Applicants who have the F1 visa/status or are applying to obtain the F1 visa/status 

  1. Carefully read the Student Handbook
  2. Pay an Application Fee & Tuition Deposit
    • *(Non-refundable), $200.
    • Transfers: Tuition: $ 600 per 4-week period.
    • Initial & CoS Applicants: Tuition Deposit: 1,200/session (8 weeks)
  3. Complete and sign the enrollment agreement.
    • This agreement automatically extends upon payment for the next learning period.
  4. The student MUST provide the required documents
    • A copy of passport, visa, and I-94 (including dependents)
      • Initial F1 students submit a copy of their passport, then visa, and I-94 upon approval
      • Transfer students – Must provide their I-797A if they changed their status
      • Change of Status student – must provide I-797A if previously changed status
    • A copy of a bank statement (checking or savings) showing a minimum balance of USD 20,000.00 for single applicants. Applicants with dependents will add $5,000 per dependent to the minimum balance.
      • Bank statements or bank letters MUST be in ENGLISH
      • A Statement of Support (i.e., bank statement/letter) must be provided, identifying the source of financial funds during the student’s enrollment period. This statement is required by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to prove that the student has enough financial support to remain in the USA without working
      • If the applicant is using a sponsor, they must complete an SSL Sponsor Form.

Transfer students must provide a copy of their current Form I-20. 

The student must pay a courier fee for expedited shipping to send the necessary documents to obtain their visa. *(Non-refundable, unless in case of cancellation and documents have not been shipped)

Students who are applying as Non-F1 (do not need an I-20)

  1. Carefully read the Student Handbook
  2. Pay an application fee *(Non-refundable), $200.
  3. Fill out and sign an enrollment agreement.
    • This agreement automatically extends upon payment for the next learning period.
    • NF1 Applicants: Tuition: $600/4 weeks.
  4. Provide an ID. e.g., passport, driver’s license, state-issued photo ID, etc.
Fill Out an Application

REMEMBER: Complete orientation before the program’s starting date. You will receive information about the orientation dates and times alongside your acceptance letter.

Read More: Admission is open to all individuals seeking to learn English for college, personal, or professional enrichment. Though SSL and courses are primarily designed for students aged 18 and older, we still welcome students aged 16 and above. However, guardians of students under 18 studying at SSL will be asked to complete a parental permission and medical consent form at the time of booking. The school does reserve the right to deny admission to applicants for any reason.

To issue an I-20 from SSL, we must receive a completed enrollment agreement, supporting documents, and a paid invoice (application fee + tuition deposit). Transfer and reinstatement students must complete their placement test before receiving an acceptance letter.

The Shepherd School of Language is a non-credit, short-term program that does not award academic credit or grades. Therefore, no academic credit is transferred into or out of SSL.

The I-20 will be issued during the first week of classes for F-1 students.