American English Language School

Are you in Fullerton on a B-2 visa and thinking about studying English full time? Most students at AELS Fullerton begin their journey with a change of status from B-2 to F-1. Here is a quick look at the process. The Change of Status Steps at a Glance Check your I-94 date. You must still be in lawful status when you file, so start early. Send your documents to info@aels.edu: passport, visa and I-94, a recent bank statement ($6,600 for one quarter), your diploma or transcripts, and the AELS Application Form. Pay the $600 processing fees (application, SEVIS, and a tuition deposit). Receive your I-20 by email within one week. File Form I-539 with USCIS before your I-94 expires. Wait and keep us updated. We update your I-20 start date each month at no charge. Start classes after your approval arrives. A Full Refund If Your Change of Status Is Denied The biggest worry for most students is a denial. Through our partner agency, the change of status service is $2,000, and i...

Already in the United States and ready to study English full time? Finding the right English school in Irvine is only half the journey. The other half is the paperwork. That is why American English Language School (AELS) is excited to announce a new partnership with AXEN GLOBAL, an international education services company with an office just minutes from our Irvine campus. What AXEN GLOBAL Does AXEN GLOBAL is ICEF accredited and a NAFSA member. Its services include: Change of Status to F-1 from B-2, L-1, H-1B, and other eligible categories F-1 Status Reinstatement for eligible students B-2 and F-1 Status Extensions K-12 Private School Admissions for families with children Learn more at www.axenglobal.com . How the Partnership Helps You AELS takes care of the school side: we review your documents and issue your I-20 within one week of a complete application. AXEN GLOBAL can then help with the USCIS application. With the school and the application team working together, s...

Thinking about changing your status to F-1 so you can study English in Irvine? Before you file, it helps to know what it will really cost. Here is a quick look at the main fees for 2026. The Main Fees AELS processing payment: $600 (Application Fee $150, SEVIS I-901 Fee $350, Tuition Deposit $100) USCIS Form I-539 filing fee: $470 (paper filing) Total before tuition: about $1,070 Dependents are usually included on the same I-539, so in most cases they do not need a separate filing fee. You will also need a recent bank statement showing you can cover your studies and living costs. What Happens Next USCIS processing usually takes about 3 to 6 months, and you cannot attend class while you wait. Once you are approved, you take a placement test, pay tuition, and start your ESL classes at AELS Irvine. Why AELS Irvine Our adult English classes in Irvine average just 6-8 students (maximum 10), so every student speaks and gets feedback in every class. We have guided many change of s...

Knowing the English words is one thing. Feeling comfortable asking a cashier to correct a bill or telling someone you cannot accept an invitation is another. For learners in Los Angeles, polite English offers a useful bridge between understanding a conversation and taking part in it. Three Patterns You Can Use Today Start with “Could I have…?” when you need an item, such as a receipt or a menu. Use “Could you…?” when you want someone to help: “Could you explain this part of the form?” These short patterns turn a direct command into a friendly request. When something goes wrong, describe the issue before asking for a solution. For example: “I ordered an iced coffee, but this one is hot. Could you change it, please?” You can explain a problem clearly without blaming the other person. Finally, remember that “No, thank you” is polite enough for many offers. For an invitation, “Thank you for inviting me, but I cannot make it” gives a clear answer while showing appreciation. Make Practice Pa...

Pumpkins on every doorstep, orange decorations in the stores, and coworkers asking, "What are you going to be for Halloween?" For English learners in Fullerton, October can feel like everyone suddenly speaks a special holiday language. The good news: a handful of words and phrases covers most of it. Halloween Words You Will Hear Everywhere Start with the basics: costume (special clothes you wear to look like someone else), trick-or-treat (children going door to door for candy), jack-o-lantern (a carved pumpkin with a light inside), spooky (a little scary, in a fun way), and pumpkin patch (a place to choose and buy pumpkins). You will hear these at work, at school events, and at the grocery store all month long. Three Fall Idioms to Try This Month Scared stiff : so scared you cannot move. "I was scared stiff in the haunted house." Give me the creeps : makes me feel uneasy. "That empty parking lot gives me the creeps." Turn over a new leaf : to...

Your change of status from B-1/B-2 to F-1 was approved. Congratulations! For many international students in Irvine, this is the moment months of waiting finally pay off. Here are the first steps that protect your new F-1 status. Check your I-797A and I-94 Your approval notice (Form I-797A) includes your new I-94 record at the bottom. Make sure it shows F-1 status and that your name and date of birth are correct. Keep it with your passport and I-20. Tell your school right away Bring a copy of the approval to your Designated School Official (DSO) at your English school in Irvine. Your DSO updates SEVIS and confirms your start date. If the approval came after your I-20 start date, your DSO can usually defer you to the next session with no new USCIS filing. Study full time F-1 language students must attend at least 18 hours of class per week. Strong attendance is part of keeping your status, not just your grades. Be careful with travel and work An approved change of status is n...