International Applicants

Fei Tian Academy of the Arts is authorized under U.S. Federal law to enroll eligible middle and high school students in the F-1 nonimmigrant visa classification. This section outlines important information on procedures for enrolling at Fei Tian as an F-1 international student.

Admitted international students will need an F-1 student visa to study at Fei Tian. See the International Student Information section for details.

International applicants and students are encouraged to explore the official Study in the States website (https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov) for more information.

Understanding the F-1 regulations and the responsibilities that come with entering the United States in F-1 visa status can be a challenge for new students. The Office of International Services is a resource for international students to seek specific guidance on matters related to their F-1 status, including visas, passports, I-20s, and more.

APPLYING TO FEI TIAN AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

In addition to the regular application process described in the Admissions section, the following special considerations and steps apply to international applicants.

Any additional information that may be helpful in determining the grade and academic course level placement at Fei Tian, such as test scores, should be included in the application package.

An audition is normally required of all students who apply. However, with prior approval from the school, international applicants may send videos of their performances in lieu of an audition.

The following are the general steps a new international student who is outside the U.S. typically takes to enter Fei Tian Academy of the Arts:

  • Fei Tian determines whether the applicant fully meets admission requirements.
  • Upon admission, the student submits a completed I-20 Application and the required supporting documents.
  • Fei Tian issues a Form I-20 to the student. The student (or parents if the student is under age 18) and the designated school official must both sign the I-20.
  • The student pays the SEVIS I-901 fee. Refer to the website www.ice.gov/sevis for some common questions and answers about the SEVIS I-901 fee.
  • The student applies for an F-1 student visa.
  • The student arrives at a U.S. port of entry where a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, at the officer’s discretion, records the student’s I-94 classification as “F-1.”
  • Upon arriving in the U.S., the student reports to the Office of International Services within 30 days of the program start date listed on the Form I-20.

APPLYING FOR AN F-1 STUDENT VISA

Generally, nonimmigrant students who wish to enter the United States to study must first obtain an F-1 visa. Refer to the website travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html for information on how to apply for a student visa.

Interviews are generally required for F-1 visa applicants, to which students should bring:

  • Information about FTAA (this Catalog is sufficient)
  • The signed Form I-20 from FTAA
  • Offer of admission to FTAA
  • Receipt showing that the SEVIS I-901 fee has been paid
  • Passport, valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the United States
  • Confirmation showing that the DS-160 online visa application form has been submitted, and required passport-style photographs
  • Transcripts and diplomas from previous schools
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for at least one year of study

Students from visa-exempt countries need not apply for visas at their local U.S. consulates and should instead bring the relevant documents to the U.S. port of entry and apply for F-1 status upon entering the United States.