Admissions
The process, the paperwork, and what to bring.
High Expectations is SEVP certified to enroll F-1 students. If you’re applying on an F-1 visa, the steps and forms below are for you. If you’re already in the U.S., there’s a different path — pick yours first.
F-1 process
From application to your first day.
Six steps between sending us your application and walking into your first 11-week session. Our admissions director, PDSO, and DSO handle the paperwork — you stay focused on the visa interview and the move.
Submit your application
Send us your completed application form, a copy of your passport biographical page, transcripts or diplomas, and the financial documentation that shows you can support your studies in the U.S.
Receive your I-20
Once we process your application, we issue an I-20 form and send it to you by mail or secure email. High Expectations is SEVP certified to issue I-20s for F-1 students.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Once you have your I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online before your visa interview. Keep the receipt — you’ll need it at the embassy and at the U.S. port of entry.
Apply for your F-1 visa
Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Bring your I-20, SEVIS receipt, financial documents, passport, the DS-160 confirmation, and your application fee receipt.
Travel to the U.S.
Once your visa is approved, you can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date. Travel with your I-20 and your passport-with-visa — you’ll show both at the port of entry.
Visit us and start class
Stop by 2 Florence Street to complete the final enrollment paperwork, take the short placement test, and meet your instructors. New 11-week sessions start four times a year — we’ll have you in class as soon as the next one opens.
Forms
Every form you might need.
Application, transfer, SEVIS fee, and the government forms most F-1 prospects ask about. Each card opens the form directly — we mark when a link leaves our site.
Apply to the IELP
Start your application. We process it and send the I-20 form F-1 students need for the visa interview.
Transfer student form
For F-1 students currently enrolled at another U.S. school. Fill the student section, then ask your current DSO to complete theirs.
SEVIS fee
The fee F-1 students pay before their visa interview. Keep the receipt for the embassy and the U.S. port of entry.
Extend or change of status
If you’re already in the U.S. on a different visa and want to change to F-1, file I-539 with USCIS instead of leaving the country.
Affidavit of support
A sponsor’s pledge of financial support. F-1 students whose tuition is covered by a parent, relative, or sponsor in the U.S. file this with their application.
Make a payment
Pay tuition or your application deposit online. Handled through SwipeSimple — secure and immediate.
Before your visit
What to bring.
The placement test takes about 30 minutes. Bring the items below so we can finish enrollment in one visit instead of two.
If you’re applying on an F-1 visa
From abroad or transferring from another U.S. school. We’ll review these for I-20 issuance.
- Passport (biographical page + visa page, if any)
- Financial documentation (bank statement showing funds for the academic year, or sponsor’s I-134 + their bank statement)
- Transcripts or diplomas (most recent school, English or translated)
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt (once paid)
- I-20 from your current school (transfer applicants only)
- Tuition deposit (cash, card, or via SwipeSimple online)
If you’re not on a student visa
Green card holder, work visa, asylum status, or citizen. No I-20 paperwork needed.
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- A way to pay (card, cash, or SwipeSimple online)
- Optional — previous English certificates or transcripts (helps us place you faster)
Don’t have something on the list? Come anyway. We can start the placement test and tell you what to bring back. Schedule a visit to confirm a time first.
Download a printable checklist:
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Ready to apply?
The paperwork is easier with us in the room.
Schedule a visit and we’ll walk through the application with you in person — the deposit, the I-20, the SEVIS fee, and whatever else applies. Or apply straight through online if you already know what you need.
Questions? Read the admissions FAQ →