Immigration Advice

Many students interested in studying abroad need to collect important information before their travel abroad. Documentation for students applying from overseas will be different for students transferring to LSI, or if applicants are changing their status to F-1.

Applying for F-1 student visa

F-1 visas are issued by the United States Department of State through an Embassy, Consulate Office or Diplomatic Mission. You can find the location and contact information for every U.S. embassy at www.usembassy.gov. Once you have determined your correct Embassy, Consulate Office or Diplomatic Mission location you should contact that office to determine how to apply for an F-1 visa. The office will advise you of the cost, the need for an interview as well as what information you must provide them. Next, you should contact Language Systems to complete your school application so you can get your I-20 and school acceptance letter.

Transferring to LSI

It is easy to transfer to Language Systems and you may transfer from any school which is authorized to accept F-1 students. You may transfer only if you are a student in good standing at your current school. To transfer, first contact the Language Systems campus where you would like to attend to obtain a transfer-in form and to finalize the application process. Next, inform your current school of your intention to transfer to Language Systems BEFORE the study end date on your I-20. Your current school may also have forms which they require you to complete before you can transfer.

Fill out your portion of the Language Systems transfer-in form and submit that form to your current school. Make sure you keep a copy for your file. Your current school will complete the rest of the transfer-in form. Normally, your help is no longer needed and the current school will send the completed transfer-in form to Language Systems then transfer your file so you may begin study at Language Systems.

Changing your visa

If you did not come to the United States on a student visa, you may be able to change your legal status to that of a student while you are in the U.S. This is commonly referred to as a "Change of Status". There are special rules that apply to a Change of Status, so you should consult with Language Systems as soon as you decide to change your status. Language Systems employs two immigration attorneys who can help you. So contact the Language Systems campus where you would like to attend classes and let the staff know that you would like to change your status. Language Systems will immediately put you in contact with one of our attorneys so you can begin the process.