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English language training programs enroll F-1 students who want to pursue an English language training course of study. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) defines two types of English language training programs:

• A “stand-alone” English language training program is an SEVP-certified institution whose officials have indicated on the school's Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student,” that the school offers only English language training programs of study.
• A “combined” English language training program is an SEVP-certified institution whose officials have indicated on the school's Form I-17 that the school offers an English language training program of study, as well as other programs of study.

It is important that both English language training students and schools understand how SEVP rules and reporting requirements relate to their unique program of study. Failing to properly comply with federal regulations may have adverse impacts on a student’s status or a school’s SEVP certification.

Requesting an Initial I-20

1. The Program Director of ELI, submits the ELI Admission E-Form through Sunapsis. Within 24 hours of his submission, the E-form will show up in alerts and be assigned to a DSO
2. The assigned DSO for ELI reviews the request and approves or puts the request in pending status.
3. Make sure to check the appended data tab. If additional information or documentation is needed, email the program director at (p3lang@utep.edu) to request the additional information.

English language training students may transfer to a different SEVP-certified school at any time, including immediately upon arrival in the United States. However, students may only make an immediate transfer if they can begin their course of study at the transfer-in school within 30 days of their arrival in the United States.

Since Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records are government property, DSOs may not refuse to transfer a student’s SEVIS record to another SEVP-certified school. However, schools may have their own internal rules and fees associated with transferring academic records. For more information, please visit the  page.

1. Program Director for ELI will submit the ELI Enrollment e-form.
2. Review the ELI Enrollment e-form
3. Once it is approved, OIP will create the I-20
4. If transferring out, s/he will also email a SEVIS Transfer form to be signed by the DSO and sent to the Transfer Out institution.

1. When the student arrives, they will report to the ELI office and submit an Arrival Check-In form, along with copies of their passport, F-1 visa, I-94, and signed I-20 to the ELI office
2. As Arrival Check-Ins come in, the ELI office will submit them to OIP via email
3. When OIP receives the Arrival Check-ins, the Front Desk staff will forward it and assign it to a DSO
4. Review the Arrival Check-In forms to make sure the information is complete
5. The DSO will now need to do a Document Check:

Like other F-1 students in the United States, English language training students must maintain their status by enrolling in a full course of study and following the rules associated with their benefits outside of the classroom. This section explains these requirements and provides links to more resources on Study in the States.

Full Course of Study

All English language training students must enroll in either 18 clock hours per week if the majority of the program consists of classroom instruction or 22 clock hours per week if the majority of the program consists of lab instruction. Online courses cannot count toward a full course of study for an English language training student.

Reduce Course Load

F-1 Language Training students must enroll in a .

Employment

• ELI students may seek approval for on-campus employment.
• ELI students are ineligible for any practical training opportunities (e.g., Optional Practical Training or Curricular Practical Training).
•  ELI students can work up to 19 hours per week while school is in session and must continue to enroll in a full course of study.
• ELI students must also obtain a Social Security number with the Social Security Administration. 

Annual Vacation

Like other F-1 students, English Language Training students are eligible for an annual vacation after they complete at least one full academic year, at an SEVP-certified school.  ELI students must consult a Designated School Official to ensure that they are eligible to take an annual vacation.

Medical Leave

If F-1 students experience a medical emergency or event and need a break from their studies, they must work with their DSO to request a temporary absence for medical conditions. The student must provide the DSO with medical documentation from a licensed medical doctor or clinical psychologist. 

• The DSO would terminate the student’s Student and Information System () record for authorized early withdrawal and the student would need to depart the United States within 15 days.
• When the student is ready to return to their program of study, the DSO would submit a correction request in SEVIS to return the student’s record to Active. The student’s absence should not exceed five months.

The student must always talk to their DSO before they stop attending classes, otherwise the student risks having their SEVIS record terminated.  To return to F-1 status, they will be expected to pay the SEVIS fee again.  In some instances, they may have to apply for a new F-1 visa.