Everything You Need to Know About Visas & Living in San Francisco 

F-1 Student Visa

Your visa is an official stamp or permit in your passport that allows you to travel for a specific purpose. Your purpose for traveling to the United States is to study English – so you need to apply for an F-1 Student Visa. You can obtain your visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

You will need to show them your letter of acceptance from the Academy, your U.S. immigration document, and a bank statement to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses while in the United States. You may also be asked to prove that you intend to return to your country after completing your studies. To apply for the U.S. Immigration document and acceptance letter, submit an application to the Academy.

B-2 Tourist Visa

If you intend to study full-time in the U.S., we do not recommend applying for a B-2 tourist visa. If you are currently in the U.S. as a tourist and intend to change your status for full-time study, please contact us for more information.

Living in San Francisco

San Francisco, one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, offers everything that any major metropolitan center can offer. Enjoy the best in restaurants from every nation, historic landmarks, outstanding universities, state parks, gorgeous beaches and redwood forests. With the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Bay to the east, and rolling hills throughout the city, San Francisco is world renowned for its breathtaking views. The climate remains relatively cool and comfortable with average daytime temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (13-21 degrees Celsius).

General Information on the City

• San Francisco Visitor Information Center
• San Francisco Bay Guardian
• San Francisco Chronicle
• San Francisco Examiner
• SF Gate
• SF Weekly
• Time Out San Francisco

Arrival Information

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 14 miles south of San Francisco. The city can be reached by car from US 101 or US 280. Shuttle busses, door-to-door vans, rental cars, and long term parking are available 24 hours a day (www.quickaid.com/airports/sfo). Airport pickup from SFO is also available.

Transportation

• MUNI (SF Buses, streetcars, cable cars)
• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
• SamTrans (San Mateo County Buses)
• Caltrain (Peninsula Train)
• Golden Gate Transit (Marin County Busses, Ferries)
• Clipper Card

Live Pictures of the City

• Exploratorium Camera
• San Francisco Live Views