English Language Institute
The English Language Institute (ELI) provides intensive, high-quality, non-credit instruction to non-native English Language speakers. We help students gain proficiency in English as a second language and a better understanding of American culture. As the central focus of our mission — consistent with the College’s mission to provide meaningful learning, excellent teaching and quality service — students will be provided an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment that is flexible yet goal-oriented.
The ELI is an academic unit of Florida State College and is located at Downtown Campus. The ELI serves non-degree seeking F-1 international students only. However, the ELI staff assists ELI students who wish to apply for degree programs by providing them with quality English instruction and college admission advising. The ELI helps international students acquire the foundation in English that they need to enter and excel in degree programs at Florida State College or other higher education institutions.
Services We Offer to Non-degree Seeking Students
- Pre-admission Immigration Counseling
The ELI offers pre-admission counseling to all prospective F-1 international students who wish to take non-credit English courses. New and transfer students are encouraged to make a pre-admission counseling appointment with the ELI staff. International students who reside abroad are encouraged to contact the ELI to seek pre-admission immigration counseling. - International Admission Processing (Issuance of I-20)
An I-20 Form will be sent to the international student when the applicant has been accepted as a student at the ELI. Students need an I-20 in order to apply for an F-1 visa. - Immigration status change to F-1
The ELI facilitates immigration status changes to F-1 in some cases. For more detailed information, please contact the ELI. - Reinstatement to F-1 Status
Students in F-1 status are expected to comply with immigration regulations. If they fail to comply with these regulations, they will be “out of status.” Students out of status are no longer eligible for on-campus employment, recertification of I-20 for re-entry to the US, or any other benefits of F-1 status. Please note that the application for reinstatement is made by the student directly to the USCIS. The ELI does not have a role in approving the application. Only USCIS can reinstate the status. However, the ELI advisors are available to review the application before it is submitted. - Assistance in Bringing F-2 Dependents
A spouse and children may be able to enter the U.S. with the student on an F-2 visa. The student will want to submit the family member’s application for an F-2 visa at the same time they submit their F-1. They must have their own I-20 immigration form from the ELI in order to apply for an F-2 visa. The ELI will only issue a Form I-20 for a spouse and children if the student has sufficient finances to support them. Under NO circumstances may an individual on an F-2 visa be allowed to work in the U.S. There are no exceptions. - Travel and Re-entry Advice and Authorization
International Student Services (ISS) must be notified prior to traveling outside the U.S. so that the Form I-20 can be endorsed for travel or a new form can be issued. Students must complete and submit an International Student Services “Travel Request Form” at least 10 working days prior to the anticipated travel date, although students are strongly encouraged to submit the form even earlier. - Assistance With Evaluation of Transcripts
Students will be referred to foreign transcript evaluation organizations by the ELI. - Assistance in Applying to Florida State College Credit Programs
The ELI will help students meet with academic counselors when they apply for degree programs at Florida State College for college admission advising.