Foreign Student (I-20) Application Process

BEI is authorized by Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to enroll foreign non-immigrant students (under F-1 and M-1 student visas).  Students desiring an I-20 must present the following documentation to the Admissions Department:

1. Application

2. Registration $90.00

3. Proof of financial stability/sufficient funds while in the USA (copy of latest bank statement will suffice)

4. Proof of health insurance coverage while in the USA

5. Copy of passport identification page(s) (must show picture, name, birth date,  passport expiration date)

6. If using a sponsor, a letter of support (I-134) from the sponsor and the sponsor's  current bank statement

Once all the above items have been received by  the Admissions Representative, the Institute will  issue the I-20 form for that particular student.

The prospective F-1 student should present the following papers to a U.S. Consulate:

Students are expected to maintain their student status once the F-1 visa is issued or student status has been approved. Maintaining your status simply means you must be studying at all times. If you should stop studying for any reason, you will be out of status and your visa will be finished. Students are not authorized to work nor qualify for work until they have completed one academic year. See the Director of Admissions for special rules and regulations regarding problems with being "out of status", visa changes, work permission, etc. (Student Responsibilities)

Confirmation of Financial Resources

As part of the I-20 application process, the student must demonstrate proof of financial support. This may be done by submitting one of the following:

1. Bank Statement showing either:

Personal funds

a.  Funds from an immediate family member outside the United States a    accompanied  by a letter assuming financial responsibility.

b. Funds from parents inside the United States accompanied by a letter assuming financial responsibility.

The Bank Statement must be from an officer of the bank or other financial institution in which the student or a family member has deposits. The statement must give the following details about the account:

a. Date the account was opened 

b. Total amount deposited for the past year 

c. Recent balance 

All financial documentation must be expressed in the U.S. dollars. These papers must be obtained in duplicate, so that one set of originals can also be presented at the U.S. Consulate with the visa application.

2. Affidavit of Financial Support (I-134) from an individual sponsor (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) inside the United States. Proof of financial resources must accompany the affidavit.

SEVIS Fee Information
 

On September 1, 2004, the US Department of Homeland Security started charging a nonrefundable $100 SEVIS fee for those seeking an F-1 visa from an embassy or consulate abroad for initial attendance at a school approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  Fee payment is not required for F-2 dependents.  This fee may be paid by submitting form I-901 either in paper form or online. You will need a credit card to complete the online form. Extra time is required if fee payment is paid by mail.  The I-20 form is needed before you can fill out the I-901 form. A receipt showing fee payment must be presented to the US Embassy or Consulate before the F-1 visa will be issued.
 

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by calling (713) 789-4555
or faxing (713) 789-4541

 bei@bei.edu