If your main purpose of coming to the U.S. is to study, we strongly advise you to obtain an F-1 student visa prior to entering. To apply for the visa, you will require an I-20 form from NYLC. F-1 Students must enroll in our Intensive Language Program (20 hours per week), for a minimum of 8 weeks. Our Intensive Language Program is available at our two accredited school locations; NYLC Manhattan or NYLC Queens.If you are visiting as a tourist, you are also welcome to engage in short-term study that is incidental to your main purpose (just “for fun”). We recommend our Semi-Intensive Program (16 hours per week, Mon – Thurs) for this purpose, which is below full-time hours.

Once we have all of your documents and Initial Fees payment, we will issue your I-20 within 2-3 business days, then it will take about 3 more days for it to arrive if sent by express mail. Also, we can email it to you. We recommend applying at least 2 months before you wish to start, in order to give yourself enough time.

You will need to submit copies of your:

Signed Application for Enrollment or online application

Passport biographical page, valid at least 6 months into the future

Proof of financial support (recent bank statement) and Affidavit of Support form, if sponsored

$195 Schools Fees + $105 Optional Express Mail fee for I-20 ($300 total)

Our minimum enrollment is 8 weeks (1 session), and it takes about 1.5 years to complete all of our levels from beginner to advanced. We also have “Post-Advanced” levels including TOEFL Prep and Business English. The length of your I-20 depends on how many weeks you enroll, and how much proof of financial support you provide, but can be up to 1 year.

The minimum enrollment for F-1 students is 8 weeks (1 session). If you cannot stay inside the U.S. for 8 weeks but still need an I-20/F-1 visa, let your advisor know and we can work on an arrangement based on your case.

Yes, we’ll help! To change the location you will need your SEVIS record transferred and to receive a new I-20 from the new branch. Additional fees may also apply depending on the school.

F-1 students cannot work inside the U.S. without prior authorization from immigration NYLC cannot provide work authorization, so any unauthorized employment is done at your own risk. If you attend a U.S. college or university, you may have the option of obtaining authorization for employment related to your course of study, such as internships and other practical training.

Yes – full-time F-1 students are eligible for up to 8 weeks of annual vacation after 26 weeks of study. Speak to the DSO (Designated School Official) at your branch if you want to request a vacation. Also let your DSO know if you plan any travel overseas, so we can make sure your documents are up to date and you have a travel signature on page 2 of your I-20.

Yes, you can obtain a driver’s license or non-driver’s identification at your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) office. You should prepare copies of your I-20, passport, F-1 visa, I-94, proof of address, letter of ineligibility for Social Security Number, and proof of enrollment at the school. Your DSO can assist you with this documentation and you can also check your local DMV website for more information.