Translate this page by choosing your language below:

F-1 Visa International Students

This information is for those applying for an F-1 student visa for study in the U.S.

All other visa types, permanent residents or citizens will find application information at the General Admission page.

If you have questions, see our Which ESL program is best for me? page.

Application Process

Submit your application documents to the ESL Institute as early as possible. No later than 45 days prior to the start of a term. Please contact the ESL Institute if requesting an exception.

Missing items will delay your application. Please use this printable checklist.

Completed application - online application form
US$115 new student and express mail fees payment. US$140 if applying for both ESL and undergraduate admission.
Copy of passport information page with photograph
Financial support form
Bank statement or letter to match financial support form
High school or college transcript

* Fees are subject to change. See refund policy.

Transferring?

Submit all of the same application and items listed above (#1-5), plus:

Transcript from current school or language program
Copy of current I-20 form
Copy of current I-94 form (dated within 1 week of submission)
Copy of U.S. visa page

Application and items should be sent no later than 30 days prior to the start of a term (preferred), but transfers generally do not take as long to process. Please contact the ESL office with questions.

Scanned copies of application items may be sent by email.
For courier services (such as DHL or FedEx), please use the
following physical street address:

Austin Peay State University
ESL Institute/MCR 211
681 Summer St.
Clarksville, TN 37044

Post Office mailing address:

APSU ESL Institute
Box 4478
Clarksville, TN 37044

Please ensure all items are complete; missing documents may delay processing of your application and issuing of I-20 form.

Follow instructions at your country’s U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for F-1 visa (You have your I-20 - what's next?)
Transfer students from another US school/university/college should request their current school to transfer SEVIS record after receiving admission letter. If needed, a Transfer Verification Form is available.
Complete Travel and Arrival Form.
Sign-up for a registration session.

Original I-20 form and passport with visa
Copy of I-94 form
Tuition and fees payment (See Tuition and Fees)
Completed Certificate of Immunization showing:
- Proof of two MMR immunizations.
- Proof of two varicella (chickenpox) immunizations.
- Proof of immunization against Meningococcal Meningitis. (If under 22 years old and living on campus.)
- Proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) test. (Must be dated within 30 days before the first day of classes.)
Completed and signed Health History form
Medical and Health insurance payment or proof of adequate international student insurance. See Health Requirements.

Defer Admission

Please complete the Request to Defer Admission form to notify the ESL Institute that you wish to defer your admission in the program to a future term. Forms must be signed and can be scanned by email to esl@apsu.edu.

You will need to submit new a financial support form with new supporting bank statements if the ones on file are dated more than 6 months in the past.
You will pay shipping costs of new I-20 form through eShipGlobal. See eShipGlobal payment guidelines.
Check program start date on your I-20 form:
- If your deferral request is received before your program start date or less than 60 days after your program start date, your SEVIS ID will not change and you will NOT need to the pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again.
- If your deferral request is received more than 60 days after the start of your program start date, you will be given a new SEVIS ID and you will need to the pay the SEVIS I-901 fee again.
You can continue to use your visa if you received one and it is not expired. You only need to apply for a new F-1 visa if your current one is expired.
You may not enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before the start date on the new I-20 form.

Return to ESL Home Page