International Students

In 2024, Meadowmount welcomed students from 17 countries around the globe. Students joined us from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

We are delighted to welcome international students and actively support with enrollment and the visa application process. If you need support or have questions at any time, please contact Muriel Kerr, Admissions & Artistic Administration Manager.

Visa Application Information

Meadowmount is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.

Obtaining a visa differs from country to country. Following are general guidelines for International Students and Canadian Students.

The Visa Waiver Program, which is a tourist visa, is not accepted. Please research the website of the American Consulate in your country for more information.

International Students (except Canadians)

1. APPLY FOR AN M-1 VISA
   • Immediately upon accepting your Meadowmount Acceptance offer, you should start a visa application with your local U.S. Consulate. This can be a lengthy process, including an interview. Do not delay and risk not receiving your visa in time to attend.
   • M-1 Visa application requires
     • Your ‘Letter of Acceptance’ which is your Meadowmount Acceptance email.
     • Your I-20 Certificate, issued electronically by Meadowmount.
2. DO NOT GET/USE
   • B1/B2 tourist visa
   • ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which is for travel, not study.
   • Visa Waiver Program
3. F-1 ACADEMIC STUDENT VISA HOLDERS already in the US
   • The F-1 Visa permits its holder’s study at Meadowmount if its term includes their Meadowmount attendance dates.
   • Provide a photo of your F-1 Visa to Meadowmount’s PDSO/DSO to verify validity.
   • If you anticipate earning money at Meadowmount as a Service Award Scholarship Recipient or Teaching Assistant, you must apply for Curricular Practical Training authorization at your F-1 issuing institution. Contact Meadowmount office for additional documents you might need when applying for CPT authorization.
4. SEVIS FEE payment via FMJfee.com is required prior to your Visa Interview.
5. INTERVIEW: prepare to have these in advance
   • Proof of identity and citizenship (including your passport)
   • Your electronic I-20 Certificate
   • Meadowmount Acceptance email
   • SEVIS fee payment receipt
   • Meadowmount tuition payment receipt or proof of funds
6. TRAVEL SCHEDULING
   M-1 Visas may issue up to 120 days in advance of your course of study.
   • Visa Holders may not exceed 30 days in the U.S. before the program start date or after the program end date

Canadians

1. Canadian students do not need a visa.
2. Canadians do need to pay SEVIS fee at FMJfee.com.
3. ENTERING THE U.S.
   PREPARE IN ADVANCE to have the following to show US Border Control
   • Proof of identity and citizenship (Canadian passport)
   • I-20 certificate (issued electronically by Meadowmount)
   • Meadowmount Acceptance email
     • Which together prove you enter the U.S. as a STUDENT (not merely a VISITOR).
   • SEVIS fee payment receipt
   • Meadowmount tuition payment receipt or proof of funds
   • Proof of your ties to Canada
4. Canadians in the U.S. more than 30 days before program start
   • Return to Canada and re-enter the U.S. under your I-20 Certificate Status
   • Avoids an expensive and time-consuming DHS change-of-status application that could delay your arrival to school.

Detailed information can be found at STUDY in the STATES.

Detailed information for International Students can be found at:
https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/canadian-students/
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/citizens-of-canada-and-bermuda.html