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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    New York Art Studio is dedicated to provide a supportive, structured learning environment for students from around the world pursuing art and design education in the United States on an F-1 student visa.

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    Portfolio Preparation
    Certificate Program
    for International Students

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    New York Art Studio is an SEVP-certified art school authorized to issue Form I-20 to eligible international students. As a recognized I-20 art school in the USA, we offer structured F-1 visa art programs that allow students to pursue art and design studies in the United States through full-time, visa-compliant enrollment.

    Students who successfully complete an eligible program may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), subject to USCIS and SEVIS regulations. OPT provides international students with the opportunity to gain practical work experience related to their field of study after completing their academic program in the U.S.

    Our 1-year and 3-year Portfolio Preparation Certificate Programs are designed for full-time enrollment and are I-20 eligible, allowing international students to study art in the U.S. under F-1 student visa status while receiving focused, studio-based portfolio preparation within a professional art school environment.

    F-1 Visa Portfolio Certificate program NYC

    New York Art Studio is dedicated to providing a supportive structured learning environment for students from around the world pursuing art and design education in the United States on an F-1 student visa.

    Students receive personalized guidance and support throughout their program, including art school admissions guidance and structured art portfolio preparation, as they develop their creative direction and long-term goals.

    Our Portfolio Preparation Certificate Program offers three tracks that cater to diverse interests and goals:

    Have questions about which course is right for you? Connect with our advisor to find out.

    Or start your application now!

    Have questions about which course is right for you?

    Portfolio Preparation Certificate Tracks

    Visual Arts Foundation Program

    Visual Arts Foundation Program | I-20–Eligible F-1 Visa Art Program for International Students

    New York Art Studio offers a Visual Arts Foundation Program designed for international students enrolling under F-1 visa status who are seeking an I-20–eligible art program in the United States at the introductory level.
    This program provides beginner-level visual arts classes in NYC for students with no prior art experience, making it ideal for individuals who want to explore art, develop creative confidence, and study in a structured U.S. art school environment. Courses emphasize hands-on learning across drawing, painting, and mixed media, within a full-time, visa-compliant academic framework.
    The Visual Arts Foundation Program is not intended for college or university applications and does not focus on art school admissions or portfolio preparation. Instead, it supports international students who wish to cultivate artistic interest, creative skills, and cultural experience in the U.S. while maintaining valid F-1 student status through full-time enrollment.

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    Core Portfolio Prep

    Core PortfolioPreparation Program | I-20–Eligible F-1 Visa Art Program for International Students

    New York Art Studio offers a Core Portfolio Preparation Program designed for international students who need to maintain valid F-1 visa status while developing professional-level art portfolios. This program combines intensive portfolio development with full-time, I-20–eligible enrollment, allowing students to study art in the U.S. while meeting SEVP requirements.
    The program is structured at two academic levels—Undergraduate Level and Graduate Level—to support international students with different educational goals, portfolio standards, and next-step objectives.
    Undergraduate Level Portfolio Preparation
    The Undergraduate Level is designed for international students preparing an art or design portfolio for undergraduate art college applications or for other situations requiring a portfolio at an equivalent pre-college or college-entry level. Students focus on building strong, cohesive portfolios while maintaining full-time enrollment under F-1 visa status at an I-20 art school in NYC.
    Graduate Level Portfolio Preparation
    The Graduate Level is tailored for international students preparing a graduate-level art portfolio for admission to MFA or other master’s degree programs, or for professional portfolio requirements at an equivalent level. This track emphasizes advanced conceptual development, technical refinement, and cohesive portfolio presentation within a visa-compliant academic structure.

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    Practices And Critique

    Practices and Critique Track | Advanced Portfolio & Professional Practice for International Students (F-1 Visa Eligible)

    New York Art Studio offers the Practices and Critique Track for international students seeking advanced portfolio development and professional preparation while maintaining valid F-1 visa status. This track is designed for students preparing to transition from structured portfolio building into the real-world art and design field.
    The program emphasizes professional artistic practices, in-depth critique, group discussion, and continued portfolio refinement. Through regular critiques and guided feedback, students develop a deeper understanding of contemporary art and design expectations, creative problem-solving, and the practical realities of sustaining a creative career beyond school. This track supports students studying at an I-20–eligible art school in NYC who are ready to engage at an advanced, professional level.
    Enrollment Requirements
    Enrollment in the Practices and Critique
    Track requires:
    Completion of a minimum of two quarters in the Core Portfolio Preparation Program
    Submission of a separate application for this track
    Review and acceptance based on established qualification and readiness criteria
    This progression-based structure ensures students are academically prepared while remaining enrolled full time in a visa-compliant international student art program.

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    Frequently Asked
    Questions (FAQs)

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

    The first step is to explore which art portfolio program best aligns with your academic goals and career path. Once you apply and are accepted, you will enroll full time at New York Art Studio, an SEVP-certified art school in the United States.

    the application is confirmed, we will issue your Form I-20, which is required to apply for an F-1 student visa. With your 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., please refer to the PDF guide provided.

    Do I have to apply for my own VISA?

    Yes, you will need to apply for your own visa.

    After you receive your Form I-20 from us, you can use it to apply for your student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It is important to follow the specific application process outlined by the embassy or consulate, including gathering required documents and scheduling an interview.

    Throughout the process, please reach out to our school admissions with any questions. Our staff is here to guide you.

    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.