Initial Inquiry Stage

1. Complete an online Inquiry request form (FACTS Inquiry)

2. Receive an email with answers to any requested additional information and the Online Application link.

Application Stage

1. Create your FACTS account for application. (Online Application)

2. Pay non-refundable $750 online international application deposit (instructions on payment to be shared on an individual basis due to the nature of international transactions)

3. Schedule first Video conference, during which we will schedule the official English proficiency exam.

   1. English proficiency test (choose one option):

      1. Register for the Christian Academy Administered Language Proficiency Exam (no added cost) or

      2. “Take the Duolingo English Test: This is an online test that can be taken on-demand in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with us when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session.” (Duolingo English Test link)

4. Submit Educational and Character Pieces (These must be requested by the student. The previous school must email Christian Academy directly at admissions@cagsl.net)

   1. Student Essays

   2. Parent Statement

   3. Request the Principal/Guidance Counselor Recommendation Email to be completed by a Principal or Guidance Counselor

   4. Request Math Recommendation Email to be completed by current math teacher

   5. Request English Recommendation Email to be completed by current English teacher 

   6. Request School Transcripts from current school * (the exception to  this step is a student that is transferring from a school in the United States, in this case the transcript request will be initiated by CAGSL)

5. Submit Statement of Financial Responsibility

   1. International students who are not U.S. citizens must send a statement accepting financial responsibility for all of the student’s tuition, personal expenses, and travel/vacation costs. The family should also attach an official document from the family’s bank or financial institution indicating that the funds are available. The tuition and fees listed above do not include travel expenses, spending money, or supplies, examination fees, college application fees (if applicable), and any other fees related to the student’s activities in or outside the school.

Admission and Enrollment Stage

1. Schedule your Second Student's Interview and Parent Meeting - to be conducted by our “international admissions staff”.

2. Receive acceptance email/letter

3. Host families and students/families video conference

4. Complete the final contract (regular enrollment documentation required of all accepted students)

Immigration Stage

1. I-20 is issued

2. Pay Sevis fee

3. Apply for student visa

4. Send a copy of the visa to the school

5. Send your flight information to the school

6. Receive your host family assignment

The F1 Visa is a temporary visa for students looking to come to the United States from an outside country who are interested in learning the English language or studying at any academic institution. The F1 Visa only applies to students who have been accepted to or are enrolled in a school in the U.S.

How Do I Get an F1 Visa?

First of all, you must be accepted at an accredited school. Here, we make sure that the application process is as easy as possible for our prospective students. 

After choosing a course of study in the U.S., whether an academic exchange or language learning program, you must fill out a registration request form. Christian Academy has over 45 years of experience and is now opening its doors to the international community. The pilot program was facilitated by CETUSA, and allowed CAGSL to be ready for your arrival.  The small Christian environment is friendly and safe. The perfect place for international students to build meaningful relationships, integrating into the American culture, while also helping you with finding a home.

If I live outside of the U.S., how do I apply for an F1 Visa?

Once you are accepted at the Christian Academy of Greater St Louis, you’ll receive your I-20 form and will need to provide proof that you are within the means to live within the U.S. and be able to afford the costs of your schooling and living expenses while studying there.

You will also need to apply for an F1 Visa at the U.S Consulate or Embassy, and have an interview with the embassy consular. You will benefit well by applying for your visa well in advance, as you will then have enough time to schedule an interview and have your visa processed. Keep in mind that you’ll also be asked to provide your fingerprints, through a digital scanner.

Checklist:

You’ll need to complete and submit the following forms to receive your F1 Visa.

• I-20 Form. This will be provided by CAGSL. Keep in mind that the school official must also sign this form.

• DS-160 Online Form (http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4230.html)

• Passport. The passport must have a validity date of at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.

• A 2”X 2” photograph of yourself.

• MRV fee receipt.

• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.

Some of the following documents may also be required:

• Transcripts/diplomas from any schools previously attended.

• Test scores from standardized tests, such as the SAT or TOEFL. If those are not an option, in your country of origin will administer an English proficiency exam.

• Proof that you are financially able to live within the U.S.

At times, the application process for obtaining an F1 student visa can seem very complicated. If you need assistance, feel free to call us with any questions that you might have about applying for a visa. We will be working with different contacts according to the country of origin, and those may also be a good resource for assistance with the process.

Initial International Application Deposit - $750 (This is non-refundable; however, it will count towards the total amount once accepted into the program. Rejection by the admissions team or abandonment of the application by the student will not be grounds for reimbursement.)

Total Program Cost - $16,950.00 

NOT Included in the total above:

• Duolingo English Test fee (if chosen as the proficiency evaluation method)

• Engagement and Involvement Fees (travel expenses, t-shirts, other depending on activity)

• Airfares

• Travelers Insurance

• Touristic trips/events not part of school activities

• Visa fees

• Any other incurred cost for lunches, technology, uniform, school activities, fundraising requirement, damaged or lost books, etc. will be at the expense of the student and not part of the Program Costs

• What do I do when I receive the I-20 and acceptance letter?

You will schedule your appointment at the United States Consulate in your country.

• What level of language skills will I need to go on exchange?

Becoming an exchange student does not require perfect language skills, but you should nevertheless take language into consideration when planning your exchange. Different programs may require different levels of proficiency; howver, since the Christian Academy program focuses on academics, reading, writing, and listening comprehension levels should be high enough to avoid learning impediments.

• What is a letter of recommendation?

Our program requires an academic letter of recommendation to be appended to the second-stage application. You will need a recommendation from the academic staff of your home department/school specified above who knows you as a student. We are looking for an academic and character recommendation from those individuals. The letters can be written in their native language. If written in a language other than English, the langague used must be specified.