Student Testimonials
In the past year, our students came from more than 50 different countries, with 35 nationalities represented in the last semester!
Anethe from Mexico
I’m glad to have met new people that now are so special. Although it was just 15 weeks, it is enough to learn what I need to learn and also learn about culture and other languages. I know that I need to learn more things and that learning a new language is not easy, but HOFT just gave me the tools to have the idea how to improve myself, although I’m so shy to speak and I’m so bad at explaining what I’m thinking, my experience was satisfactory because I didn’t just learn a little bit of English. Thank you for these three semesters in HOFT I really appreciate it.
Aman from India
This school is great with highly qualified English teaching skills. The staff and other people were helpful and friendly. The courses and material provided by the school for different levels are so reliable and appropriate. In all my classes I enjoyed using those books to build up my vocabulary.
Jose from Brazil
I had a great experience here. This semester I met new students from different countries. I think that this opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultures is very rich for everybody. Owners, directors, teachers, and staff work to create a pleasant ambiance. And it is clear to me, the effort they do to promote student interaction and integration. This way we can feel motivated to come here, to study more, and to continue fighting to reach our goals.
Genna from Russia
I would like to say some thankful words for this wonderful school. I appreciate all the teachers and students whom I studied with. It was really exciting spending time with all of you. Thank you very much. It was beautiful.
Change Your Visa Status to F1
A change of status is not the best option for everyone. Sometimes, leaving the country and applying for an F-1 can be cheaper, faster and easier. If you are unsure, you can email english@hoft.edu for advice.
Please note: The US Government recommends that students apply for their change of status at least 45 days before their 1-94 expires.
How to Change Your Status
We recommend you use an attorney.
Click here for a list of immigration attorneys who can help you in Austin.
Below is what our school will need:
Completed Application
$150 Application Fee
Copy of Passport (and passports of dependents)
Statement of Purpose – 3-4 sentences written by the student explaining why they want to study English.
Recent bank statement (less than one year old) showing at least US$8000 for one semester, or $16,000 for a full year (both of these also require an additional $2000 for each dependent, if applicable)
Sponsor letter (if the student will not pay for their own living expenses) – Must include the account holder’s name, their relationship with the student. This letter must state that the sponsor will cover any living expenses (rent, tuition and so on) while the student is in the United States.
If you are changing your status INSIDE the US, you will need to provide us with the following items in addition to the items listed above before we can issue the I-20:
$350 nonrefundable admin fee
$3500 tuition deposit for the first session of the 15 week program (only refundable if the change of status is denied)
Once we have received these documents and payments our Student Advisor will create the student’s I-20.
How the Immigration Attorney will help:
You will also need to mail the following documents to the Department of Homeland Security:
1) Evidence of financial support which covers the amount of time to be shown on the I-20
2) Form I-20 (provided by HOFT Institute)
3) Receipt showing payment of SEVIS Fee – payable directly to the Department of Homeland Security online at www.fmjfee.com after obtaining an I-20 from the ESL Program Director.
4) A letter written to USCIS requesting permission and explaining the reason for a change to F-1 status.
5) Copy of passport, current visa, and I-94 card (stapled in your passport) and any other documents verifying your current status (i.e. I-797, dependent I-20, etc.)
7) Cashier’s check or money order payable to “Department of Homeland Security”
8) Form I-539 (http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-539.pdf)
If you have any questions, please contact us at that email, or by phone at 512-472-6666. We are available by phone from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
F1 Student Visa Application
Applying for your F-1 Student Visa
You can get your F-1 visa and study English in the United States. Here are the steps.
You should apply to HOFT Institute online application + $150 application fee
We will review your application, and we may ask you for any additional documents
You can send these additional documents to english@hoft.edu for reviewWe will create your I-20, and we will email a copy of your I-20 to review
The I-20 has your school start date. You will need this information and the I-20 for your F-1 visa application.Our adviser will email your I-20 to you
We will email you an electric copy of your I-20. You will need your physical I-20 for the F-1 visa interview.Then, you can pay the I-901 Fee (US Government SEVIS Fee)
Link: SEVIS Fee
SEVIS Fee instructions
You will also need the receipt of payment for the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee. You may pay the fee by credit card at www.fmjfee.com. To pay the fee, you must look at your I-20 form. You must enter your SEVIS ID number (top-left corner of the I-20 form) along with our School Code (Section number 2). You should print your receipt after paying the SEVIS I-901 fee. You must take this receipt, this letter and your I-20 to the United States Embassy or Consulate when you apply for your F-1 student visa.Then, you can make an appointment at the nearest US Embassy in your country
Each embassy has fees. You can ask your embassy for more information about its fees. Practice for the F-1 Visa Interview: F-1 Visa Interview Questions
After F-1 Visa Approval
Congratulations! You are coming to the United States! You can buy your airplane ticket.
First, you should contact english@hoft.edu and give us your arrival date. You can arrive in the United States 30 days before the start date on your I-20. You cannot arrive more than 30 days early.
Next, you should make detailed plans:
Housing | Airport Pickup
Student InsuranceFinally, you should go to HOFT Institute
You can look at your I-20 form. The I-20 form has your school start date. Do you want to visit us before your official start date? You can visit us early and say, “Hello!”
FAQ
After I finish one semester at HOFT, do I need to leave the United States immediately?
Once you complete one semester at HOFT, you have many options.
1. You can apply for the next semester at HOFT Institute.
2. You can transfer your I-20 to a college or university.
3. You can choose to return to your home country. If you choose to return to your home country, you will have 60 days to leave the United States.
Do I need to leave the country to extend my I-20 form?
No. HOFT Institute can extend your I-20 inside the United States. There may be some exceptions, so we can help you explore your options.
After HOFT, can I transfer to a university without returning to my home country?
Yes. First, you will need an acceptance letter from the university.
Do I get a vacation?
Yes! After 2 consecutive semesters at HOFT, you can enjoy a vacation for 1 semester. Basically, you attend 2 semesters, and you can stay in the United States for 3 semesters! You can also use the vacation to study for your GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or TSI.
After I successfully finish Level 5 English at HOFT, can you help me transfer to a university?
Yes. We have special university partners. Some of these partner schools will waive your TOEFL requirements.
Need Help? HOFT helps prospective students with I-20 Forms and obtaining student visas. We look forward to having you in our ESL classes and helping you plan your visit to the United States. Contact us to begin the process of applying for admission and learning English in the USA!
Transfer Your I-20
Documents Required
1. Completed Application Form
2. $150 application fee
(non-refundable, and payable online at the link above)
3. Photocopy of passport
4. Photocopy of current visa (if needed)
5. Statement of Purpose
A brief statement written by the applicant explaining why he or she wants to study English in the United States; This should be at least three sentences, and usually starts with “I want to study English because…”
6. Recent Bank Statement
This must clearly list the account holder’s name, a date within the past year, and a current balance in excess of $8,000 USD if you want to study one semester, or $16,000 if you want to study for a year (both require an additional $2,000 for each dependent if it is relevant). If the student is not listed as the primary account holder on the bank statement, then a sponsor letter is also required.
7. Sponsor Letter
This must include the account holder’s name, their relationship to the applicant, the applicant’s name, and a statement acknowledging the sponsor agrees to cover the student’s tuition, fees, housing, food, textbooks, and personal expenses throughout the duration of the student’s stay in the United States.
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After receiving all of the documents above and the transfer deposit, HOFT will provide a Transfer-In Form. It will be completed by a student advisor or designated school official (DSO) at your current school. The transferred deposit is non-refundable, but it will be used for the first semester’s tuition, so it is not an extra cost.
8 .Transfer-In Form
9. $250 Transfer Deposit
You can submit these documents by email at english@hoft.edu. If you have any questions, please contact us at that email, or by phone at 512-472-6666. We are available by phone from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Student Insurance Options
Insurance is very important in the United States.
The Student Secure plan offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable rate.
internationalstudentinsurance.com/schools/hoft-institute.php
At least 15 days
Monthly plans
Cancel any time
May Include: mental health, maternity, organized sports, pre-existing medical conditions, and emergency dental
Please note that HOFT does not endorse any options on this page.