Visas and I-20

For international students, navigating the visa and I-20 process is an essential part of preparing for your studies at CalArts. This guide outlines the key steps and deadlines, ensuring you are fully prepared for your journey as an international student.

Step 1: Application submission

Apply to the program of your choice. 

Read more about transcript requirements and English language proficiency (ELL). 

Step 2: Decision Reply Form and Tuition Deposit

You will be notified by email when your decision is ready to view. Decision letters are viewed by logging back into the application and clicking the View Your Admission Decision link (please make sure pop-up windows are allowed). If admitted, your letter will contain instructions on accessing the Decision Reply form and the Non-refundable Tuition Deposit payment site.

Both the Decision Reply form and Deposit need to be turned in to reserve your space. You can find the step-by-step process here.

Step 3: Declaration of Finances and Visa Form

A few days after you submit the Decision Reply Form and pay the deposit, you will receive an email with instructions on using the International Student Portal. This is to apply for the Form I-20 for F-1 Student Visas.

All students who are not U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. must complete the online Declaration of Finances (DOF) forms after they have been accepted and submitted their Decision Reply form. Only students pursuing F-1 status need to submit financial documents, but all international students must submit the forms. This DOF form is to verify that you have sufficient financial resources to pay all educational and living expenses while attending the California Institute of the Arts. We encourage international students to be fully prepared to fund their education and living expenses for the entire length of their time at CalArts.

Declaration of Finances and Visa Form FAQ

I can’t complete the DOF yet. Can you extend the due date?

The recommended DOF deadline is June 1st. Please email us the date you can complete the DOF at intlstudents@calarts.edu.

I have submitted the DOF with documents, but I forgot to include one more thing. It doesn’t let me go back to my form to upload any more. What should I do?

Please email us at intlstudents@calarts.edu.

I submitted the DOF with financial statements for a previous term. Do I have to submit the DOF again? Can I submit the same financial statements?

• If you deferred your admission, please complete a new DOF form.
• Please submit new financial statements that are issued within 3 months of your submission date.
• Keep in mind the amount you need to show for the I-20 may have changed from last term.

I have a dependent who will be accompanying me to the US. What do I need to do?

You need to submit additional documentation as directed in the forms for the dependent spouse or child, including a copy of their passport and additional finances to support their stay.

What kinds of bank accounts can be used to show financial support?

• Accepted: Liquid accounts such as checking, saving, and certificate of deposit accounts.
• Not accepted: Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, credit card accounts, and ATM receipts are not accepted.

How much should the bank statement show?

The minimum amount should be at least the estimated cost of attendance (tuition and living expenses) for one academic year.

International students must meet the “off-campus” cost of living due to limited on-campus housing options. Contact International Programs Office intlstudents@calarts.edu for the one-semester exchange program tuition and fee cost.

Students with dependents will be required to show additional funding. You may need additional financial documents when you apply for F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

My bank statement is not in English and it doesn’t have the US dollar amount. Is it OK?

You will have to translate the whole statement into English and attach it to the bank statement. We will calculate the equivalent U.S. dollar amount based on the exchange rate on the day we review your documents.

My relative is sponsoring my educational cost. Do I need their bank statement?

Yes, you do. In addition if your sponsor is not your parent, you and your relative need to complete the Affidavit of Sponsor form and get it notarized to verify the identification of your relative.

I only have an email confirmation of my scholarship. Is it OK?

Email confirmation of CalArts scholarship is OK. We will see your scholarship in the system. For non-CalArts scholarships, you will need an official letter of scholarship confirmation from other organization confirming the amount given. 

My scholarship sponsor is asking me about J-1 visa. What do I do?

Students approved for Fulbright or IIE will receive a DS-2019 directly from that organization. Students with substantial funding that is not personal/family funds, such as home country sponsorship, may be eligible for J-1 through CalArts. For any questions about eligibility for J-1, please contact us at intlstudents@calarts.edu.

I have multiple passports. Which one do I upload?

Please upload the passport you will be using to apply for F-1 visa. 

I have an I-20 from another school in the U.S - can I keep my same I-20?

Students who have an active I-20 with another school in the U.S can transfer their I-20/SEVIS record to CalArts. The transfer is not automatic. Students need to give their CalArts acceptance letter and CalArts school code to their current school’s international office and request the transfer, if eligible.After the transfer is made, CalArts can issue the student a transfer pending I-20 with the same SEVIS number. 

The CalArts SEVIS school code for transferring is LOS214F00423000.

Step 4: I-20 Issuance

After the Office of International Students & Programs issues the I-20, you will have access to your I-20 through the International Student Portal (isp.calarts.edu). Please read the instruction page carefully when you receive your I-20. It explains how you should print the I-20 on paper and sign it.

I-20 Issuance FAQ

I deferred my admission to a later term. How will I receive my I-20?

• If you are deferring Fall to Fall terms, you must submit a new DOF through the ISP Portal with new supporting documents for your new term, since the cost of attendance changes every year. You will have access to it from the International Student Portal. If we prepared your I-20 for a previous term but you weren’t able to use it, we may be able to keep your SEVIS ID number the same. For deferring Fall to next Spring, you may not be required to show financial documents again.
• SEVIS transfer students who have deferred admission will be issued a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number.

If you have questions please let us know at intlstudents@calarts.edu.

So, when am I receiving my I-20?

Once we review and approve your Declaration of Finances with supplemental documents we will issue your I-20 and email you when it’s ready to be downloaded from your International Student Portal. 

The whole process of review and I-20 issurance could take up to 6 weeks during peak processing times, so it is advised to apply as early as possible. 

Do I have to print my I-20?

Yes, you will need to print your I-20 for the visa interview and to enter the U.S.

• Sign and date on page 1 with a pen.
• DSO (advisor) signatures can be electronic. This is accepted.
• Keep your I-20 with your passport.
• You will need your I-20 and other documents such as bank statements to apply for the F-1 visa.

Do I need my I-20 to pay the SEVIS fee and make a visa appointment?

Yes. You will need the information on your I-20 including your unique SEVIS number and school code etc. to make a payment/appointment.

The SEVIS fee is separate from DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application and the associated fee.

Are you going to mail me a paper I-20 later?

No, unless specifically requested by your consulate/embassy. As of March 25, 2020, I-20’s may be issued and distributed digitally. 

Step 5: SEVIS Fee and F-1 Visa

After receiving the I-20, you will pay the SEVIS fee and make an appointment for F-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. 

1. Make sure all I-20 information is correct.
2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. You will need your SEVIS ID number on your I-20.
3. Apply for an F-1 Visa 
   • Check U.S. Department of State for updates on travel restrictions.
   • Visit each U.S. Embassy/Consulate‘s site for location, hours, closures, and requirements. Some U.S. Embassies/Consulates may be closed or suspending F-1 visa issuance. Please monitor their websites carefully.
   • Tips and videos for Visa Interview

F-1 Visa FAQ

I got a very late appointment at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. What do I do?

After you schedule a visa appointment, you may be able to request an expedited processing time, although it’s not guaranteed.  Please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate for their requirements for requesting expedited processing of the F-1 visa.

Can I start my study late?

• No, CalArts does not have a late start policy at this time. 
• You may not be permitted to enter the U.S if the start date on your I-20 has already passed. 

I already got an F-1 visa. Does it expire if I defer my admission?

Your F-1 visa should not expire if you defer your admission. You can still use your visa stamp for your travel when you start on-campus in a future semester. We will need to issue you a new I-20 with future program dates. 

I have an F-1 visa stamp for another school in my passport and it is still valid. Do I have to apply for a new visa for CalArts? What about the SEVIS fee?

You can use your previously issued F-1 visa if it’s not expired when you enter the US. In general, the earliest date you can enter with your I-20 Is 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. Make sure your F-1 visa is valid when you travel.  If you are a SEVIS transfer student you can travel to the U.S. anytime after receiving your Transfer I-20 from CalArts. 

If your CalArts I-20 has a new SEVIS ID number you have to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. If your new I-20 has the same SEVIS ID number as your previous study then you don’t pay the I-901 SEVIS fee again.

I have two passports. Which one do I use?

Use the passport that you submitted with the Declaration of Finances that matches your I-20. 

Do I have to go to the American Embassy/Consulate in my home country?

Not necessarily, however, it is the most common way.

Applying for a visa in another country other than your home country may be possible, but may have longer processing times or more scrutiny. 

Please contact the nearest American Embassy/Consulate for your particular situation.

Step 6: Orientation

Read more about the required Pre-Arrival Webinar and International Student Orientation.

Contact International Student Services

Email: intlprograms@calarts.edu
Phone number: 661-291-3418
Room number: F207