American Language Institute

 

Admission Procedures

The U.S. government requires persons who come to the U.S. for full-time studies (18 hours per week or more) to obtain F-1 student visas. To apply for an F-1 student visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the student’s country of origin, an I-20 form will be needed. An I-20 form is a government approved document issued by the ALI. To receive an I-20 form, students must first apply to the ALI. For information about the time required to get a visa to enter the U.S., please contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the student’s country of origin.

Visa Requirements
Admission to most ALI programs is open to all persons 18 years old and over who have completed high school. ELST youth programs accept younger students. Students are advised to apply six to eight (6-8) weeks in advance. To apply, students must complete the ALI enrollment application form and provide written proof that they have enough funds to support themselves while living and studying in the United States. Also, students should allow one to three (1-3) weeks for the ALI to process applications.

Testing
The ALI conducts placement tests when a student arrives. These tests help determine the best level of ALI courses for each student. Most programs do not require test scores before arrival.

Application Checklist
New applicants for all ALI programs must send the following items.

1. Application fee (nonrefundable): $175.

2. ALI Enrollment Application Form: online | printable pdf.

3. Current bank statement with existing funds in the account. Affidavit of financial support (if bank statement is not in student’s name).

4. Photocopy of passport (if available). Applicants transferring from another school in the U.S. to the ALI must also include the following items.

5. ALI Transfer Eligibility Form

6. Photocopies of your current I-20, passport, visa, and I-94 card.

amTEFL applicants must also provide unofficial transcripts, two professional or academic letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. U.S. citizens applying for the amTEFL program are not required to provide items 3-6 above.

Mail or fax all documents to: American Language Institute, San Diego State University, College of Extended Studies, 5250 Campanile Drive, San Diego, California, 92182-1914, USA. Phone: (619) 594-5907 Fax: (619) 287-2735 Email: applyali@mail.sdsu.edu