Application Process

• F-1 Visa Full-Time Academic Students
• F-1 Visa Transfer Students
  (Other visa types may be eligible for study as 'non F-1' students, see below)
• Maintaining your Visa Compliance
• Non F-1 Students
  (Citizens, permanent residents, J-1 au pairs, dependents, etc. - students may study full time or part time)
  
  

F-1 Full-Time Academic Students

Applications to the ESL Institute should be made as early as possible. Visa regulations state that you cannot enter the United States earlier than 30 days prior to the start of your first semester of classes; please plan your travel schedule accordingly. Additional details are found at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) site.

Application Requirements

F-1 students must submit the following items in order for APSU to issue the I-20 document. We cannot issue the I-20 until all of these items are received and verified. View this printable checklist.

• Completed application - online application form or printable application form
• US$240 application fee and advance payment*
• Copy of passport information page with photograph
• Financial sufficiency form

• High school and/or college transcript; an original provided by the institution and translated into English – photocopies are not acceptable.

• Proof of two MMR immunizations, a negative TB test, health insurance and a signed health history form are also required by registration and will be accepted with the application if available. Details are available on the Health & Insurance page of this website.

* Fees are subject to change

Please ensure all items are complete; missing documents may delay the processing of your application and I-20. Submit payment and all application materials to the following address:

Austin Peay State University
ESL Institute
Box 4678
Clarksville, TN 37044

I-20 Certificate and Visa

An I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Visa) will be issued to international students who have been accepted by the ESL Institute. It is the responsibility of the student to use the I-20 form to apply for the F-1 student visa from the nearest U.S. Embassy. Further details can be found at the ICE website.

The costs to express mail an I-20 document are not covered by the ESL Institute. A fee of $65* is charged at registration to cover those costs. If the actual charges for a particular student is found to be higher than $65, the student will be expected to pay the additional cost.

(* Fees are subject to change.)

You have your I-20...what's next?

We have provided a summary of steps to assist you with getting your F-1 student visa once you receive your I-20.  Further details .

Health Insurance

All international non-immigrant students are required to have medical/hospitalization insurance prior to completing registration. Students may purchase coverage through the University or show proof at registration of adequate coverage from another provider.

This is an important requirement - Further details.

Campus Housing and Meals

Limited housing in campus residence halls is available for full-time ESL students; all housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis so apply early - BEFORE you arrive on campus.  Meal plan options are also available for purchase.  Visit these links for detailed steps or for general information about campus housing.  Contact the ESL Institute at 931-221-6270 for more details about applying for campus housing or purchasing a meal plan.

Transfer F-1 Students

The student must submit all of the same application documents, application fee and advance tuition payment as noted above for all F-1 international students. Click here for a printable checklist and online application or hard-copy application form.

In addition, the transfer student must ask his/her current U.S. institution to submit a photocopy of the Form I-20/IAP-66 or DS-2019, Form I-94, U.S. visa page, and passport information pages to the ESL Institute along with the Transfer Verification Form.

Non F-1 Students

For other students from the Clarksville community registration is simple - just submit the online application form along with payment. You may take only one class or up to a full-time load. If you prefer, a paper application is available at printable application form. Payment can be made at the McReynolds Building on the APSU main campus. Credit card payments can also be made via telephone by calling (931) 221-7816.

Please contact the ESL Institute for for more information.

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