Visa Information
Note: The information on this page is particularly sensitive. Visa regulations are subject to change frequently without notice. We cannot accept any liability for the information given here. It is strongly recommended to confirm with the respective US consulate or embassy before making any travel decision.
Visitor Visa (Visa Waiver Program)
EU and Japanese citizens may travel to the United States for business or pleasure without a visa provided they have a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, and will stay for no more than 90 days.
Tourists and business people who take advantage of this program may not extend their stay in the United States beyond 90 days and may not change their visa status.
The waiver program has been extended to include nationals of the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
To enter the U.S. on this Visa Waiver Program, travelers from participating countries must be:
- A citizen of one of the countries named above, traveling on an unexpired passport AND MUST BE IN POSESSION OF INDIVIDUAL MACHINE READABLE PASSPORTS.
- Traveling for business, pleasure or transit only;
- Staying in the United States for 90 days or less;
AND if entering the United States by air or sea must be holding a return or onward ticket. If travelling on an electronic ticket, a copy of the itinerary must be carried for presentation to the immigration inspector.
Note: Students who wish to study in a program of 24 or more lessons per week should enter the country with an F-1 student visa.
Student Visa (F-1 student visa)
Students who wish to study for more than 90 days, or in a program of 24 or more lessons per week should enter the country with an F-1 student visa.
Upon entry into the U.S., each student will be required to present a valid passport, the student visa and the I-20 form. Students may also be asked to present an ELC confirmation letter and a financial support document.
ELC has fully complied with all new regulations and has been approved by the US government to issue SEVIS Form I20s. ELC will issue an I-20 form after receiving the enrollment.
After receiving the I-20 form, the student must apply for the F-1 visa at the nearest United States visa application office. Most students will be required to have an interview before receiving the visa.
Once in the United States, students with student visas must abide by all regulations governing student visa holders, maintain valid passports and I-20 forms.
Note:
- There is a courier fee to send an I-20 form if the I-20 is requested less than four weeks before the course start date.
- Effective September 1, 2004, students must bring to their embassy appointment a receipt verifying the $100 SEVIS I-90l fee has been paid.
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