• VISA & ARRIVAL INFORMATION

     
    APPLYING FOR A U.S. STUDENT VISA

    George Stevens Academy has been granted authorization under federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign students. In order to attend George Stevens Academy, students must obtain an F-1 (student) visa. It can take anywhere from one to ten weeks to receive a visa. Therefore, students should plan ahead and allow enough time for visa processing. Students may apply for a visa 90 days before the registration date on the I-20 Form.

     
    TO LEAVE A COUNTRY:

    1.     Apply for a passport. (This process may take several weeks.)

    2.     Inquire as to what other documents are required, such as: 

    •    Legal agreements requiring you to return to your country at a specific age, at the completion of your academic schooling, or for military service

    •    Financial disclosures

    •    Educational agreements.

     
    TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES:

    1.     Obtain an I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility) from George Stevens Academy after enrolling. (Contract and deposit must be received before I-20 will be sent.)

    2.     Apply for an F-1 student visa at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consular Office. You will need:

    ·          Completed Form DS-156, Application for Non-Immigrant Visa.

    ·          I-20 Form from GSA.

    ·          Passport, which must be valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the U.S.

    ·          Completed Affidavit of Support to verify financial support while you are in the U.S. 

    ·          Letter of admission from GSA.

    ·          You may also need to show proof of good health; English competency; transcripts from previous institutions attended; scores from tests such as the SSAT, PSAT, TOEFL, or SLEP; guardianship; your enrollment contract from GSA; photographs; police certificates; and intent to return home after completion of your education.

    3.     A fee will be charged for obtaining a visa.

    4.     If you are turned down the first time, please try again.

    For more detailed information about U.S. visas, please see http://www.boardingschools.com/how-to-apply/international-applicants/us-visas.aspx

     
     
    ARRIVING IN MAINE

    Airport: Students should fly into the Bangor International Airport (BGR), and will be met by someone from GSA. Flight details should be sent to Dean of Students Todd Eckenfelder (t.eckenfelder@georgestevens.org) as soon as possible so that we can make sure someone will be at the airport.