International Students Applying for Visas

Applying for Student Visas

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you will need to obtain either the F1 or M1 visa to study in the United States (unless you are on another visa type that allows for full time study with work authorization.)

The F-1 Visa Application Process

• Get Accepted to CIA
• Submit Proof of Financial Support and other I-20 Documents
• Pay $400 USD Deposit
• Receive Form I-20 and Pay SEVIS Fee
• Complete the Visa Application
• Schedule Visa Interview Appointment and Prepare Required Documents
• Attend Visa Interview Appointment and Await Decision from the U.S. Consulate

Accepted international students will need to submit the following documents before CIA can issue the Form I-20 for your F1 or M1 Student Visa process, transfer students included:

• Proof of Financial Support
• Declaration of Financial Support
• Copy of your valid Passport

Proof of Financial Support is a U.S. SEVP requirement.
This means that you or your sponsor must show a minimum of $62,000 USD for undergraduate programs or $55,000 USD for ACAP (or the equivalent in another currency). These are the estimates of tuition, fees, meals, and housing for one academic year (two semesters) at CIA for each of those programs. We are not permitted to issue the Form I-20 for the F1 or M1 visa without verifying financial support, and you will be asked to submit the required documents via an online form after acceptance before you can proceed with enrollment next-steps.

Proof of Financial Support can be demonstrated with a bank statement, certificate of deposit, money market account, or any other financial account that shows liquid (easily accessible) funds in that minimum amount. You can also download this official bank certification form (PDF) for your (or your sponsor’s) financial institution to fill out. The account holder could be you as a self-sponsor, or anyone else who is willing to be your financial sponsor. More than one sponsor is also allowed, as long as the total amount of funds equals the minimum requirement. The financial documentation must also be in English, list the bank and account holder names, the account type(s), and must be dated within the past 12 months of your application.

Account holder(s) must fill out and sign our Declaration of Financial Support form indicating that they agree to be your sponsor. If you are sponsoring yourself with your own funds, then you will fill out this form as a self-sponsor.

• Download a copy of the declaration form for undergraduate students. (PDF)
• Download a copy of the declaration form for ACAP students. (PDF)

A copy of a valid passport with an expiration dated at least six months after your intended CIA start date will also be required with this process.

F-1 Visa

The F-1 Visa is required for international students enrolled in the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. If you have an F-1 student visa and are enrolled in these programs, you may:

• work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week with authorization by the school official;
• complete the required externship in the U.S. with authorization by the school official (employment authorization is job-specific);
• accept full-time employment for up to 12 months after completion of studies—with authorization from the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) via the application process, which takes approximately three months. This is also known as Optional Practical Training (OPT).

All of the above employment opportunities require a Social Security number. This application process takes 10–20 days, with authorization from the school official.

Note:

• Wait times for the F-1 student visa may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate you are dealing with. You will be required to pay a nonrefundable visa application fee. There is an online visa application available, which allows you to complete and print Form DS-160 to take to your F-1 visa interview.
• Check out our preparation tips for the student visa interview (PDF). An F-1 student visa for the United States can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your college start date. You will only be able to enter the U.S. with an F-1 visa 30 days before your start date.

M-1 Visa

The M-1 Visa is required for students enrolling in one of the certificate programs at our California campus. The M-1 visa does not allow students to work in the United States during their education, and is not acceptable for employment in the U.S. following graduation. Students may apply for employment authorization after completion of studies based on one month of employment for every four months of study.