Application Procedures

Please read these instructions carefully before returning your application to us. Our postal mailing address is:

Center for English as a Second Language
University of Kentucky
1235 Patterson Office Tower
Lexington, KY 40506- 0027
USA

To apply for admission, mail by post:

1. Completed application form. Remember, the applicant must sign and date the application. Write your name on the application exactly as it appears on your passport.
2. $50 application fee and $100 deposit by check or money order, payable to the Center for English ($150 total). These costs are non-refundable. [The deposit will be refunded if a visa is denied and documented proof is presented at least two weeks before the start of the session.] The deposit will be applied toward tuition.
3. Completed financial certificate signed by your sponsor. Your sponsor is the person who provides the money.
4. A bank letter which is no more than 60 days old that verifies financial support of at least $9,400 (for two sessions). The bank letter should be in English and give U.S. dollar amounts.
5. Two passport-size photographs (black-and-white, or color).
6. High School and/or University transcript.

To apply for transfer from another U.S. school, mail by post:

1. Items 1-6 listed above.
2. Letter from the school you are attending verifying your dates of attendance. We will send a form to them to verify your eligibility to transfer and other SEVIS information.
3. Photocopy of your visa and I-94 card. If you are in F-1 status, also send a copy of your I-20.

To apply for admission if you want to change your current non-immigrant status:
The Immigration and Naturalization Service advises you to apply for a change of status at least 45 days before your current status expires. You will therefore need to apply here 50-60 days before your status expires.

VERY IMPORTANT: Visitors in B-1/B-2 status can not begin their studies until their change of status has been approved.

Incomplete Applications
If your application is not complete, we will let you know what documents are still needed.

Acceptance by the Center for English

When we receive all the documents required for your admission, we will send you a letter of acceptance and an I-20, if you request one. If you want your I-20 returned by DHL, please send an additional $45-U.S. with your application. We will bill you if it costs more.

Your I-20 will give the last date you can arrive in the United States. It requires that you arrive in time to take the placement test and attend the orientation for all new students.

Make your travel reservations AFTER you receive your letter of admission and I-20, not before.

Do not come to the United States as a tourist if you have requested an I-20. You may not be able to change your status to student after you get here.

Plan ahead. Apply early so you have time to make reservations and meet deadlines.

Do you have questions we didn't answer? Please contact us.