Enroll

Student Visa (I-20)

In order to stay in the United States as a full-time student, you are required to have a student visa (F-1).  After you send us the complete application packet, we may issue the form of I-20.  The processing period for the I-20 form is approximately one week.  You will be asked to take it to an interview for an F-1 visa at the American Embassy in your country.  

To apply for an F-1 visa, visit travel.state.gov for detailed information.

Students who achieve a score of 450 (iBT 45) or more on the TOEFL after studying at MCELI are eligible to apply as international students at Merced College. It is also possible to audit or take a credit course according to English skill level while studying at MCELI. The staff will assist students with the Merced College application process.

International Students who have already achieved a TOEFL score of 450 (iBT 45), IELTS 5, or Eiken 2A or higher are eligible to enter Merced College directly. For more information, please see the International Students section.

Class Schedule

We have an open enrollment policy. Students can start any Monday during the term. The tuition fee will be prorated weekly. 

How to Enroll

Admission to MCELI is open to all individuals holding an F-1 visa.  Students must provide written proof with their application of their ability to support themselves in the United States or provide documentation of support provided by a sponsor.

A transfer student from another ESL school is required to submit the same documentation below.  A transfer clearance form (found in the forms section of our resources page) is required for us to issue an acceptance letter.

To apply for the MCELI, the following items must be submitted with the online application.

1. Complete the MCELI Online Application Form
   Found in the forms section of our resources page.
2. Financial Guarantee with Bank Statement
   The name of the account holder must match the name of the sponsor who is responsible for the tuition & living expenses of the student while in the U.S..
   A recent Statement must show the amount of $22,000.00 or more in U.S. dollars (issued within one year).
3. Submit an official High School transcript and/or post secondary school translated into the English language.
4. Submit a letter of academic recommendation explaining your educational achievements and goals.
5. Application fee payment of $350
   Fill out the credit card payment form is included in the application packet.
   For other fees, please refer to the Fees Page. 
6.  Submit the Health Examination Report  
   International applicants are required to submit a Health Examination Report. Please take the health form to a clinic, and have your doctor complete the form after the examination.

Students who successfully complete the application and are accepted by MCELI will receive a form I-20 from Merced College within one week.  The I-20 allows students to study at MCELI with an F-1 visa.