Obtaining a Visa for Interlochen Arts Camp
You must obtain an F-1 visa to study in the United States. For detailed information, please visit the U.S. Embassy website.
New Students – Student visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
Continuing Students — Student visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as you are currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or institution and in SEVIS. Continuing students do not need to apply for a new visa as long as their current visa is still valid. However, continuing students do need a new I-20 from Interlochen every year. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before classes start.
You can also check Visa Wait Times here.
Prepare for Your Visa Appointment
You will need to take these documents to your interview:
- Passport
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt (if you are required to pay before your interview)
- Photo — You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160; however, if the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements
- Signed Form I-20
- SEVIS I-901 payment confirmation. This is in addition to any visa application fees. Here is a step-by-step guide of the required payment process for the I-901 SEVIS Fee
- Acceptance/Admission Letter
- Scholarship and/or Loan Documentation
- Any additional documentation listed on the Embassy/Consulate website
You may also be requested to provide additional documents, such as:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
- Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school
- Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study
- How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.