F1 Visa Process
Your Journey to Los Angeles
SEVIS-Approved
ACCET Accredited
I-20 Issued in 1–2 Business Days After Complete Documents
40+ years of ESL experience
How it Works
The 5-step Visa Roadmap
Apply to AEC
Receive your Form I-20 & admission.
Complete the Form DS 160
Have your I-20 & SEVIS I-901 payment ready.
Schedule Visa Interview
Book & prepare for your appointment.
Attend Visa Interview
Be prepared & confident about your study plan.
Receive Visa Approval
Notify your student advisor & arrange accommodations.
Step 1:
Apply to AEC & Receive Your I-20
Submit your AEC Application and required documents so we can review your eligibility and issue your Form I-20.
Required Documents:
- Passport Copy
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds (recommended: at least $21,000 USD for 1 year duration)
- Passport Copy
- Note: This amount is only to show you can support your program and living expenses in the US, not what you will actually spend.
- Academic transcript or diploma (with English Translation)
Application Fee: $160 USD application fee
- Payment can be submitted online with your application
Once your documents and payment are received, our admissions team will issue your Admissions packet and Form I-20 within 1-2 business days. Conditional acceptance letter requests may take an additional 2 weeks.
Step 2
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
All F-1 students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before their visa interview.
AEC Support: We can complete this payment for you and provide your official receipt for a $35 processing fee. This can be requested in your application form.
Important: Bring your SEVIS receipt to your visa interview.
Step 3
Complete the DS-160 Application
Complete the DS-160, the official U.S. visa application form.
- Visa Application Fee: $185 U.S. government fee (paid when scheduling your interview)
You will need your SEVIS ID and school information from your I-20, along with your passport and personal details.
Step 4
Schedule & Attend Your Interview
Schedule your appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and prepare for your interview.
- Book your appointment: Through your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The exact process may vary by country – follow the instructions for your local U.S. Embassy.
- Bring These Documents:
- Valid passport
- AEC Admissions Packet, including signed Form I-20
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
- Financial documents (bank statement, sponsor documents if applicable)
- Visa photo (if required by your embassy)
- Tips for a Successful Interview:
- Business casual or formal attire is recommended
- Be clear and confident about your goal to study English
- Be prepared to explain why you chose AEC
- Understand your financial support and who is sponsoring you
- Answer honestly and keep responses simple
- Bring organized documents for quick access
Step 5
Prepare for Arrival
Once your visa is approved, you can begin planning your arrival in Los Angeles.
- 30 day Rule: Federal law allows you to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.
- Enter the U.S.: Present your passport and I-20 to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the airport.
- Report to AEC: Once you land, contact our Student Advisor to confirm your arrival. Students must report to school within 7 days of arrival in order to activate your I-20.
We guide you through next steps, including housing, placement, and your first day of class.
- If Your Visa Is Denied: Visa decisions are made by the U.S. Embassy, and denials can happen. If this occurs:
- Our team can help you understand the reason for denial
- We can advise on next steps and reapplication options
Have questions about your visa or next steps?
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Process Today
Apply Today.
Receive Your I-20 in 1-2 Days
Embassy calendars fill up fast. The sooner you get your I-20, the sooner you can grab an interview slot.
