An F-1 Student Visa
Here are the steps to obtaining an F1 student visa and entering the US:
- Fill out your application for the Intensive English Program https://eli.utk.edu/programs/apply/
- Pay the Application Fee https://secure.touchnet.com/FullTimeAppFee
- Pay the Tuition Deposit https://secure.touchnet.com/TuitionDepositĀ Ā Ā
*Applications are not fully processed until the tuition deposit has been received. The tuition deposit is applied to the tuition balance upon enrollment at ELI. Tuition deposit is refundable if the F1 visa is denied at consulate. Refunds can only be made to the original form of payment. It is the responsibility of an applicant to request a refund. Refund requests made after 12 months from the date of the initial payment will result in the forfeiture of the tuition deposit.
Ā Ā Ā 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:
- You confirm your visa appointment with your local embassy
- You receive a visa to study
- Your date of arrival in the United States
- 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 Information
- 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 toĀ 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
Applicants who qualify for conditional admissions are ready academically, but need to improve English language skills to be successful at UTK. ELI and undergraduate admissions at The University of Tennessee Knoxville have two separate applications and payment systems. Below is an outline of the process of conditional admission.
STEP 1: APPLY FOR CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
- Submit yourĀ application for admissionĀ to the undergraduate degree program.
- Select that you wish to be considered for conditional admission on the application
- Pay the $75 nonrefundable undergraduate application fee
STEP 2: RECEIVE THE ADMISSIONS DECISION FROM UTK
STEP 3: APPLY TO ELI
When you complete ELIās advanced level, you can request a language proficiency waiver. If you meet all other admission requirements, you will be admitted to UTK without a language proficiency assessment.
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 asĀ 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 (seeĀ Knox Area Transit website)
- Some apartments offer shuttle serviceābut 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
*Note: Students must obtain their own housing and must be aware of each facilityās contract agreements. The housing may involve paying a security deposit, and it is important to make sure the lease agreement isnāt broken for the length of time you plan to stay. We not responsible for the content of any third-party housing websites. Information on third-party websites may change at any time without notice. Homestays are not offered by UTK.