Global Student Program Information Sheet
Explorations Academy is happy to host international students! Bellingham is a wonderful metropolitan and welcoming community, with a moderate climate, and also home to Western Washington University. Please review below to find out how we suggest you pursue access to our program. Questions? Reach out to Jennifer@explorationsacademy.org for more information.
What is an I-20 Form?
The I-20 is a government form through which Explorations Academy certifies to the U.S. government that you are eligible for F-1 student status. The I-20 form is issued when you have met all admission requirements, been accepted to our full-time program, and shown that you have sufficient financial resources to study and live in the USA without working. Working illegally in the USA is considered a serious offense by Immigration.
Who needs an I-20 Form?
The I-20 form is needed to obtain an F-1 student visa in the home country. F-1 is a nonimmigrant status, which is given to persons whose temporary purpose for being in the USA is for full-time study. You must make an appointment with the nearest American Embassy/Consulate in your home country and apply for an F-1 student visa. The American Embassy/Consulate requires proof of financial support to cover at least one year of expenses. In addition, document providing sufficient evidence that equal amounts will be available for every year of your study in the United States.
Financial documents MUST be in English, less than six months old, and in U.S. dollars. Original documents are required and will not be returned. The American Embassy/Consulate will also require original financial documents when you apply for an F-1 student visa in your home country. Financial documents will play an important role in whether you are granted or denied a visa. If the U.S. Consul determines that the financial documents are insufficient, the visa will be denied. Sufficient evidence that equal amounts will be available for every year of your study in the United States must also be provided.
Financial documents that are acceptable are bank statements that state savings, proof of employment in the form of an annual salary on the companies’ letterhead, also notarized (certified) letters from family members that will provide room and board in the USA. Business accounts, checking accounts, and the value of property are not acceptable.
How to get an I-20
- Request an application packet from Explorations Academy. Telephone number: (360) 671-8085. You can also get information at: www.ExplorationsAcademy.org
- Complete the admission application as instructed and send it to Explorations Academy (the complete address is on the application).
- After you are accepted, you will be mailed or you can download the Affidavit of Financial Support. Financial documents must prove that you have the financial ability to support your studies in the United States. Please read carefully the financial documents that are acceptable. The I-20 will not be issued until your financial documents meet our requirements.
- Complete the Application for Form I-20 which can be downloaded from this web site. A legible copy of the student’s passport must be attached.
- Once your financial documents are received and meet the requirements, Explorations Academy will issue you an I-20.
- When you receive your Explorations Academy 1-20, take it to the American Embassy/Consulate in your home country to apply for an F-1 student visa.
- Be prepared to explain to the Embassy/Consulate why you want to study at Explorations Academy.
Do not enter the USA on a Visitor or B type visa if you plan to attend school.
If you are not certain of your plans to study in the United States, you can request the American Embassy for a B-2 visa with the words “Prospective Student” stated on it. Be sure to take documents with you that prove you have enough financial support for your studies in the U.S.A.
Please be aware, you will not be able to get a student visa in the U.S.A. All visas are issued outside the USA by an American Embassy or Consulate.
Under no circumstance should you enter the USA without a visa.