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Intensive English Program (IEP) is F-1 visa compliant and Lingua Prime is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
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Intensive English Program (IEP) is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). To verify the ongoing accreditation of Lingua Prime please visit https://cea-accredit.org/accredited-sites.
Attend the Visa Interview
During the interview, a consular officer will evaluate:
- Your purpose of study
- Your eligibility for F-1 status
- Your financial ability to support yourself
- Your nonimmigrant intent
Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, all nonimmigrant visa applicants are presumed to have immigrant intent unless they demonstrate otherwise.
The officer may request additional documentation.
Receive Your Visa
If your visa is approved:
- Your passport with the visa will be returned to you
- You may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on Form I-20
Please note: A visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry, but final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before applying for the visa, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the U.S. government system that tracks international students during their stay in the United States.
Proof of SEVIS fee payment is required at the visa interview.
Without SEVIS payment confirmation, your visa application cannot proceed.
Complete Form DS-160
Next, you must complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
The form is submitted electronically through the official U.S. Department of State website.
After submission, you will receive a confirmation page, which must be printed and brought to your visa interview.
Schedule Your Visa Interview
After completing DS-160, you must:
- Pay the visa application (MRV) fee
- Schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country
Interview wait times vary depending on location and seasonal demand.
F1 Visa Process Step by Step - How to Apply for an F-1 Student Visa 2026
The F-1 student visa application process is regulated by U.S. immigration law and follows a clearly defined sequence of steps. Below is the official step-by-step procedure established by the U.S. government.
1. Apply to a School
The first step is to apply to and be accepted by a school certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
To qualify, you must:
- Submit an application to your chosen institution
- Meet the academic admission requirements
- Receive official acceptance
You cannot apply for an F-1 visa until you have been admitted to an SEVP-certified school.
Academic Requirements
After acceptance, your school will issue Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
Form I-20 includes:
- Your personal information
- Program details
- Program start and end dates
- Estimated cost of attendance
Form I-20 is required for:
- Paying the SEVIS fee
- Scheduling your visa interview
- Entering the United States