Application Process (I-20, F1 VISA)

To get started, send an inquiry email to international@eliteopenschool.org and go to the Study in the States website and take a look around. We will help guide you through the following steps, or you can complete Steps 1 & 2 ahead of time. We will require full payment of fees before we can move past Step 3.

Step 1: Choose your campus

Choose which Learning Resource Center (LRC) you will be attending. It is mandatory to physically attend one of the Learning Centers -- your campus selection cannot be changed once the process has begun.

- You can choose one from here based on where you will be living or spending most of your time here in California, USA.
- The Designated School Official (DSO) will contact you once all documents and initial payments have been received (step 2).
- If you are signing up directly through one of our eligible centers, you may submit the initial paperwork to them. They will be sending the EOS international department your documents on your behalf. However, initial payments will be invoiced to you directly from the international department, not the campus.
 

Step 2: Initial paperwork

Submit the following to our International department (international@eliteopenschool.org). Please complete forms on your computer.

• School Registration Form (here)

• I-20 Info Form (here)

• Proof of Identification (copy of passport recommended)

• Financial / Bank Statement (must be able to show the ability to pay a full year's tuition)

• Previous transcripts and test scores

• For athletes, musicians, other talents - form of proof that you are a student athlete or talent (ie. awards, letters)
  

Step 3: Invoicing & Contract

Once all of your documents have been collected, you will receive an email first from the international department and then from your DSO. Your DSO will introduce themselves, if they haven't spoken with you already, and they will be helping you progress through the rest of the application process.

You will be receiving*:

• Invoice for Registration Fee and I-20 Student Fee from the EOS international department

• Enrollment Contract that you will need to sign and return from DSO

*A deposit on your tuition may be required at this time to ensure a spot at the campus. This will be applied to your total tuition costs, so please read the enrollment contract carefully and look out for an invoice directly from your selected campus.

Step 4: Processing

After you've made all initial payments to EOS, submitted a signed enrollment contract and paid any deposits or fees to the campus, your DSO will input your information into SEVIS that will be necessary to issue a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student." He or she will also be processing the I-901 payment on your behalf and will include the receipt in the enrollment packet.

You will receive the following in both a scanned digital packet and a physical mailed packet (DHL- tracking number will be given).

• Enrollment and Acceptance Letter

• Receipt for fees

• Enrollment Contract (signed by school official)

• I-20 Form

• I-901 Receipt

• List of remaining steps (DS-160, fees, interview, etc)

Step 5: Student Responsibilities (PT.1 - VISA / Interview)

Travel to the US - VISA info, FAQ, etc (LINK)

1. Review the DS-160 instructions and FAQ (FAQ || Instructions)

2. Identify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is most convenient for you to visit.

3. Visit the website of the embassy or consulate you will visit, and follow the instructions on the site to:

• Pay your visa fee,

• Obtain acceptable photographs (passport),

• Complete your online DS-160 visa application,

• Get a list of all required documents you must bring, and

• Schedule your visa interview appointment.

While you are waiting for your interview, make sure to study up on what you will need to know and what to bring with you! This interview is your opportunity to tell the consular officer about your plans while in the United States and what you will do when you have completed your studies. When you have completed your Consular interview, let your DSO know the results immediately.

Step 6: Student Responsibilities (PT.2 - Follow Up)

1. Notify your DSO of the interview results (good or bad)

2. Let your DSO know your arrival date, flight information, and port of entry

3. Come to school and meet with your DSO to choose courses

4. Placement Test (see below)

5. Start classes!

Placement Tests

International applicants will be required to submit their TOEFL iBT, SSAT, or Duolingo scores before enrollment.

Please note that the minimum scores listed below are to either test out of ESL courses or to become eligible for The Brooks Douglass Program and is not an acceptance minimum. Students who score below the minimum scores on any of the following tests will be required to take ESL courses. Test score(s) will also be used as overall English level placement.

Important links

Getting started

Study in the States Website - For Students (official)
Study Guide to the States!
Preparing for your Visa Interview
What is a Designated School Official?

While you're Here

Maintaining Status
Understanding your Student Forms
Student to Student (video)

Need more information?

Enrolled Students & Parents: Contact your Learning Resource Center and schedule a call or video conference with your DSO (if out of the country)
Prospective Students & Parents: Contact any Learning Resource Center and speak with the DSOs or email international@eliteopenschool.org.
Ask a Question directly via Homeland Security's "Study in the States" website here.