Larry Moss Studio

STEPS TO Apply for the M1 Visa

The M-1 Visa is provided for students studying at vocational schools in the United States

An international student applying for an M-1 student visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad will need to present the following:

• I-20 Certificate of Eligibility Form provided by the Acting Studio at Edgemar

• Letter of admission provided by The Acting Studio at Edgemar
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• Financial support documents (Current proof of support that would meet expenses for  program duration as indicated on Form I-20 (i.e. bank statements, award letters or loan approval letters)
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• Passport valid for a minimum of six months into the future at the time of entry
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• Form DS-156 “Nonimmigrant Visa Application” available at the Consulate office or the Department of State website https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp
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• Form DS-157 “Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application” if the  applicant is male and between the ages of 16 and 45 available at the Consulate office or the Department of State website https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds157.asp
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• Two photos (see requirements:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html)
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• MRV fee Machine Readable Visa, currently $131 USD
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• Receipt for payment of $200 SEVIS Fee
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• Visa reciprocity fee may be required by home country. For more information, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/reciprocity/index.htm

Fill out the following visa forms. Many embassies have these posted on-line or you can go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html:

a. DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form

b. DS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant

c. If a male between the ages of 16 and 45, DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application

4. Schedule an appointment with your local embassy. Many embassies will allow you to schedule and interview time on-line so be sure to check for that option.

5. Pay fees associated with your M-1 visa

Preparation for your visa interview with the US consulate

• An Interview required: Short 2 minutes - be ready to answer questions such as; How long do you plan to stay? Why do you want to study in the U.S. instead of your own country?

• Be ready to explain ties to home country and your plans to use your U.S. education in home country.

• Visa applications must be filled out completely and correctly. If a question does not apply to your situation, write in N/A (not applicable). This tells the officer that you have read the question, but that it does not apply your situation.

• Translations are needed with any documents not in English.

I: Bring to your Visa Interview:

• SEVIS I-20 Signed by the school & the student

• SEVIS Fee Receipt

• Passport valid for at least 6 months

• One 2x2 photo per person applying

• Completed visa applications (DS-156, DS-158, and, if applicable, DS-157)

If dependents will accompany you bring:

• Birth & marriage certificates

• Application materials & fees for dependents

• Financial documents as proof of family/student funds

- Affidavits of Support

- U.S. Sources – Form I-134

- Foreign Sources – Notarized Affidavits of Support II: Evidence of ties

to home country

• Financial ties

- Current bank account statement (showing the balance & when

established)

- Other Investments

- Family owned business

- Proof of University study

- Proof of University study

- Ownership of a residence in home country (a deed or lease)

• Employment or employment opportunities

- Employment confirmation letter

- Offers of employment upon return letter

- Statistics on projected position availability in field of study

• Family ties

- Immediate family in home country

- Leaving spouse and/or children

- Fiancé in home country