Getting Your F-1 Student Visa

Here are the steps to getting your F1 student visa and entering the US.

1. Fill out your application for the Intensive Academic English Program at https://eli.utk.edu/programs/apply/
2. Pay the $100.00 Application Fee: https://secure.touchnet.com/FullTimeAppFee.
   If you have already paid this fee, please send us a copy of the receipt.
3. Pay the Required $250.00 Refundable Tuition Deposit: https://secure.touchnet.com/TuitionDeposit   

This deposit ensures your application is sent to our immigration office at UTK. If this is not paid, your application will not be reviewed further. The deposit will be applied to your total tuition invoice. The tuition deposit is refundable if the F-1 visa is denied at consulate, but cannot be refunded after 12 months from the date of payment.

     4. After we receive your tuition deposit, you will receive an email within 5 business days from our International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Office regarding your immigration documents. It is important for you to take action to the information required in this email.

That email will include a link to iVols, where you will upload documents (e.g. passport, certification of finances and financial documents) required for an I-20.

The I-20 process is done by our ISSS office. Do not send these documents to our ELI email address. ELI does not process your I-20. For more information about visas, you can visit the ISSS webpage: https://international.utk.edu/international-students-and-scholars-services/isss-incoming-students/student-visas/

You must email us when:

1. You confirm your visa appointment with your local embassy
2. You receive a visa to study
3. Your date of arrival in the United States
4. If you require on-campus housing

5. Arrive to Knoxville before your orientation start date

The I-20 is valid for one year from the date of issue. It requires a specific arrival date. Students who cannot enter the United States before the specified date should request an extension by contacting the English Language Institute. There is no extra charge to change the date if your original I-20 is still valid.

US immigration law requires you to enroll at ELI if you have received your I-20 from ELI. A student must enroll at the institution which issues the I-20 to enter the United States.

Additional Regulatory Processes

• Check your I-20 form to make sure it is accurate. If it is not accurate, contact us.
• Pay the SEVIS fee of $350 at www.fmjfee.com. Print your receipt!
• Go to https://www.usembassy.gov/
• Find the US Consulate nearest you
• Submit the DS-160 visa application form online
• Make an appointment for a personal interview. We recommend that you apply for the visa at least 8 weeks before you plan to travel
• Schedule your visa interview appointment
• Take the following items to your visa appointment:
  • ELI Acceptance Letter
  • Form I-20
  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Printed receipt for the SEVIS fee
  • Documentation (receipt) that you have paid for your Visa Application Fee
  • Evidence that you have the funding listed in the financial section of the I-20 (bank statement, certified bank letter, letter from sponsor, etc.)
  • Be prepared to demonstrate that you plan to return to your home country after your academic program is complete
• When you enter the US, have your passport and form I-20 ready to show the Immigration Officer. Make sure that your passport shows your F-1 status

Your Pathway to the University of Tennessee: Conditional Admission

If you meet all admission requirements for the University of Tennessee but you do not meet the English language proficiency requirements, you can apply for Conditional Admission. If you are accepted for Conditional Admission, ELI will issue you the form I-20 so that you can get an F1 student visa and enroll in our English Language Institute (ELI), where our intensive program of English classes will help you prepare for undergraduate or graduate studies at UT. The required English Language Proficiency scores to be accepted at UT are listed here (click this link).

When you complete ELI’s highest level, you can request a letter of recommendation from ELI. If you are ready to start undergraduate studies, you will be admitted to UT even without the required language proficiency score.

University Housing

Living close to campus helps you to take advantage of many cultural, social, and language benefits. Students who live close to campus have more opportunities to engage in campus activities and make new friends, which helps improve their language learning. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit the University Housing website.

Benefits of living in university housing:

• Within walking distance of campus
• Near bus routes
• A roommate can be found for you
• Utilities, internet, furniture included
• Your choice of a university meal plan

Note: The university does not offer family housing.

Apartment Housing

General information regarding off-campus housing can be found on the Off-Campus and Commuter Services website or on one of many apartment rental websites such as Apartment.com

Benefits of living in an apartment close to campus:

• It may be within walking distance of campus
• It may be near a bus or trolley route (see Knox Area Transit website)
• Some apartments offer shuttle service—but you should pay attention to scheduled times of service
• You can choose roommates (we recommend finding an American roommate or living with someone who speaks a different language)
• No need to leave or move during university breaks

ELI is not able to offer home stays with American families. Please be advised that the English Language Institute is not responsible for the content of any third-party housing websites. Information on third-party websites may change at any time without notice.

*Note: ELI students must find their own housing and must be aware of each facility’s contract agreements. The housing may involve paying a security deposit, and it is important to make sure the lease agreement isn’t broken for the length of time you plan to stay.