How do I get an F-1 student visa to attend PALS in the USA?
If you plan to enter the US for the purpose of studying English at PALS, you need Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 non-immigrant visa. These forms are issued by PALS. To be eligible, plan to study for a minimum of two consecutive sessions. Submit to PALS no later than six weeks before classes begin:
- A Completed application form
- A non-refundable deposit on tuition of $200
- A one-time placement testing fee of $100 (The total of $300 may be paid by wire transfer, credit card, or in cash (in person)). And an optional $55 for express mailing of your I-20 to your home.
- A signed Financial Guarantee Form and accompanying Bank Documents to show that you or your sponsor have sufficient funds available to you to cover your academic expenses (tuition, fees, health insurance) and living expenses for the first two sessions of classes. The bank documents must show that you or your sponsor has a minimum of $9255 available to support your stay in the United States. If you plan to bring your dependents with you to the USA, you must show proof of additional funds to support your spouse and/or children. Please add an additional $2712 for your spouse and $1356 for each child. Please send an original statement from the bank. The statement must be written in English and include your name (or name of your sponsor) and the amount of money in the account(s). The statement must also be signed by an officer of the bank.
Once the required documents are received, PALS will process your application and create your form I-20, the Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Non-Immigrant Status within 2 weeks. Once you receive the form I-20, your next step is to apply for an F-1 Visa. You should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country to make your F-1 Visa application appointment. Please make sure to take the following documents with you to your appointment-
- The form I-20
- Your original financial support documents
- Your passport, and
- Evidence of your current level of education
The consular officer may require additional evidence that you intend to enter the U.S. as a nonimmigrant and for the sole purpose of full-time study.
May I study English at PALS while I am in the USA on a B-1 or B-2 Visitor Visa?
If you plan to study only during the time you are permitted to stay as a B-1 or B-2 visitor and leave the United States, US Government regulations allow you to enroll at PALS part-time (1 or 2 classes only).
If you plan to enroll in a full course of study for a longer period, B-1 or B-2 visitor status is not sufficient. Apply at the PALS office for Form I-20, the Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 nonimmigrant student status. When you receive the I-20, decide on one of these options before enrolling in full-time study:
- Return to your country. At the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, apply for an F-1 nonimmigrant student visa to reenter the United States
OR
- In the U.S., apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of nonimmigrant status to temporary F-1 student. Form I-539 is the government application used to process a request for a change of status. Form I-539 is available at http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm. The complete application for a change of status consists of the form I-539, the form I-20 and several other documents. For assistance, we suggest that you consult a lawyer who specializes in immigration matters. You may also contact the International Student Advisor at PALS for further assistance. Rutgers University can not guarantee that your application for a change of status will be approved. USCIS, an agency of the U.S. Government, makes the decision.
Very Important: New U.S. Government regulations state that B-1 or B-2 visitors can begin full-time study only after a change of status has been approved.
How do I Transfer my F-1 Visa Status from the U.S. School I am now attending to the Program in American Language Studies at Rutgers University?
Step #1: Apply to the PALS program. Submit a completed application form, an original signed financial guarantee form and an original signed bank document. The bank documents must show that you or your sponsor has a minimum of $9255 available to support your studies and living expenses in the USA. If you have dependents in the USA, you must show proof of additional funds to support your spouse and/or children. Please add an additional $2712 for your spouse and $1356 for each child.
AND
Step #2: Give PALS a copy of the I-20 (or I-20's) that you have now.
AND
Step #3: Get a Transfer Report Form from the PALS office. Complete the top part of the form and sign it. Ask the advisor at the school you now attend to complete the bottom of the form and return it to PALS.
AND
Step #4: If you stay in the US until you begin classes at PALS, the advisor will certify your transfer on the day of your English Placement Test. Please remember to bring your Passport, I-94 Card and new I-20.
OR
Step #4: If you leave the US and return to begin classes at PALS, Check your visa. Be sure that it is valid. If not, go to the U.S. Embassy in your country to apply for a new one. Take your new I-20 with you. At the port of entry to the U.S. (usually the airport) present your passport and your new I-20. The Immigration officer will put a red stamp on your I-20 and return the Student Copy to you. The red stamp will certify your transfer to PALS, Rutgers.
COMPLETING STEPS #1, 2, 3, AND 4 IS THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP YOUR LEGAL F-1 STATUS IN THE U.S.
How do I transfer my F-1 Visa Status from the Program in American Language Studies at Rutgers University to another school in the USA?
Step 1:
If you plan to transfer out of the PALS ESL program, you must make an appointment to see the International Student Advisor at PALS BEFORE the last day of your classes in your final session at PALS.
Step 2:
Get a Transfer Report Form from the new school you plan to attend. Complete the top part of the form and sign it. Ask the international student advisor at PALS to complete the bottom of the form and return it to your new school.
Step 3:
Before the last day of your classes during your final session at PALS, you must tell the International Student Advisor at PALS if you are definitely transferring to the new school or not. The International Student Advisor will not transfer your F-1 Visa Status to the new school if you do not confirm the transfer.
- If you graduate from the PALS program, you may transfer to another U.S. school during your 60 day grace period following your last day of classes in the PALS program. Please speak with the International Student Advisor before the last day of your classes at PALS to make sure that you have met the requirements for graduation.
If you are not graduating from the PALS program, you must submit your transfer request form and confirm your transfer with the International Student Advisor at PALS BEFORE the last day of your classes at PALS.
How do I end my studies in the PALS program?
If you plan to end your studies in the PALS program, you must submit your request to leave the program in writing to the International Student Advisor. This letter must include the reason why you are leaving and when you plan to depart the USA. This is required for all students who are ending their studies at PALS. This includes both those students who are graduating from the PALS program and those who are not graduating.
