International Students
LAAFA’s full-time student body is made up of international students from all over the world. The students bring with them a wealth of backgrounds and perspectives that provide a well rounded cultural experience and an ethnically diverse environment here at LAAFA. We welcome all applicants from different countries.
If you are an international applicant, the first step in becoming a student at LAAFA is to submit an application along with all required documentation. We are a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) approved school, and we have been authorized by the U.S. federal government to admit foreign students into our Full-Time Program, and to assist them in obtaining an M-1 Visa. You also have the opportunity to obtain an M-2 dependent I-20 form for your spouse. Due to the time necessary to process the paperwork in support of the visa application, it is recommended that international applicants complete the application process at least two months prior to the program start date.
Upon acceptance into the BFA and Certificate Program and the issuance of your visa, we can provide you with information on a variety of topics to help you get started in your new journey. We can also help you find a place to live using our complimentary Concierge Service. Just fill out our simple request form and you will be given a selection of choices that best fit your criteria.
LAAFA can only assist the artists interested in attending the BFA, Atelier and Entertainment Certificate Programs to obtain a visa. Unfortunately, prospective international students interested in our Extension Program don’t qualify.
In addition to being responsible for following the same application procedures as other prospective students, all international students have additional documentation requirements. All International students must submit the following documents:
ALL classes at LAAFA are taught in English. Applicants must be conversant in English.
- A Portfolio containing no more than ten and no less than five of your most recent and best works of art.
- A Required Drawing – Applicants must complete 1 drawing of a glass cup and an egg on 18”x24” white paper. The drawing must be done in charcoal or graphite. It may be any glass cup or egg of your choosing. We are looking for quality of execution and innovative concepts.
- Two Letters of Recommendation.
- A one to two page Admission Essay or Personal Statement.
- Official Transcripts for high school and all college courses completed. Include listings of all coursework in progress. A certified English translation of all academic records’ conversion to the U.S. quarter unit system is required.
- A completed Visa Processing Application Form. Click here!
- A letter explaining how the student plans on paying for the tuition, living expenses as well as supplies and book costs associated with the entire three years of the program. List the estimated amounts for the living expenses as well as books and supply costs (see the Personal Finances section under the Life in LA tab for information in regards to the costs associated with living in LA).
- A Declaration of Finances from the student’s parent, sponsor, or sponsoring agency. The declaration must show a guarantee of payment for one year’s tuition, supplies, and all living expenses.
- The official bank statement and/or other financial documents must be in English, or be accompanied by a certified English translation, and must delineate funds in U.S. currency.
- A $100 Application Fee and an additional $100 Visa Application Processing Fee may be paid by check, PayPal or credit card by calling LAAFA at 818-708-9232. All fees are non-refundable. The applicant is responsible for all courier costs associated with the shipping of the I-20 form to the student.
You can pay the $100 application fee by credit card: Fall 2013.
You can also pay the $100 visa application processing fee by credit card: Click here!
Applications can not be considered without all required materials. You can submit all documents by email at admissions@laafa.org.
Within one month of the submission of all admission requirements, you will receive written notification of your admission to LAAFA.
The accepted student must secure a spot by paying a $250 (non-refundable) payment. Full tuition for the 1st quarter is due on a specified deadline, one month prior to the start of the quarter. If tuition is not paid in full by that time, the student might lose their starting spot. The deposit of $250 is credited to the first quarter’s tuition. The student must submit a completed and signed enrollment form with their payment.
LAAFA accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. You can also pay by PayPal. Please note that all students, except those with a payment plan agreement with the school, must be PAID IN FULL by the payment deadline. A late fee of $150.00 will apply for payments received after the payment due date.
Here are the steps for processing your visa:
Step 1 – Submit all required documents to LAAFA at least two months prior to the program start date.
Step 2 – Once we have determined that you meet all of the admission requirements and you have the financial ability to pay for your education and living expenses, we will create an initial electronic SEVIS record and send you a signed copy of the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students), along with detailed instructions.
Step 3 – The Federal Government charges a fee for the visa application process (SEVIS I-901 FEE), which must be paid prior to applying for the actual visa. Information on how to pay the I-901 fee will be provided with the I-20 form.
Step 4 – Submit your proof of payment of the I-901 fee as well as the LAAFA endorsed I-20 form to a United States Consulate Office to apply for the M-1 visa.
International students who have already been admitted to the United States, and now wish to transfer to LAAFA must file a Form I-539 to change from their current non-immigrant status to an M-1 student. Most classes of non-immigrants can begin studying at LAAFA while their application is pending. The exceptions are non-immigrants that are currently in B-1, B-2 or F-2 status. These non-immigrants cannot begin a program of study prior to approval of their change of status.
You have the ability to enter into the US within a month of the program start date once your visa has been secured.
