I-20 & F-1 Student Visa Information
Silicon Valley ESL Institute is an English program operated by Oikos University.
Your I-20 will be issued by Oikos University.
Students who wish to study full-time may apply for the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility.
Our Intensive English Program is designed for students who want to improve their English skills while experiencing life in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Steps:
1️⃣ Apply to the school
2️⃣ Submit financial documents
3️⃣ Receive I-20
4️⃣ Pay SEVIS fee
5️⃣ Apply for visa
What is Form I-20?
Form I-20 is an official document issued by a SEVP-certified school that confirms a student has been accepted into a full-time academic program.
The I-20 allows students to:
• Apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate
• Enter the United States as a full-time student
• Maintain legal student status while studying
Students must keep their I-20 valid during their entire period of study.
-
Requirements to Receive an I-20
To receive an I-20 from Silicon Valley ESL Institute, students must submit the following documents:
-
Completed Application Form
-
Copy of passport photo page
-
Bank statement showing sufficient financial support
-
Application fee payment
-
Transfer form (if transferring from another U.S. school)
After receiving all required documents, the school will issue the I-20.
-
Financial Requirement
U.S. immigration regulations require international students to demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
Students must provide a bank statement showing funds to cover:
• Tuition and fees
• Living expenses
• Health insurance
• Personal expenses
The bank statement must usually show at least one year of estimated expenses.
-
I-20 for Students Already in the U.S.
Students currently studying at another ESL school, college, or university in the United States may transfer their SEVIS record to Silicon Valley ESL Institute.
Transfer students must submit:
• Transfer Release Form
• Copy of current I-20
• Copy of passport and visa
Our admissions office will guide you through the transfer process.
Form I-20 is an official document issued by a SEVP-certified school that confirms a student has been accepted into a full-time academic program.
The I-20 allows students to:
• Apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate
• Enter the United States as a full-time student
• Maintain legal student status while studying
Students must keep their I-20 valid during their entire period of study.
-
After Receiving Your I-20
Once you receive your I-20, you must:
-
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
-
Schedule an F-1 visa interview
-
Prepare required documents for the interview
-
Travel to the United States before your program start date
-
Maintaining F-1 Status
F-1 students must:
• Study full-time (minimum 18 hours per week)
• Maintain good attendance and academic progress
• Keep their passport and I-20 valid
• Inform the school of any address changes
Failure to maintain status may affect your ability to remain in the United States.
-
Apply Now
If you are ready to begin your English studies in Silicon Valley, apply today.
Apply Now →
Our admissions team will guide you through the I-20 and F-1 visa process step by step.
I-20 & F-1 Visa FAQ
1. Can Silicon Valley ESL Institute issue an I-20?
Yes. Silicon Valley ESL Institute issues Form I-20 to eligible international students who are accepted into our full-time English program.
Students must complete the application process and submit all required documents before the I-20 can be issued.
2. What documents are required to receive an I-20?
To receive an I-20, students must submit the following documents:
• Completed application form
• Copy of passport photo page
• Bank statement showing sufficient financial support
• Application fee payment
After reviewing these documents, the admissions office will issue the I-20.
3. How long does it take to receive the I-20?
Once all required documents are received, the I-20 is usually issued within 3–7 business days.
The document can be sent by email (PDF) or international express mail if a physical copy is requested.
4. How much money do I need to show in my bank statement?
U.S. immigration regulations require students to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:
• Tuition and school fees
• Living expenses
• Health insurance
• Personal expenses
The required amount typically covers one year of estimated study and living costs.
5. Can I transfer my I-20 from another school?
Yes. Students who are currently studying at another U.S. school can transfer their SEVIS record to Silicon Valley ESL Institute.
Transfer students must provide:
• Copy of current I-20
• Transfer Release Form
• Copy of passport and visa
Our admissions office will assist you with the transfer process.
6. Can I study on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2)?
Students who hold a B-1/B-2 tourist visa may only study part-time.
To study full-time, students must obtain F-1 student status.
Students currently in the United States may apply for a Change of Status to F-1 if eligible.
7. What is the SEVIS I-901 fee?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a government fee required for all F-1 visa applicants.
After receiving the I-20, students must pay the SEVIS fee before scheduling their visa interview.
8. When should I arrive in the United States?
Students may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20.
9. Do F-1 students have to study full-time?
Yes. F-1 students must study full-time.
At Silicon Valley ESL Institute, full-time study is:
18 hours per week of classroom instruction.
Students must maintain good attendance and academic progress to maintain their visa status.
10. Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about the I-20 or F-1 visa process, please contact our admissions team.
We are happy to guide you through the application process.