Admission
Persons applying for admission to the Intensive English Program must have graduated from secondary school. Admission to the Intensive English Program does not consititute admission to any other unit of Rice University. Students will not receive academic credit for courses in this program.
All prospective students must submit a completed application along with a $500 deposit. The balance of the tuition must be paid no later than the first day of class.
Immigration Information
The Intensive English Program is authorized to issue the I-20 form that is required to obtain an F-1 student visa for full-time intensive English study. Students desiring an I-20 must present the following documentation to the Rice University Intensive English Program:
Transfer students must also present:
- Signed transfer form from the foreign student adviser at the school the student last attended verifying eligibility to transfer. The form may be downloaded or obtained from the Language Programs office.
- Copy of the I-20 form from the school last attended.
- Copy of F-1 visa page
- Copy of I-94 admission form
The prospective F-1 student should present the following papers to a U.S Consulate:
- Passport, valid for at least six months
- Confirmation of financial resources
- I-20 form (Some foreign nationals are required to present an I-20 showing acceptance to an academic program. The Rice University Intensive English Program cannot issue such an I-20.)
- Receipt for I-901 SEVIS fee. (More information below.)
To retain F-1 visa status, a student must attend a full course of study (20 hours per week) in the Rice University Intensive English Program. Students must complete a year of study or have completed the highest level of the program before being allowed to take time off from study.
Prospective students must enter the U.S. on a student visa. Persons with permanent resident status and those already in the U.S. with diplomatic or other visas may also be eligible for the program provided study is not the main purpose of their stay in the United States.
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
- Funds from an immediate family member outside the United States accompanied by a letter assuming financial responsibility.
- 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 insitution in which the student or a family member has deposits. The statement must give the following details about the account:
- Date the account was opened
- Total amount deposited for the past year
- 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. Forms may be obtained from the Intensive English Program or downloaded from the immigration website.
3. A scholarship letter from the sponsoring organization or government detailing the amount of support the student will receive.
SEVIS fee information
Click here to return to F-1 student document requirements above.
The US Department of Homeland Security charges a nonrefundable $200 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. For more detailed information on the fee payment process, go to the SEVP website. 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.