F-1 Visa

Evergreen Academy is authorized under federal law to enroll F-1 students. Choose your situation to see the steps, documents and fees.

Which applies to you?

New studentApplying for an F-1 visa from outside the U.S.See the steps Transfer inAlready on F-1 at another U.S. schoolSee the steps Change of statusIn the U.S. on a different visa typeSee the steps ReinstatementRestoring F-1 status that has endedSee the steps

Financial requirement (all applicants)

A bank statement showing at least $17,000 USD, plus $5,000 USD for each dependent. If your sponsor is in the U.S., send their bank statement with a completed Form I-134. If your sponsor is outside the U.S., provide a notarized Affidavit of Financial Support.

New international students

You are outside the U.S. and need an I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa.

  1. 1
    Complete the application and pay the $150 non-refundable application fee.
  2. 2
    Send a copy of your bank statement showing the financial requirement below.
  3. 3
    Send a copy or scan of your passport.
  4. 4
    Pay the required fees (see the box).
  5. 5
    We issue your Initial I-20 and send it to you with your acceptance letter and SEVIS payment receipt.
  6. 6
    Schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and bring these documents.
  7. 7
    Once you have your visa, you can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date.
  8. 8
    Come to Evergreen Academy, take the placement test, pay your tuition and receive your Continued I-20.

Transfer to Evergreen Academy

You are already in the U.S. on an F-1 visa at another school and want to transfer your SEVIS record to us.

  1. 1
    Complete the application and pay the $150 non-refundable application fee.
  2. 2
    Send a copy of your bank statement showing the financial requirement below.
  3. 3
    Fill out the top part of the Transfer In Form.
  4. 4
    Send copies of your passport, visa, I-94 and your current school’s I-20 (and any other I-20s you have).
  5. 5
    We send your acceptance letter and Transfer In Form to your current school, then call you to take the placement test, pick up your new I-20 and enroll.
  6. 6
    Pay the first session tuition when you enroll.

Change of status to F-1

You are in the U.S. on another visa type and want to change to F-1 without leaving the country.

File within 45 days of the end of your current status. You must be in status to change status. The process usually takes about 3–8 months, and once approved you study at least 3 sessions with us.

  1. 1
    Complete the application and pay the $150 application fee and the $350 processing fee to Evergreen Academy.
  2. 2
    Send an original bank statement showing the financial requirement below.
  3. 3
    Send a copy of your passport and visa.
  4. 4
    Bring your I-94 (the original if you entered before 2013, otherwise a printout).
  5. 5
    Complete and sign Form I-539 electronically and keep a copy in case you need to make changes.
  6. 6
    Bring a signed cover letter: your current visa activity, why you want to change to F-1, your plans after the program, and a list of enclosed documents.
  7. 7
    Pay the government fees (SEVIS I-901 and USCIS Form I-539).

Reinstatement of F-1 status

You were an F-1 student, fell out of status for reasons beyond your control, and want to restore it.

  1. 1
    Complete the application and pay the $150 non-refundable application fee.
  2. 2
    Send an original bank statement showing the financial requirement below.
  3. 3
    Send copies of your passport, visa, I-94 and your current school’s I-20 (and any other I-20s you have).
  4. 4
    Complete Form I-539 electronically: write “REINSTATEMENT” in red at the top, in Part 2 Question 1 check “c” and write “Reinstatement to F1 Status”, and include any dependents.
  5. 5
    Bring the original transcripts from all schools you attended.
  6. 6
    Bring a cover letter explaining why you fell out of status and why it was beyond your control.
  7. 7
    We write a recommendation letter and give you an Initial I-20 marked “Reinstatement Requested”.
  8. 8
    Keep studying in good standing while your application is pending.

Immigration rules and government fees can change. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Before you apply, please confirm the current requirements with our Designated School Official (DSO).

Questions about your visa?

Our Student Services team and DSO can guide you through every step.

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