International Students
F-1 Student Visa Information
ILI Maryland is authorized under federal law to enroll F-1 students in its full-time Intensive English Program and issue Form I-20 to eligible applicants.
Important F-1 Regulatory Update — September 2026
The existing Duration of Status (D/S) framework remains in effect. The fixed-period admission rule scheduled for September 15, 2026 was blocked by a federal court before taking effect. While the injunction remains in place, the new fixed-admission periods and related extension procedures are not currently operative.
Because litigation is ongoing, this information may change. ILI will continue to monitor official guidance. Last updated: September 2026.
Applying for an I-20
Students coming to the United States primarily to study full time in ILI Maryland’s Intensive English Program generally need F-1 student status. To request a Form I-20:
- Submit the ILI Maryland application and indicate that you are requesting a Form I-20.
- Submit a clear copy of the biographical/picture page of your passport.
- Submit the financial-support documentation required by ILI Maryland for your intended period of study.
- Pay ILI Maryland’s $100 registration fee.
ILI reviews admission and financial documentation before issuing a Form I-20 and may request additional information when needed.
Applying from Outside the U.S.
After ILI issues your Form I-20, applicants generally pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, complete the U.S. Department of State visa application process, and schedule a visa interview when required. Follow the current instructions of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.
SEVIS & I-901 Fee
SEVIS is the U.S. government system used to maintain information about F-1 students. The current I-901 SEVIS fee for F-1 students is $350.
Maintaining F-1 Status at ILI Maryland
F-1 students must maintain a full course of study in the Intensive English Program and follow applicable federal requirements and ILI academic and attendance policies.
- Enroll full time in ILI Maryland’s approved Intensive English Program.
- English-language training students cannot count online or distance-education classes toward the F-1 full-course-of-study requirement.
- Maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress under ILI policy.
- Keep passport and immigration documents valid.
- Speak with an ILI Designated School Official (DSO) before transferring schools, changing programs, taking a break, traveling internationally, or making another change that could affect F-1 status.
- Employment for F-1 English-language students is highly restricted; consult a DSO before accepting or beginning employment.
Transfer Students
F-1 students transferring from another SEVP-certified school should apply to ILI Maryland and provide the admission, identity and financial documentation requested by the school. After admission, the student works with the current school’s DSO and ILI Maryland to arrange the SEVIS transfer release.
Transfer timing depends on the student’s circumstances. Coordinate with the DSOs at both schools rather than relying only on a general grace-period rule.
Change to F-1 Status
A person in the United States in another eligible nonimmigrant status may be able to apply to USCIS to change to F-1 status, generally using Form I-539. Eligibility and filing requirements depend on the person’s current status and circumstances.
ILI Maryland can provide the school documents needed for an eligible applicant’s case after admission and I-20 requirements are satisfied. USCIS—not ILI—determines whether a change-of-status application is approved.
Official Student-Visa Resources
U.S. Department of State — Student Visas
DHS Study in the States
USCIS — Form I-539
Immigration rules can change and individual circumstances differ. ILI provides school and SEVIS guidance but does not provide legal advice.
Questions About Studying at ILI Maryland?
Contact our Maryland admissions team about the Intensive English Program, I-20 application process or transferring to ILI.