The Foreign Student Advisor assists students with college admission and visa problems. Students who complete the top level of the intensive English program can be admitted to nearby colleges without submitting a TOEFL score. Continuing Education in the US Colleges and Universities There are, of course, many outstanding colleges and universities in the United States, some of which are located right here in the San Francisco bay area. Students who complete our intensive English program commonly continue their studies in community colleges or universities. The ESL Institute has an agreement with certain community colleges whereby students who successfully complete the Advanced II level will be accepted to College of San Mateo, Foothill College, De Anza College, Skyline College or New College of California without having to submit a TOEFL score to the college. (It is important to note that the student will not be accepted automatically. He/she must complete the application form for the college and submit all required documents, except the TOEFL score). If a student wishes to transfer to another college or university, he or she must notify the Foreign Student Advisor. The Immigration Service permits transfers for valid educational reasons, but will not permit frequent transfers. Visa and I-20 extension B-2 Visa (Visitor for Pleasure) A B-2, or tourist, visa is issued by the American Consulate in the student's country and permits him/her to travel to the United States. A visitor may study for a short time, but must leave the country when his/her period of stay expires. This permission to stay is generally for six months. If you have a B-2 visa and wish to stay longer than you had planned, you may see the Foreign Student Advisor to apply for a change of status. Many students begin their studies on a B-2 visa and later change to an F-1 visa. Approval is usually possible, but not automatic. F-1 Visa (Student) A student with an F-1 visa is required to attend school full-time and to make normal progress. Legally, a student can maintain F-1 status if he/she does not miss more than 20% of classes (11 days per quarter). Academically, it is nearly impossible to be promoted to the next level if a student misses that many classes. If the student is absent more than 11 days and does not inform the Office, the Foreign Student Advisor automatically informs Immigration that the student is no longer in good standing. Immigration may ask the student to leave the country. The same applies to students falling behind on their tuition payments to the school, unless appropriate arrangements are made. Students may not transfer to another school unless they are in good standing with the ESL Institute. If the student is asked by Immigration to leave the country, he/she may have difficulty getting a student visa in the future. The Immigration Service keeps very accurate records about past violations on a computerized system. B-1 Visa (Visitor for Business) This visa is for those entering the country in order to conduct business. This visa does not permit receiving a salary from local employment. It usually covers only the precise period of time required by the carrier to complete his or her business. One may not become a student under this visa, except for short periods, but one may apply to change status to full-time student (F-1).