as a Second Language) program. For academic/credit admission students have to contact Student Services at 703-450-2501 for further information or visit the International Student web site. An I-20 form is an invitation to study at the college. It does not guarantee approval of a Student (F-1) visa. Students wishing to study ESL need to apply to the college with the required forms and documents. After the application is approved and processed, the college will issue an I-20 form. Students then go to the US embassy in their country and apply for a Student (F-1) Visa. Overseas students are encouraged to have a representative/sponsor here in the United States to correspond with the college on the students' behalf and help with housing and transportation. Please note that the college does not provide housing and transportation. Reminder: Students must pay a $100 SEVIS fee for their I-20. The fee can be paid by credit card at www.FMJfee.com Students then print a receipt and take it to the embassy with the I-20 and financial documets to request a F-1 visa.
	Transfer I-20 Application
	F-1 students already studying in the United States can submit the required forms and documents to transfer to NVCC. Please submit all documents at least 30 days before the start date of the next semester. Applications must be completed and approved before the I-20 from the previous school expires.
	Changing from another visa status to an F-1 visa
	Applicants in the United States on a valid visa may change their visa status to F-1. The ESL Center will assist in the preparation of the required documents to submit to the BCIS (formerly INS). A change of status can be a difficult and long process. Students are responsible for submitting all documents to the BCIS. A change of status from B1/B2 (Tourist visa) to F-1 is not recommended while in the United States. To process a B1/B2 change of status the college strongly recommends the student to contact an immigration lawyer. Please contact our office before filling out a Change of Status application to ensure a change of status is possible.

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