Student Visa Requirements

Steps for getting a Student Visa:

1. Apply to the Acupressure Institute.
2. Have your Application Reviewed, and Accepted for Admission.
3. Receive an I-20 Form (a certificate of eligibility to study in the United States.)
4. Apply for a Student (M-1) Visa

1. Acupressure Institute Application Requirements:

   • Minimum Age of 18
   • Interview with an AI School Counselor, in person or via telephone to answer questions regarding school policies and to assist students in their short and long-term goals.
   • Pay $200 Non-Refundable International Student Application Fee in US funds by check or credit card.
   • Complete AI Program forms: Application for Admission, Enrollment Agreement, Student Health Form, and Student Information Form for the program(s) for you are applying for.
   • Send AI a copy of Bank Statement (or equivalent) documenting funds available to you while studying in the United States. Including living and school related expenses we estimate this amount to be between $16,000/yr and $25,000/yr depending on the program(s) you choose.
   • Personal Essay: Write a one page (approximately 250 words) typed essay of your educational goals and the reasons you are interested in studying at the Acupressure Institute.
   • Current Doctor’s Note (dated within 30 days of your Application date) verifying that you do not have any diseases or disabilities that would jeopardize the health and safety of other students in the training.

2. Acceptance

   We evaluate application documents upon receipt. If you meet the admission requirements, we will mail you an acceptance letter. Once you have been accepted, you must make a $250 US payment toward the Registration Fee of your selected program(s).

3. I-20 Form & Financial Documents

   Once you remit your Program Registration Fee(s), we will send you an I-20 form and schedule a detailed Program Counseling appointment for you. If for any reason you decide not to attend, your Registration Fee is refundable upon written request.

4. Apply for Student (M-1) Visa

   • Obtain a valid passport from your government
   • Make an appointment with the U.S. consulate at the Embassy nearest you. You may ask them which documents you need to apply for an M-1 visa besides the I-20 form and Financial Documents, (it varies from country to country)
   • Complete the I-901 form and pay the SEVIS fee ($100) at www.fmjfee.com
   • Apply for a Student (M-1) visa at the U.S. Consulate. Take the following documents to your appointment with the U.S. Consulate:
     • I-20 form that you have received from the Acupressure Institute
     • A copy of your financial statement (the same statement you submitted to the Acupressure Institute)
     • Verification/receipt of your SEVIS fee payment
   • If the consulate grants you a visa, they will place a visa stamp on your passport and return the I-20 form to you.
   • Buy your plane ticket. It may be wise to make a reservation ahead of time.

5. Arrival to the United States
   Please have with you:

   • Evidence of Financial Resources. You must present documentation in the form of a bank statement to indicate that there are enough funds available to you while you are studying in the United States. This estimate includes living and school related expenses. (Minimum of $16,000 per year or fraction thereof)
   • Evidence of Student Status, such as recent tuition receipts and transcripts;
   • Form I-20 and I-797 (your paper receipt for the SEVIS fee)
   • Designated School Official name and contact information, including an emergency contact number at the school.

At the Port of Entry at the Airport, the immigration officer will ask for your passport and I-20 form. The officer will give you an "arrival / departure" card (I-94), to complete. The Immigration officer will review your documents, and take your picture and fingerprints. After reviewing your papers, the officer will stamp your I-20 and I-94 forms and return them to you. You are required to contact the Acupressure Institute within 30 days of arriving. Please keep in mind you may be refused entry into the United States if you attempt to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 form.

For more information, please go to: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm