FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Visa / Immigration

1. When will I receive my I-20?
   
   
2. I want to come to the US early before the start of the IELP classes. How far in advance before school starts can I arrive?
   
   
3. My F-1 visa stamped in my passport has expired. What should I do?
   
   
4. I'm currently in the US as a tourist (with a tourist B-2 visa or visa waiver). I want to enroll in English Languages classes at PSU. How do I change to a student (F-1) visa?
   
   
5. How long can I stay in the US after I complete my studies?
   
   
6. View more FAQs about I-20s and SEVIS

Q1. When will I receive my I-20?

A: The IELP Office can issue an I-20 about 2 weeks after we receive your complete Application. A complete application includes: application form, application fee, proof of high school completion, financial documentation (if you need an F-1 visa), and copy of your passport.

Q2. I want to come to the US early before the start of the IELP classes. How far in advance before school starts can I arrive?

A: Students with F-1 and J-1 visas can arrive no earlier than 30 days before the start date on your I-20 form.

Q3. My F-1 visa stamped in my passport has expired. What should I do?

A: The visa stamped in your passport is an entry visa and only needs to be valid for entry into the US. You can remain in the U.S. legally as long as your passport is valid, as long as you are continuing to make good progress toward your program or degree, and as long as the date indicated on your I-20 as your expected completion date has not passed. However, the next time you choose to leave the US, you will need to go to a US Embassy or Consulate to apply for a new entry visa.

Q4. I'm currently in the US as a tourist (with a tourist B-2 visa or visa waiver). I want to enroll in English Languages classes at PSU. How do I change to a student (F-1) visa?

A: If you are currently a tourist on the Visa Waiver program, the answer to this question is: You can't.

A visa waiver is given to citizens of particular countries so that they do not have to apply for a visa. Therefore, when you have a waiver, you have no visa, and you cannot change a visa if you do not have one. There are no alternatives available to you except to leave the US before the expiration date on you I-94 card and apply for a student visa. (The I-94 card is the white card that you received when you entered the US. It should be stapled inside your passport).

If you currently have a B-2 tourist visa,you can apply to change your visa status to F-1 student status by submitting an application (Form I-539) and fee of $300 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You must submit the application 45 days BEFORE your current I-94 card expires. It is not necessary to change your visa (the sticker in your passport) while you are in the US. If you leave the US, however, you must obtain an F-1 visa in order to return to the US as a student. To do this, you must apply to a US Embassy or Consulate, preferably in your country of citizenship. You must consult with the IELP International Student Advisor for assistance in completing all necessary documents.

Q5. How long can I stay in the US after I complete my studies?

A. Students with F-1 student visas may stay in the US for up to 60 days after the program end date on their I-20.

View more FAQs about I-20s and SEVIS

If you have any questions about your Visa, I-20, or DS-2019 Form, please visit or write to Michele Miller, the IELP International Student Advisor or the IELP office.

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