Intensive English Communication Program (IECP)

1. Apply to the IECP and gain admission

Students first must be accepted by the program prior to requesting I-20/DS-2019 documents. Please complete the Application Process with the IECP, including paying the application fee.

1. Apply to the IECP and gain admission

Students first must be accepted by the program prior to requesting I-20/DS-2019 documents. Please complete the Application Process with the IECP, including paying the application fee.

2. Prepare financial guarantee information

IECP students must show proof of funding for the duration of enrollment. Refer to the chart below for financial guarantee requirements. Bank documents should be accompanied by a Letter of Support.

2. Prepare financial guarantee information

IECP students must show proof of funding for the duration of enrollment. Refer to the chart below for financial guarantee requirements. Bank documents should be accompanied by a Letter of Support.

Bringing a Spouse or Child:

If you will be accompanied by dependent spouse or children, you are fully responsible for their support. Additional funds are required to show support for both living expenses and mandatory health insurance. Health insurance coverage is mandatory for all accompanying dependents for the duration of their F-2 or J-2 status. Inquire with uhs-insurance@psu.edu for more information about health insurance.

Additional annual support for spouse: $10,200 (Includes $4,200 for mandatory health insurance)

Additional annual support for first child: $7,700 (Includes $4,200 for mandatory medical insurance)

Additional annual support for second child: $7,700 (Includes $4,200 for mandatory medical insurance)

Additional annual living support for additional children: $3,300 (Mandatory medical insurance covered for more than 2 children)

Bringing a Spouse or Child:

If you will be accompanied by dependent spouse or children, you are fully responsible for their support. Additional funds are required to show support for both living expenses and mandatory health insurance. Health insurance coverage is mandatory for all accompanying dependents for the duration of their F-2 or J-2 status. Inquire with uhs-insurance@psu.edu for more information about health insurance.

Additional annual support for spouse: $10,200 (Includes $4,200 for mandatory health insurance)

Additional annual support for first child: $7,700 (Includes $4,200 for mandatory medical insurance)

Additional annual support for second child: $7,700 (Includes $4,200 for mandatory medical insurance)

Additional annual living support for additional children: $3,300 (Mandatory medical insurance covered for more than 2 children)

3. Request I-20/DS-2019 through iStart

Ater you are admitted to the IECP, Pre-Arrival Advising will email you with iStart log-in information for requesting an I-20 or DS-2019. Pre-Arrival Advising is a unit within International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA).

Once all required documents are submitted, Pre-Arrival Advising will review your case. It may take 3 weeks to review each case during peak periods. You will be informed by email when your case is approved and your I-20/DS-2019 is issued.

3. Request I-20/DS-2019 through iStart

Ater you are admitted to the IECP, Pre-Arrival Advising will email you with iStart log-in information for requesting an I-20 or DS-2019. Pre-Arrival Advising is a unit within International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA).

Once all required documents are submitted, Pre-Arrival Advising will review your case. It may take 3 weeks to review each case during peak periods. You will be informed by email when your case is approved and your I-20/DS-2019 is issued.

4. Monitor your email for I-20/DS-2019.

Students must receive the visa document directly. We cannot ship your documents to a third party.

I-20 and DS-2019 documents will be sent electronically by email. The document must be printed and signed by the student for visa processes and travel.

4. Monitor your email for I-20/DS-2019.

Students must receive the visa document directly. We cannot ship your documents to a third party.

I-20 and DS-2019 documents will be sent electronically by email. The document must be printed and signed by the student for visa processes and travel.

5. Apply for a U.S. Visa.

We recommend Study in the States as a resource for learning more about the visa process.

Your visa interview will be very short. Be prepared to tell the Consular officer:

Why you want to study English in the United States

Why you want to study with the IECP at Penn State

Your plans after you finish studies with the IECP

Ties with your home country - for example, family members who will remain in your home country, career plans in your home country, property in your home country, family members who have returned to your home country

Honest answers-you should answer each question truthfully

If you do not understand the question--it is OK to ask the consular officer to repeat a question