(1888PressRelease)
July 06, 2006 - Jacksonville, FL -- International students have found it a lot tougher to enter the United States to study since the September 11 terrorist attacks. In a continuing effort to streamline the enrollment process, the University of North Florida’s English Language Program recently developed a comprehensive 12-step checklist to help students cut through the red tape and make getting their I-20 and F-1 student visa faster and easier.
"The process, which once took only a matter of hours, began taking several months after nine-eleven," said Ruth Harrold, director of the English Language Program at the University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville. "That’s why we developed our I-20, F-1 visa checklist, which is downloadable from our website (www.studyenglishinusa.com/student_visa_checklist.pdf).
"The checklist lays out the total process, step by step," she said, "and includes tips and insights for successfully getting through it. This includes making application to the school, securing the form I-20 and submitting a statement of financial responsibility, satisfying the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement requirements, making an appointment to go to the U.S. embassy or consulate office, having a successful interview, and what to do if you get denied.
"Advisers in our English Language Program are available at every step in the I-20, F-1 visa process to answer questions, give advice and help qualified students in any way possible," she said.
"Our staff is thoroughly trained to assist either in person, by telephone, through e-mail, or via our program’s website. We provide accurate, complete, and timely information not only about our English Language Program but also sound guidance on how best to get enrolled. We receive constant updates about United States immigration law and security requirements, so we’re fully equipped to provide guidance on the student visa application process, the interview and anything else," said Harrold.
Since 1997 nearly 1,000 international students from 35 nations have studied English at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Students can choose from beginning or advanced, full-time or part-time, academic, business or vocationally-oriented programs, as well as programs for working professionals who need to upgrade their positions back home or professionals who need to obtain their licenses to practice in the United States.
For more information, contact:
University of North Florida / Division of Continuing Education
English Language Program-Institute (ELP-ELI)
12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224-2678
Phone: 904.620.4281
Fax: 904.620.4210
Website: www.studyenglishinusa.com
###
