Coming From Abroad?

Welcome. We host students from every corner of the globe. Check out the info below to see what you'll need in order to join the Miami Ad School family.

Applying for a Student Visa

Only students enrolling in one of our portfolio programs are eligible to apply for an M-1 student visa.

Once you are accepted, you will receive an Initial Visa Guide to help walk you through the process of applying for your visa.

These documents should be uploaded using the link we will email to you after you complete the enrollment process.

1. A copy of your valid passport.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.

2. A bank letter or a financial statement indicating a minimum current balance.

A bank statement translated into English and USD$ showing the minimum balance of $32,000. Your bank statement may not be older then 90 days before your start date of school.

3. Sponsor letter if the bank account is not your own.

If the bank statement is not in your name, you’ll need a notarized letter from the person whose name is listed on the statement. This is your sponsor. If the bank statement is in your name, you can skip this requirement.

4. English Proficiency Is Required

Classes are taught in English, so an applicant must demonstrate good verbal and written English language skills. Please include your TOEFL score in your application. Official TOEFL report. Scores must be a minimum of 550/ PBT, 213/ CBT, or 80/IBT. Occasionally, this component is waived. Contact the Admissions Office if your ability with the English language can be clearly demonstrated in both written and oral form.

The school code is 3023.

About Your Form I-20

After you are accepted to study at MAS and provide the required documentation for your Form I-20, you will receive your M-1 Initial I-20. Please review your I-20 carefully for accuracy, then print, sign, and return a scanned copy of the signed document for your student file. You will also receive your Acceptance Letter which is one of the documents you will present during your embassy interview. The Initial Visa Guide will outline all the documents you need to bring to your embassy appointment.

Follow these three steps to get it:

1. Login to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website to fill out a SEVIS form 1-901.

Go to www.fmjfee.com.
Click “Submit Form I-901 and Fee Payment.”
Choose “Form I-20” and click OK.
Enter your surname and first name as it appears on your I-20 and passport as well as the SEVIS ID number on the top right of your form I-20.

2. Pay the fee and print your receipt

At the American Embassy or Consulate you will be required to show proof the $350 USD fee is paid. If you are a Canadian citizen you have completed the process. Just save and present your receipt with your I-20 when you enter the U.S. All other nationalities proceed to Step 3.

3. Contact your American Embassy or Consulate to make an appointment.

Be sure to inquire early about all the needed documentation required for this appointment. You will need to complete the DS-160 visa application at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. Provide only what is required. There will be a fee for the M-1 visa, so you’ll want to ask what this cost is when setting up your appointment. When you have your appointment at the American Embassy or Consulate you will need to leave your passport in order for them to add to it your approved M-1 student visa.

* If you are a Canadian Citizen, you are not required to complete this step.

When the American Embassy or Consulate returns your passport make sure all the information on your M-1 student visa is accurate. Make sure you have been issued an M-1 visa and not an F-1 visa. (The consulates and embassies on occasion issue the wrong visa.) If your student visa is an F-1, it is incorrect and you will need to have it corrected at the embassy or consulate to an M-1 visa. You may not study at Miami Ad School on an F-1 visa. (Disregard this info if you are enrolling in the joint Masters program with FIU.)

Common Questions

Why is my I-20 for one year but the program is two years long?

Since Miami Ad School is an M-1 school, the Form I-20 can only be issued for one year. In your second year you need to get a new Form 1-20. You will receive an email in your fourth quarter in week one telling you that you need a new Form I-20 with your options and instructions.

Can I work in the United States while I am studying?

M-1 students are not permitted to work or complete internships, paid or unpaid during their vocational studies. The only authorized employment is Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in a paid position directly related to your studies after you have completed your program and have received authorization from USCIS.

Is there financial aid for international students?

U.S. citizens and legal residents are eligible for federal financial aid. There is no federal financial aid available for M-1 or F-1 students.

Have More Questions?

Talk to Jeanine Jansen. She is our resident expert on everything you’ll need to know regarding federal financial aid and coming to Miami Ad School from abroad. She’ll be happy to chat and help you build a plan for your creative career.