Students who wish to study full-time in the United States need an F-1 student visa to enter the United States. On this page you will find information about the process of applying for your student visa.

Applying to GLI

When submitting your application to GLI, you must also provide proof that you are able to pay for your study in the US. This includes tuition, fees and living expenses.

Before GLI can issue a document I-20 (certificate of eligibility), you are required to supply any one of the following documents, in English, to GLI. You will also be required to submit this document to United States Embassy officials.

• A current personal bank statement or letter from your bank, in English and on bank letterhead, indicating balance of your account.
• A personal letter of financial support and current bank statement from a relative/sponsor verifying financial responsibility.
• Completed form I-134 used to document support being provided by a US citizen or a US legal permanent resident.
• A letter of financial guarantee from a sponsoring agency.
• An original scholarship certificate from your government or other organization.

You may mail your original document to GLI or send it as an e-mail attachment.

We will process your acceptance papers, including your I-20 form, within a few days of receiving the evidence of financial support. We must also have your completed GLI application form and any relevant fees.

Scheduling an Interview

After you receive your I-20 from GLI, contact the American Consulate for your country to schedule an interview appointment and receive other instructions.
Note! Sometimes students must wait a long time for their appointment, so please plan ahead. Approximate visa appointment wait times at consular locations can be found at the Department of State website.

Paying the SEVIS fee

All students applying for an F-1 student visa are required by the US Government to pay a $200 fee to cover the costs of administering and maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). (Dependents of students who are issued an I-20 form are not required to pay the SEVIS fee.)

Once you have received your I-20 form from GLI, please go to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program fee processing website to complete the SEVIS I-901 form.

Note! The SEVIS fee payment does not need to be completed prior to scheduling an interview with the Consulate. However, it does need to be paid at least 3 days prior to the date of your visa interview. You will need to bring your receipt to your visa interview.

If you need help, don’t worry -- we will be happy to process your SEVIS fee for you! Please contact us at info@gli.edu.

Preparing for the Visa Interview

You will need to bring the following to your visa interview:

1. A valid passport.
2. Recent photographs. Please check the size with the US Embassy or Consulate in your country.
3. GLI’s I-20 form and acceptance letter.
4. Evidence of financial support. You must have proof that you have enough money to live and study in the US.
5. SEVIS receipt.
6. Proof that you plan to return to your country
   after your studies in the US.

Be prepared to describe your plans for study in the US. Explain why you want to learn English and what you plan to do after you complete your studies in the US.