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

    To have instructors and classmates who understand and inspire each other until the finish line was so special.

    Create With Purpose. Learn With Experts. Spring Session Enrollment Open for Registration.

    Frequently Asked
    Questions (FAQs)

    I am new to the process. What is the first step?

    The first step is to explore which art program best aligns with your creative goals and long-term artistic journey. Once you’ve identified the program that fits your interests, you may submit an application through the provided application link to New York Art Studio, a SEVP-certified art school for international students.

    After your application is reviewed and accepted at our New York City campus, we will issue you a Form I-20, which is required to apply for an F-1 student visa. With your Form I-20, you can proceed with the U.S. visa application process and prepare for entry into the United States.

    For step-by-step guidance on applying for an F-1 visa and entering the U.S. as an international art student, please refer to the PDF provided.

    What is an F-1 visa?

    The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa that allows international students to pursue full-time study in the United States at an SEVP-certified school. Students enrolled in our SEVP-certified art program in New York City may study in the U.S. under F-1 status while participating in a structured, visa-compliant art curriculum.

    If you have questions at any stage of the process, our admissions team is happy to support you and guide you through the application and enrollment steps.

    What documents do I need for my F-1 visa interview?

    Students accepted to our SEVP-certified I-20–issuing art school in the United States must prepare the following documents for their F-1 student visa interview:

    • Valid passport
    • Form I-20 issued by our art school
    • DS-160 confirmation page
    • SEVIS I-901 payment receipt
    • Visa interview appointment confirmation
    • Financial documentation demonstrating the ability to cover tuition and living expenses in the U.S.
    • Academic records, such as transcripts, diplomas, and any relevant test scores

    We recommend organizing these documents in advance to ensure a smooth interview process. If you have questions while preparing for your visa interview, our admissions team is available to guide you through each step.

    Is this program suitable for beginners?

    Absolutely. The program is open to all non-immigrant student programs USA, regardless of skill level. It’s designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to art and design, making it suitable for students enrolling in art classes for beginners.

    Can students who complete your program apply for OPT

    Yes, our program is eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), provided that the student successfully completes the full course of study and meets all USCIS requirements. We are SEVP-certified, which allows F-1 students to apply for OPT as part of their post-completion work authorization in the U.S. Please let us know if you'd like guidance on the OPT application process.

    How do I apply for an F-1 visa?

    You must first be accepted by one of our SEVP certified schools in USA, receive a Form I-20, pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 form, and schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

    Can I change from a different visa status to F-1 while in the U.S.?

    Yes, through a Change of Status application with USCIS, or by exiting and re-entering the U.S. with an F-1 visa.

    Can I transfer schools while on an F-1 visa

    Yes, but you must notify your current school, obtain a new I-20 from the new school, and complete a SEVIS transfer process.

     Do I need to be a full-time student?

    Yes, F-1 students are required to maintain full-time enrollment during the academic year. At our institution, students are scheduled for 5 classes per week. To maintain F-1 status, students must attend a minimum of 4 classes per week.

    How do I get a travel signature?

    Request it from your Designated School Official (DSO). It's typically valid for one year.

    Can I travel outside the U.S. while on an F-1 visa?

    Yes, but you must have a valid F-1 visa, a valid passport, and a current travel signature on your I-20.

    Can I work while on an F-1 visa?
    • On-campus: Yes, up to 20 hours/week during school, full-time during breaks.
    • Off-campus: Only with special authorization, such as CPT or OPT.
    ​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.