Visa Information

International Students

International Student Admissions

We believe the education we offer our students is greatly enhanced by the richness of our the interaction between students from widely diverse backgrounds. Applying to ATA/ALA as an international student is easy.

We are here to assist you with your application and we will do our best to make it a pleasant experience for you.

 

SEVIS

SEVIS is an internet-based system that is used to maintain accurate and current information on non-immigrant students/scholars (F, M & J) visas and their dependents. SEVIS allows schools and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to exchange data on the visa status of international students/scholars. On July 1, 2002 the INS implemented SEVIS with voluntary enrollment from schools.

ATA is a participant of SEVIS
SEVIS school code#: LOS214F01483000

 

Applying For Your Visa

If you are currently abroad, and do not yet have a valid U.S. student visa, you generally apply for one at the U.S. embasy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it is generally more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence. You should apply for your student visa well in advance of the date you would like to depart hor ATA. Remember that you are required to show proof of having paid the Federal SEVIS Fee when you appear for your visa interview. Holiday and vacation periods are very busy times at the U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, and it is important for you to have your visa in time to arrive and begin orientation and registration activities no later than the start date on your I-20. Appointments are now mandatory for all student visas, and some U.S. embassies and consulates require that apppointments be made at least four to eight weeks in advance.

The actual visa interview may be as early as 120 days prior to your planned arrival date in the United States. All U.S. embassies and consulates have a website where you can read the latest information on visa procedures.

 

Your Visa Interview

Be sure to bring the following with you to the visa appointment:

  • Passport;
  • Required photo(s);
  • Visa fee or proof of visa fee payment;
  • Federal SEVIS Fee payment receipt;
  • U.S. non-immigrant visa application forms (unless you will complete them at the consulate or embassy);
  • HIC admission letter;
  • HIC SEVIS I-20;
  • Test scores and academic records;
  • Proof of English proficiency;
  • Proof of financial support;
  • Evidence of ties to your home country;
  • Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate.

 

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