Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll in Temple University’s IELP program if I am already studying at another school or in another English program in the U.S.?

If you are transferring to a Temple's Intensive English Language Program, you will need the international student advisor at your current school to fill out a transfer recommendation letter. We need to receive the completed form before we can issue an acceptance letter.

How long will it take to mail out a welcome packet and I-20?

It typically takes our office three days to send out a welcome packet and I-20 after we have received a complete application. This might be delayed if information is missing. We will contact you by email if we need additional information to process an I-20. (Be sure to check the email address you provided on the application.)

How long will it take to receive my welcome packet and I-20 once it is mailed?

You will receive your welcome packet and I-20 by UPS express courier. When the packet arrives differs based on your country. We will email the UPS tracking information to you so you can follow the package’s progress.  

I want to bring my family with me to the U.S. How do I do that?

If you are in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and are a current student, you may bring a spouse or children as dependents to the U.S. You must submit a passport for each dependent and you financial documents must show an additional $4,000 for a spouse and $2,500 for each child.

What types of financial documentation are acceptable?

The following types of financial documentation are acceptable:

  • Bank statements

  • Employment letters

  • Affidavit of support (must be accompanied by a bank statement)

  • Assistantship letters from Temple University

  • Government scholarship

  • Company sponsorship

Find out more about acceptable types of financial documents.

I received my welcome packet and I-20. What do I do now?

Visit our Next Steps page.

How do I defer my studies?

You may defer your studies by completing a deferral request form. If your financial documents are more than six months old, you will be asked to submit updated documents.

 

When should I defer my studies?

You should defer your studies if

  • you do not have enough time to get a visa,

  • you need to begin your studies at a later date, or

  • your visa was denied and you want to reapply for it.

 

How many times can I defer my studies?

You may defer your studies two times without incurring a fee. After your second request to defer, you will be charged a fee of $100 per request.

If you already have paid your SEVIS fee, you do not have to pay it again as long as you re-apply for the SEVIS within 12 months of your first denial.

If your initial application was submitted more than one year ago, you must reapply to IELP and re-apply for a new SEVIS.