International School of Art & Design NYC | I-20 certified school NYC | SEVP certified schools in USA

International School of Art and Design   SEVP I-20 Certified Art School 

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International School of Art and Design   SEVP I-20 Certified Art School 

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    I was interested in art but wasn't sure where to
start as an international student. VAE classes were
the perfect way to start my art journey!

    Gabriel, Visual Arts Foundation Program alum

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    Visual Art Foundation Program

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    Certificate Of Completion: Portfolio Preparation.
    Our 1-year and 3-year certificate programs issue an 1-20 for students enrolled in full time study.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC

    Why Choose New York Art Studio?

    Our 1-year and 3-year certificate programs issue an 1-20 for students enrolled in full time study.

    In order to receive a Certificate, the student needs to complete a full time study of either:

    • 1 year certificate program or
    • 3 year certificate honor program

    Our Visual Arts Foundation Program track is open to all non-immigrant students, regardless of skill level. The track is most ideal for those who are not currently pursuing a professional art or design career but wish to explore introductory-level subjects in art and design.

    In our Visual Arts Foundation Program classes, students gain exposure to different art mediums and techniques. These introductory classes provide a solid foundation that students can further develop into their own projects.

    Led by qualified instructors who are active artists from top art and design programs across the nation, this program is designed to nurture and stimulate students' artistic interests.

    No Prior Art Experience Needed

    We accept students year-round based on our International Student Portfolio Preparation School Calendar. Have questions about the track option?

    Personalised & Targeted Guidelines-1

    Personalized & Targeted Artistic Guidance

    As an SEVP-certified art school in New York City, our international student F-1 visa art program provides individualized guidance that recognizes and develops each student’s artistic strengths, creative direction, and personal voice. Students build a strong foundation in visual art, critical thinking, and studio practice while developing a cohesive body of work that documents their artistic growth and creative journey.
    This portfolio collection is created as part of a structured, full-time international student art program in NYC, supporting long-term artistic development.

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    Flexible Scheduling

    Flexible Scheduling Within SEVIS-CompliantEnrollment

    Our programs offer flexible scheduling within a structured, SEVP-certified format. Courses are session-based, allowing students to plan their class schedule around availability while meeting full-time enrollment requirements for F-1 visa status.

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    Experienced Instructors

    Experienced Instructional Team

    Our instructors are practicing artists and designers who guide students through a broad and exploratory visual art foundation experience. With an emphasis on exposure rather than specialization, instructors encourage students to experiment with different media, techniques, and creative approaches while discovering their personal interests and artistic direction.
    This foundation-level instruction supports creative growth and visual literacy within a structured, SEVP-certified international student art program in New York City, offering students the opportunity to explore and expand their artistic experience as part of their long-term art journey.

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    Program Tracks

    Classes/Subjects Offered

    Intro To Mixed Media

    This course explores the creative possibilities of combining traditional art materials such as watercolor, graphite, ink, and collage. Students will learn to experiment with various mediums and techniques, focusing on how to integrate them into cohesive compositions. Emphasis is placed on creative exploration, layering, and personal expression.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_3

    Intro To Design

    This course introduces the core principles of visual design, with a focus on color theory, composition, and the elements and principles of design. Students will explore how to create balanced, visually engaging work through hands-on exercises and foundational design thinking.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_6

    Intro To Drawing

    Students will understand fundamental concepts in visual arts and drawing, such as shadow, tone, color, space, and value, through a variety of observational and imaginative projects.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_5

    Intro To Watercolor

    Students will explore basic watercolor techniques and materials, learning how to manipulate water and paint to create various visual effects, including transparency and washes.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_4

    Intro To Illustration

    This course introduces the fundamentals of illustration, focusing on visual storytelling, drawing techniques, and composition. Students will explore various styles and mediums while learning how to develop concepts, create characters, and communicate ideas through imagery. Emphasis is placed on both creativity and technical skill.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_7

    Intro To Painting

    Students will understand the basic techniques, materials, and expressive methods used in painting, as students explore how to convey ideas and observations through both observational and imaginative projects.

    F-1 Visa Art Classes in NYC_8

    Schedule & Tuition

    *Summer Class Hours (June–August) begin 1 hour earlier on weekdays (Monday–Friday). Saturday hours remain unchanged.

    Session A (Eastern Time) Session B (Eastern Time)
    Monday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM03:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Tuesday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Wednesday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Thursday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Friday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Saturday10:00 AM – 2:00 PM2:30 PM – 6:30 PM

    1-Year Program:

    • Quarter System: About 12 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Duration of Program: About 15 months
    • Break: 1-week vacation after each quarter

    3-Year Honor Program:

    • Quarter System: About 11 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Duration of Program: About 3 years and 9 months
    • Break: 2-week vacation after each quarter
    • At the end of each quarter, students who wish to continue their studies may enroll in the next quarter.
    • Classes are conducted at our Midtown Manhattan campus. One class per week may be taken online, in accordance with F-1 regulations.
    • Select up to 5 classes per week from the schedule options above. One online class per week is permitted.
    • Annual Vacation Eligibility: Students who have completed three consecutive instructional quarters and intend to continue full-time enrollment in the following quarter are eligible to take one annual vacation quarter in accordance with the school's academic calendar and SEVP regulations.

    * There is a one-time, non-refundable Application Fee of $150 for any International Students program.

    Quarter Option Tuition
    1 Quarter$1,925
    2 Quarters $3,850
    3 Quarters$5,775
    4 Quarters$ 7,700

    1-Year Program (About 15 month duration)

    • Quarter System: About 12 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Break: 1-week vacation after each quarter

    3-Year Honor Program (About 3yr 9 month duration)

    • Quarter System: About 11 weeks per quarter
    • Class Length: 4 hours per class
    • Break: 2-week vacation after each quarter
    • At the end of each quarter, students who wish to continue their studies may enroll in the next quarter.
    • Classes are conducted at our Midtown Manhattan campus. One class per week may be taken online, in accordance with F-1 regulations.
    • Select up to 5 classes per week from the schedule options above. One online class per week is permitted.
    • Annual Vacation Eligibility: Students who have completed three consecutive instructional quarters and intend to continue full-time enrollment in the following quarter are eligible to take one annual vacation quarter in accordance with the school's academic calendar and SEVP regulations.

    *There is a one-time,non-refundable registration fee of $75 to register for Private Lessons.

    Package Type College Prep Level or Under
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890
    12 hours6 classes within weeks $890

    *There is a one-time,non-refundable registration fee of $75 to register for Private Lessons.

    Student Work

    Frequently Asked
    Questions (FAQs)

    Who is this program designed for?

    The Visual Arts Foundation Program is tailored for international students seeking to explore foundational art and design concepts. It’s ideal for those not currently pursuing a professional art or design career but who wish to gain exposure to various art mediums and techniques.

    What will I learn in this program?

    Students will engage in introductory classes that provide a solid foundation in different art mediums and techniques. These classes are designed to help students develop their skills and can serve as a stepping stone for further artistic endeavors.

    ​New F-1 Student Regulations Effective September 15, 2026

    The information below provides a general overview of the changes and how they may affect F-1 students

    Category Before Sept 15, 2026 On or After Sept 15, 2026
    Most Academic Programs Students are admitted under Duration of Status (D/S) and may remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain valid F-1 status. Students will generally receive a fixed period of admission of up to 4 years.
    Language Training (ESL) Programs Students are admitted under Duration of Status (D/S) and may remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain valid F-1 status. Students will generally receive a fixed period of admission of up to 2 years.
    Extension of Stay Students generally do not need to file an Extension of Stay while maintaining valid F-1 status. Students who need additional time to complete their program or authorized training may need to file Form I-539, Extension of Stay, before their authorized stay expires.
    Grace Period Students generally receive a 60-day grace period after completing their program or post-completion OPT. The grace period will generally be reduced to 30 days after completing the program or post-completion OPT.
    School Transfers Students may generally transfer to another SEVP-certified school if they meet the current SEVIS transfer requirements. Additional restrictions may apply to school transfers or changes in educational objectives. Eligibility will depend on the student's SEVIS record and applicable DHS and SEVP regulations.
    Educational Level Students may generally begin another program at the same or lower educational level if otherwise eligible. Students may generally be expected to continue to a higher educational level after completing a program. Beginning another program at the same or lower educational level may be restricted.
    OPT Students may remain in the U.S. during approved post-completion OPT under Duration of Status (D/S). OPT is still available. However, students may need to obtain an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) if their authorized period of admission expires before they complete their approved OPT.

    Information for New York Art Studio Students

    • Our 3-Year Certificate Program is designed to be completed within the general 4-year admission period under the new regulations.
    • If you are considering transferring schools, we recommend completing your SEVIS transfer before September 15, 2026, if possible. Transfers processed on or after that date may be subject to the new DHS regulations.
    • After September 15, 2026, students applying for post-completion OPT after completing New York Art Studio's 3-Year Certificate Program may need to file Form I-539 if their authorized period of stay expires before their OPT start date.

    Please note that this is a general summary of the new regulations. DHS and SEVP may issue additional guidance before the effective date, and each student's situation will be evaluated based on the applicable regulations and their individual SEVIS record.
    How long does it take to complete the 3-Year Certificate Program?
    Our 3-Year Certificate Program consists of 12 instructional quarters. Students who maintain full-time enrollment and make normal academic progress typically complete the program in approximately 3 years and 9 months under the school's academic calendar, which includes scheduled annual vacation quarters.
    Is there an annual break?
    Yes. Students who have completed three consecutive instructional quarters and plan to continue full-time enrollment in the following quarter may take one annual vacation quarter, in accordance with the school's academic calendar and applicable SEVP regulations.