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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.
SEVIS Fee
All F-1 visa applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before attending the visa interview.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the U.S. government system used to track international students during their stay in the United States.
Proof of SEVIS payment is required at the time of the visa interview.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover:
- Tuition and school fees
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Other educational costs
In most cases, you must show proof of funding for at least the first academic year.
Acceptable financial evidence may include:
- Personal bank statements
- Sponsor letters (parents or relatives)
- Scholarship or grant confirmation
- Official financial support documentation
Financial capability is one of the most important factors reviewed during the visa process.
English Proficiency
Students must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to successfully complete their academic program.
If a student does not meet the required English level, they may be admitted into an approved English language training program before beginning their academic studies.
English proficiency requirements are determined by the admitting institution.
Form I-20
Form I-20 is an official document issued by an SEVP-certified school after a student has been accepted.
The form includes:
- Program information
- Estimated cost of attendance
- Program start and end dates
- Student identification details
Form I-20 is required for:
- Paying the SEVIS fee
- Scheduling a visa interview
- Entering the United States
Non-Immigrant Intent
for Denial
Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, all nonimmigrant visa applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants unless they demonstrate otherwise.
This means F-1 applicants must prove that:
- Their stay in the United States is temporary
- They intend to return to their home country after completing their studies
- They have strong ties to their home country (family, employment, property, business, etc.)
Failure to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent is one of the most common reasons for visa denial.
FAQs
Yes. You must first be accepted by an SEVP-certified institution and receive Form I-20 before applying for a visa.
Yes. The I-901 SEVIS fee must be paid prior to attending your visa interview.
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F1 Visa Requirements - Official Eligibility Criteria 2026
The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to international students who plan to pursue full-time academic studies in the United States at an SEVP-certified institution.
Below are the official eligibility requirements established by the U.S. government.
Academic Requirements
To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must:
- Be accepted by an SEVP-certified school
- Enroll in a full-time academic program
- Meet the academic admission standards of your chosen institution
- Receive Form I-20 issued by the school
The institution must be certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.