A private school at the elementary and/or secondary grade level (i.e., grades K-12) is eligible to apply for SEVP certification to enroll F-1 students. Grade levels prior to kindergarten are not eligible to apply for SEVP certification. Federal regulations place no limit on the length of time F-1 students may attend a private, SEVP-certified K-12 school. F-1 students attending a private K-12 school are responsible for paying the school’s tuition. 

To learn more about the responsibilities and commitment involved with SEVP certification, please visit the Certification Responsibilities page.

English Language Training Programs

The Accreditation of English Language Training Programs Act requires all schools that issue the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," for English language training to be accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

K-12 schools that want to offer English language training program to F-1 students must petition for approval on a separate Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.” 

However, if an Initial student requires English language training support prior to the start of classes, designated school officials (DSOs) may choose a reasonable program start date to accommodate a student's need to attend any English language education or training. This should not be considered a separate program of study. DSOs should issue the Form I-20 for the K–12 program of study and indicate in the “Remarks” section that the student will be engaged in the supplemental English language training prior to the start of classes. 

For continuing F-1 students, any classes taken outside of their full course of study, including during their summer vacation or other authorized break, are considered to be incidental to status. This would include any supplemental English language training.

Dioceses

A private school that is certified by SEVP or planning to apply to SEVP as a diocese, archdiocese or similar administrative unit should use the administrative unit’s name as the main name on the school’s Form I-17. However, if the Form I-17 is only for one school within a diocese or similar administrative unit, it is best to use the school name as the main name on the Form I-17. 

Please ensure that every location where the school may have nonimmigrant students receiving instruction is listed separately on the school’s Form I-17. Review SEVP’s policy guidance on instructional sites to determine whether the school needs to add a physical location in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Visit the Study in the States reference page to find out more information about how to update the Form I-17.