International Students
The Digital Film Academy Inc. is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
International students worldwide are welcome in our courses and programs. This rich mixture of creative visions benefits our students and enriches their learning experience. Prospective international applicants may contact a D.S.O. (Designated School Official) through our Admissions Department for detailed procedures, information and documents required for the admissions process including the creation of the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). The following steps and policies provide a good overview of the process for international students:
Submit an application.
As part of the admissions process, any international student who wishes to enroll in full-time programs will need to apply for an F-1 student visa by first applying to the Digital Film Academy (Student and Exchange Visitor Program Certified). Complete the application here: https://www.digitalfilmacademy.edu/apply-now/
Proof of education
Provide proof of previous education equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma of higher. If education is from institutions outside the U.S., a credential evaluation must be performed. See acceptable organizations who provide this service here:
Below is a list of organizations who do credential evaluations which Digital Film Academy can accept:
– Span Tran Educational Services, Inc. https://www.spantran.com/
– IES www.iesedu.org
– Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. http://aes-edu.org/website/home/index.cfm
– A2Z Evaluations, LLC http://www.a2zeval.com/
– Center for Applied Research http://www.cfar.com/
– Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. https://www.ece.org/ECE
– Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. http://www.eres.com/
– e-ValReports http://www.e-valreports.com/
– Evaluation Service, Inc. http://www.evaluationservice.net/
– Foundation For International Service, Inc. https://www.fis-web.com/
– Global Services Associates, Inc. http://www.globaleval.org/
– International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. http://www.icdeval.com/
– International Ed. Research Foundation, Inc. https://www.ierf.org/
– Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. http://www.jsilny.org/
Provide proof of financial support
Provides financial statements as evidence of ability to pay tuition, fees and living expenses whilst in the USA. A Designated School Official will provide you with the exact amount required as well as acceptable documentation during the application process. All Financial documents presented must be in English.
Pay I-20 Deposit
Digital Film Academy collects a $500 deposit before issuing an I-20. The funds are applied towards tuition when the student commences their studies. In the event a student is denied the F-1 student visa, Digital Film Academy refunds the deposit, except for a $100 administration fee and any costs incurred by the school, such as bank fees incurred as part of the refund process.
Sign I-20
The I-20 Form is issued digitally for the student to sign. Prior to signing an I-20, the student must carefully read and understand the terms and conditions concerning admission and stay in the United States as a nonimmigrant student. By signing, the student confirms their intention to enter the United States on a temporary basis only, and solely for the purpose of pursuing a program of full-time study.
Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
After receipt of the I-20, the student must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee at www.FMJFee.com
Apply for F-1 Student Visa
The student contacts their local U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country to set up a visa appointment. (Students who are already in the USA may transfer their I-20 from their current school to Digital Film Academy)
Arrive in the United States
After the F-1 visa has been approved, the student may arrive no earlier than 30 days before their program start date and must present their Form I-20 and valid F-1 student visa to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.
Maintain Status During Program Study
During their studies, students must take a full course of study, not work without prior authorization and must speak with their DSO if they cannot finish classes before their program end date or have any other concerns about maintaining lawful status. While enrolled as an international student of Digital Film Academy, students are expected to maintain full-time attendance, in accordance with school policy. It is the responsibility of the
individual F-1 visa holder to maintain valid status, which is the purpose or reason the U.S. Department of State issues the visa. Federal laws and regulations require a DSO of the school to report required actions and/or status violations to the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) through the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
If a student cannot complete the education program by the program end date as shown on their Form I-20, they should contact the DSO at least 15 days before the program end date to request an extension.
Travel outside the U.S. while on F-1 visa
A DSO signature must be present on the I-20 to allow travel outside the U.S. with an F-1 student visa. Please contact the DSO if you plan to travel and allow two week for processing.
Explore Post-Graduation Opportunities
An F-1 International student has the option to transfer schools, change education levels (example: from undergraduate to graduate) or apply to USCIS for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. This OPT gives the student the authorization to legally work and earn money in the USA for one year after graduating with the ability to possibly further extend this by an additional 2 years through STEM OPT.
Depart the United States
An F-1 student has 60 days to depart the United States after completion of their program of study or OPT.
- Submission of fabricated or false documents will result in immediate dismissal of the application and will disqualify the individual from applying to the Digital Film Academy in the future.
