Future Students
For more than 40 years, the Language and Culture Institute has been teaching students the language skills needed to enroll in Virginia Tech and other U.S. colleges and universities, as well as providing instruction to students who want to improve their general English ability for professional or personal reasons.
During your first week in our Pre-AVT Intensive English program, AdvantageVT program, or AdvantageVT-Master's program, you will participate in an orientation session. You will take a language placement test, review all institute policies, get introduced to the area, and begin learning about American life and culture.
Before You Arrive
A move to a new city or country is daunting at any age. You are never quite sure what to expect. Our pre-arrival information will, hopefully, answer any questions you may have.
Visas
Most students will attend programs at the institute on a student visa, also called an F-1 Visa. A Form I-20, issued by the school, is required for this visa. When you apply for a program on our website, you will be asked if you require a Form I-20. You will reply “Yes” to this question. When you apply, you will need to submit all of the documents requested, including proof of financial support for your stay.
When you receive your I-20, you will immediately apply for a student visa at your nearest U.S. Consulate. The steps for applying for the visa are as follows:
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Make sure to keep your I-901 receipt with your documents.
- Make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Make sure to bring all required and request documents to the appointment.
Participants in some special programs at the LCI will be issued DS-2019s, which are used to obtain an Exchange Visitor Visa. The steps to apply for this visa are the same as those for the F-1 Visa.
More information on student visas is available on the travel.state.gov website.
The decision on whether or not to grant a student or exchange visitor visa is entirely up to U.S. Consular Officers. Virginia Tech is not responsible for any delays in processing visas or decisions on the part of the U.S. government to refuse visa applications.
