Frequently Asked Questions

Any student who is 16 and older can enroll in our Adult English program.

Yes, our Adult English Program is made to meet the needs of immigrants who are also working adults. We have taught English to immigrant students from more than 50 different nationalities!

You need to visit our office and register in person during the registration period. Registration periods are usually in April, August, and December. See the Adult English Registration page for exact dates.

Yes, whether you are a new or returning student, you need to take the placement test to register.

The Adult English program is available in both daytime and evening. Classes are four days per week (Monday to Thursday) in the morning from 9:00am to 11:00am and at night from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

The Adult English Program is 14 weeks long. It runs from September to December, January to April, and May to August. Remember, you must register one month before the program starts.

Each Adult English course costs $1,510. There are some discounts available if students pay in full or if they are a returning student. Student must pay at least half the tuition during registration in order to hold their spot in a class. See Register for Adult ESL for more payment information.

Yes! Our Intensive English Program is now taking applications for the January 2024 trimester. See Register for IEP for details.

Yes. Applicants must complete the application, submit all required documents and forms (including verification of financial support) and pay application fees. The I-20 will be issued for applicants to take to the American consulate if your country to apply and interview for F-1 visa approval.

If you are using personal funds, you can use a bank statement. If you are receiving financial support from a sponsor, we need documentation from the sponsor’s bank. Applicants and sponsors will also need to submit signed payment agreement forms. See Payment page for more information.

You can use the SEVIS number on the I-20 form from PELI to pay your fee on the SEVIS website (https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html) before your visa appointment. Or, you can include the SEVIS fee with your application fees and PELI will take care of your SEVIS payment for you.

No. We will test students’ level of English upon arrival. Applicants may also be asked to take an unofficial placement test during the application process.

PELI requires applicants to make the first tuition payment within 5 days of receiving their F-1 visa approval. (However, prepaying tuition fees at the time of application may help in your visa approval process because it demonstrates intent and financial capability.) The second tuition payment is due after 30 days from the start of class.

Please refer to PELI’s refund policy. Proof of visa denial is required, and the application fees are non-refundable regardless of visa approval or denial.

Yes, PELI will not hold your immigration record. However, if you enter the United States on an I-20 provided by PELI, you will be obligated to the first trimester tuition and incurred fees. Please carefully read the PELI Refund Policy to know your rights.

No. United States law states that a student can only work on-campus if authorized by the school or if allowed optional or curricular practical training by the school. However, PELI students are not eligible for optional or curricular practical training. Otherwise, working on an F-1 visa outside the campus is not permitted.

Yes. It is possible to change your status. However, there is a fee and depending on the requested status, it may take several months for a decision. An extension of the current status may be required.

PELI provides additional start dates on the I-20. If your visa approval is delayed, you can still arrive on the following 2 start dates.

Yes, all classes are face-to-face with a teacher in a group class setting. We do not offer online classes at this time.

Between 5 and 12 according to classroom size and level.

No, we don't.

No, we don't.

No, we don't.

We don’t have interpreters for all languages. If you plan to visit the school but don’t speak English you are welcome to bring a friend, family member, or someone you trust who can interpret for you. 

If you are a resident of Philadelphia, you can get a City ID. Visit https://www.phila.gov/programs/phl-city-id/ for more information.

We recommend using the USCIS website to find answers to your questions: www.uscis.gov.

Visit https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0012-scams-against-immigrants for help.

All students have a right to file a formal complaint with the school staff. Students should either submit a complaint by email to apereira@pelischool.org, or speak with a member of the administrative staff or school director by appointment.