Apply to UB’s English Language Institute

Please read the instructions on this page carefully before submitting your application. The ELI Application is for students who intend to study only English. Students wishing to study English and academic coursework for a degree should apply for conditional admission.

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Students applying to ELI from outside the US

Students who need an initial I-20 to apply for an F1 student visa to study at ELI only:

Important information:

  • Your I-20 will be issued by International Admissions and will be for language study only.
  • The length of time you can study on our I-20 depends on which level you test into and will be no more than 12 months.

Steps to take:

  • Complete ELI Application form
  • Include a copy of the information & photo pages of your passport
  • Include a color scan of an original bank statement showing at least one session’s tuition & living expenses. (See the current cost estimate)
    • If bank account is not in student’s name, account holder must fill out Affidavit of Financial Support on 2nd page of application.

Students applying to transfer to ELI

Students currently studying at another school in the US on an F1 Student Visa who wish to transfer to UB’s English Language Institute to study English only:

Important information:

  • You must first apply.
  • Once you are accepted to ELI, you will receive a Transfer Form. Your current school needs to fill out and return the transfer form to us and then transfer your SEVIS record to us.
  • You will receive a new I-20 after you arrive here and register
  • You must begin studying at ELI at the next session after you are transferred in SEVIS.

Steps to take:

  • Complete an ELI Application form
  • Include a copy of the information & photo pages of your passport, the visa page, and the front page of all I-20s received
  • Include a color scan of an original bank statement showing at least one session’s tuition & living expenses. (See the current cost estimate)
    • If the bank account is not in your name, the account holder must fill out the Affidavit of Financial Support on the 2nd page of the application.

Once accepted, give the Transfer Form to your current school. (The Transfer Form will be included in your admission packet.)

  • Check with your current school to be sure your SEVIS record has been transferred.
  • Receive your new I-20 after you have registered.

Together, let’s start something great.

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