Getting Your Visa

Study in the U.S. as a full-time student at the ELI at Pace University

• Use the F-1 to study full-time at the ELI.
• Full-time at the ELI equals 18 hours per week (typically 4 classes per week)
• You cannot use the F-1 to study part-time at the ELI (below 18 hours per week)
• If you are already studying in the USA on an F-1 visa, transferring to the ELI is easy.

Become a full-time student at the English Language Institute by applying for the Form I-20.

To receive a Form I-20 Form, you must submit these documents:

• A photocopy of your passport
• Affidavit of Support form (PDF) signed by you or your financial sponsor
• Proof of Financial Support
• Transfer Students: Copies of current non-immigrant documents

The completed affidavit of support must be submitted with required financial supporting documentation indicating the availability of sufficient liquid funds in US dollars readily available for education expenses student is expected to incur during the length of their selected program.

You may add these documents to your application or upload them to our secure file system. Please do not email application documents.

The US government requires documentation from international students showing you can pay to study at Pace University ELI and to live in the United States during the time you are registered to study here.

This financial documentation can be ONE of the following:

• A copy of a bank letter stating that you are the account holder and the total amount in your account(s).
• OR a copy of your parents’ or other sponsor’s bank letter AND a signed affidavit of support stating that this person or institution will pay for your tuition and living expenses.
• OR a letter from your government or its scholarship agency saying they will pay for your tuition and living expenses.

All financial documentation must be in English and preferably includes USD conversion. Documents may not be older than 3 months from the date your I-20 application has been received by Pace University ELI.

For example: If you are studying 7-weeks of Intensive English while living off-campus, you need to show at least US $9,000. ($2,800 estimated tuition + $5,345 living expenses + $250 books and supplies / personal expenses + $350 health insurance + $255 standard fees).

Longer stays, programs with more study hours per week, and students living in Pace University residence halls require a higher minimum balance on your financial documentation. Our Admission Team can help you determine the minimum amount of funds you need to present to receive your I-20.

Below are a few examples of common study plans:

• 2-weeks International Relations (Model U.N.) Summer School
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $2,200
• 2-weeks Leadership & Entrepreneurship Summer or Winter School
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $2,200
• 4-weeks International Relations + Leadership & Entrepreneurship Bundled Course
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $4,200
• 6-weeks Intensive English or Academic English I
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $6,000
• 7-weeks Intensive English or Academic English I
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $9,000
• 12-weeks Intensive English or Academic English
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $12,000
• 14-weeks Intensive English or Academic English
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $18,000
• 21-weeks Intensive English or Academic English
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $26,100
• 28-weeks Intensive English or Academic English
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $35,500
• 40-weeks Intensive English or Academic English
  • Minimum proof of financial support = $47,000

When you are accepted into the English Language Institute (ELI) at Pace University you will receive a Form I-20. You have to make an appointment with your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and apply for your F-1 student visa. Please note that you must go to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Read these Steps for Applying for an F1 Student Visa and Common Visa Interview Questions (PDF).

Before you make an appointment, please read the following

• Passport: Your passport should be updated before you leave the country. It must be kept valid at least six months into the future at all times. If you have to renew your passport in the U.S., you can go through your country’s Consulate or Embassy.
• Form I-20: Make sure your name, date of birth, country of birth and citizenship are correct. If there is a mistake, please contact ELI immediately. The I-20 is used to obtain the F-1 student visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. It is also necessary for entrance into the United States.
• Please make sure that you sign, print your name and date the Form I-20. Also, make sure that your Form I-20 is properly endorsed by the Designated School Official (DSO).
• SEVIS Fee: Effective September 1, 2004, the USCIS requires a fee to be paid for maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee will be required under certain circumstances as outlined in the attached SEVIS Fee Instructions. Please be sure to carefully review the requirements and procedures for paying this fee.
• Form DS-160: The Form DS-160 must be completed prior to your interview. Please take your time to complete this form carefully and honestly. Check all information before submitting the form. A mistake on the Form DS-160 could lead to a visa denial.

The Day of the Appointment

• Bring your passport, Form I-20, acceptance letter, financial documentation, academic documents, SEVIS fee receipt of payment, and any documents that prove ties to your home country.
• At the embassy or consulate, you will fill out a Form OF-156 (Application for Non-immigrant Visa) and possibly pay a processing fee.
• The amount of time it takes to process a student visa varies from country to country, so we suggest that you apply at least six to eight weeks before you plan to travel to the U.S. However, you can begin the visa application process as early as 365 days before your program start date.
• Please remember that you are applying for an F-1 visa (Student Visa)
• Also, familiarize yourself with your Pace ELI program. Will you be studying in the Intensive English Program?Will you be studying in the Academic English Program? Will you be studying in the Summer or Winter School Program? What will your classes be? What will your schedule be? Be sure to review the ELI Course Schedules.

Important Information

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT: You must inform the U.S. consular official that you will not reside in the United States. It is very important to show strong ties to your country such as residence, family or social ties, documents showing membership in professional organizations and religious groups, family business, bank accounts, or job offer. Please note that U.S. Government officials like documents. You should also be direct and honest with your answers.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Your visa does not determine the length of time you may stay in the United States. It is just permission to enter the country. If your visa expires during your studies, you do not have to be concerned unless you intend to travel outside the United States. If your visa expires and you would like to travel overseas, you have to apply for a new visa. We advise that you renew your visa in your home country.

Social Media

When you apply for a U.S. visa, the officer may check public information, including social media. A positive and professional online presence can help your application.

Here are some things to think about:

• Show your real interests, studies, and plans in the U.S.
• Be aware that strong opinions about any country or government may be viewed in different ways.
• Keep your social media professional and focused on your goals.
• Your online profile is important. Think about how you present yourself. If you have questions, our team is happy to help!

Online Visa Coaching Session

Schedule a Visa Coaching Session with a member of our Admissions Team to learn more about the F1 visa interview process and questions you may be asked. Note: Coaching sessions are only for applicants to Pace English Language Institute.

Useful websites

• NAFSA: Association for International Educators
• Study in the States

F1 Student Visa Interview

The visa interview is probably the most important part of the process. Try not to be nervous during the interview, and be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your travel and study plans in the U.S.?
• Why do you want to study in the U.S.?
• Where will you be studying in the U.S.? (Be sure to say that you will be studying at Pace University.)
• Why do you want to study at ELI Pace?
• Why did you choose ELI Pace?
• Why do you need to study English?
• How long will you be studying in the U.S.?
• How will you use English in your home country?
• What is the benefit for you of participating in the English program at ELI Pace?
• What is your job in your home country?
• Who is paying for your course/program?
• What classes will you be taking? How many classes will you take?
• What will be your daily schedule?

Remember that it is important to clearly answer the questions you are asked during the interview. The most important thing to remember is to tell the officer why you want to study English, why you want to study at Pace University English Language Institute, and how you will pay for your program.

Visa Interview Preparation & Free Webinars

Here is information on a series of free webinars for students or scholars on how to prepare for their Visa interviews.

• Webinar 1 Recording
• Webinar 2 Registration Link (May 21, 2025)
• Webinar 3 Registration Link (June 3, 2025)
• Webinar 4 Registration Link (July 9, 2025)
• Webinar 5 Registration Link (August 13, 2025)

Online Visa Coaching Session

Schedule a Visa Coaching Session with a member of our Admissions Team to learn more about the F1 visa interview process and questions you may be asked. Note: Coaching sessions are only for applicants to Pace English Language Institute.

SEVIS Fee Requirement

Students applying for an F-1 visa must pay a one-time SEVIS fee of $350. This fee helps pay for SEVIS (Student and Exchange Information System) that U.S. schools use to make I-20 forms. If you are applying for a new visa, you may have to pay any applicable visa application fees.

How to Pay Your SEVIS Fee

Schedule a Visa Coaching Session with a member of our Admissions Team to learn more about the F1 visa interview process and questions you may be asked. Note: Coaching sessions are only for applicants to Pace English Language Institute.

When you arrive into the United States, a customs agent may inspect your luggage. Also, your Form I-20, passport, financial documentation, and acceptance letter will be examined. Very Important: Do not leave your passport, Form I-20, and baggage unattended. Also, make sure that you bring along contact numbers and the ELI office number.

As you meet the INS official at the Port of Entry, please make sure that the I-94 card and Form I-20 are marked “D/S” meaning “duration of status.” Before you leave INS at the Port of Entry please make sure that your documents are stamped correctly and you have all your documents.

If your visa was denied and you felt like you were improperly interviewed, please contact a supervisor. Please note that they have to give you a letter with reasons why you were denied a visa into the United States. Before leaving, ask the U.S. consular official when you can reapply (some countries may ask you to wait as long as 6 months).

If your visa was denied and you would like to defer your program to a future date, please complete the Deferment Form.

If you are unable to attend the session you applied for due to any reason (e.g., visa denial, changes in travel plans, or inability to secure a timely visa appointment), you can defer your start date.

• First Deferral – Free
• Second Deferral – Pay the $65.00 Deferral Fee
• No additional deferrals will be allowed.

To defer your program, please complete the Deferment Form.

If you are currently a student at another language school, you may transfer to Pace's English Language Institute by getting permission to transfer from your previous school, following (1)-(6) and submitting a completed SEVIS Status Verification Form (PDF). You must also submit a copy of your current I-20, I-94, F-1 Visa, and US Address.

Upon determining that you have the minimum English proficiency to participate in the ELI at Pace University programs and receiving your application and financial documents, an I-20 form will be mailed to you to apply for a student (F-1) visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To allow for sufficient time to process and mail your admissions material, we advise you to submit your application, at least, six weeks before you wish to begin your studies.

Please note that students who have completed a degree in the United States are not eligible to transfer to Pace University ELI and maintain F-1 status in our English Language programs.

Please contact us with any questions.

Tourist Visa (B-2, B-1) ,Visa Waiver (ESTA and similar), and other non-immigrant temporary visitor visas

Visit in the U.S temporarily or with restrictions at the ELI at Pace University.

• Use the B-2, B-1, or Visa Waiver to travel in the U.S. and register for part-time study or a short-term course at the ELI (3 classes per session in NYC or 4 classes per session in Westchester, two sessions maximum)
• You cannot use these visas or a visa waiver to become a full-time student at the ELI.
• If you wish to stay longer than 2 sessions, or study 18 or more hours/ week, you will need to apply for a Form I-20 and attend an F-1 Visa Interview to obtain an F-1 Student Visa in your home country.

Become a part-time student at the ELI by submitting our Part-time Visitor application.

Other Common Visas/Waivers Information for studying at the ELI at Pace University

• Do not use the J1 or Visa Waiver to study full-time at the ELI unless it is a sponsored program by the ELI at Pace University.
• F2 students may enroll at the ELI for part-time classes. See advisement on Tourist Visas above for maximum hours.
• Permanent Residents may enroll as part-time or full-time students depending on their study plan.
• L1/L2 students may enroll as part-time or full-time students depending on their study plan.
• H1/H4 students may enroll part-time or full-time students depending on their study plan.
• G1/G4 students may enroll part-time or full-time students depending on their study plan.
• K1 students may enroll at the ELI for part-time classes. See advisement on Tourist Visas above for maximum hours.

The Letter of Intent is an important part of your F-1 visa application. It explains why you want to study at the English Language Institute (ELI) at Pace University. In this letter, you will show:

• Your interest in studying English in the U.S.
• Your reasons for choosing the English Language Institute English Program at Pace University
• Your future plans after your studies

Write this letter in clear, professional English. Use your own words to answer each section.

Tip: If your English level is still improving, you can write the letter in your native language and have it translated. Bring both the original and the notarized, translated letter to your visa interview.

Sample Letter of Intent (PDF)