Step-by-Step of Procedures for International Student

I. Welcome! And thank you for showing interest in International College of Cosmetology’s study abroad program. After today’s presentation and you would like to apply for admission to our institution, please visit our website at www.international-cosmetology.com for an admission application.

II. Once you submit your application, our institution will review you eligibility.

Student eligibility is based on: A completed application and

1. Non-Refundable / Non-Transferable application fee of $200 U.S. dollars.

1. 5 Passport size photograph for applicant and each dependent
2. Passport I.D. page for applicant and dependent
3. Original bank verification letter and/or scholarship letter
4. Health insurance verification
5. One page Personal Essay with statement of why student would like to study abroad at International College of Cosmetology
6. Completion of High School Diploma

Once your application is complete, please mail this to:

International College of Cosmetology
3701 International Blvd.
Oakland CA 94601 USA

III. If you meet satisfactory requirements, our school will send a signed I-20 form (allows students to stay in the USA and indicated the end date allowed for the student) that you must submit to the United States Consulate in your country, along with an application for an M-1 (Vocational Student) Visa

IV. Once students decide to attend International College of Cosmetology, students must submit I-901 form and fees (note: see “I-901 Instructions”)

V. Documents you need to apply for the student visa:

-I-797 (official receipt of I-901 fee)
-Passport at least valid for six months
-One photograph 1 and ½ inches square (37mm X 37mm) for each applicant, showing full face without head covering, each person desiring a visa must make an application.
-DS-156 form for all applicants. Download from https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp
-DS-157A form for all applicants over the age of 16. Download from https://www.state.gov/document/organization/7769.pdf
-DS-158A form for all applicants. Download from http:www.state.gov/document/organization/12154.pdf
-Diploma from final education
-Bank statement (must be in English)
-College transcript from the last three years (must be in English)
-Original receipt of payment for visa application fee $100 USD (note: please check with your local US embassy/consulate for application fees) attached to the back side of DS-156 form.
-Return envelope, (note: attach enough stamps and a self addressed envelope)
-If you have been arrested or convicted, you must attach a record of your conviction in English
- Place all of the documents mentioned in standard IV in a CLEAR PLASTIC FOLDER. If you are submitting an I-20, DS-2019 or I-797 please also place this in the folder.
-Go to America embassy website and make an appointment for interview.

Note: If you are missing even one document, they may deny your visa and you will need to make another appointment again. Make sure that you have all documents above prepared and bring it to the interview.

VI. Once students receive the M-1 Visa, students may board plane to the United States. At the Port of Entry, students must have:

1. M-1 Visa
2. Signed I-20 from International College of Cosmetology
3. Documentation of ability to pay for the tuition fees and expenses during student’s stay in the United States.

Note: In some cases, students may be asked to step aside for further questioning. I-94 will be granted to students. If students do not have required documentation, POE may choose to issue an I-515 form, Certification of Eligibility to Enter the United States to allow students to enter for thirty days. During this time students must correct deficiencies listed in the I-515 form.

Form I-94: USCIS Inspector may ask you questions about the purpose of your trip, length of stay in the United States and your residence abroad. You will receive an I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) form from the USCIS inspector. This is a legal form that proves that you arrived in the country legally and that you have not stayed beyond the authorized period. Turning in the Form I-94 form proves that you did not violate U.S. laws by staying in the country too long. Proof that you are willing to obey U.S. immigration laws will be very important if you again want to travel to the U.S. as an immigrant or nonimmigrant in the future.

VII. Once admitted into the United States, students must report to International College of Cosmetology within 30 days of arrival (otherwise students will be terminated from SEVIS and must return to country of origin).

VIII. DSO will register students into SEVIS [Student Exchange and Visitor Program]

IX. Student will continue school and meet with DSO on a monthly basis to update SEVIS.

X. Once program is completed students have a 30 day grace period to leave the United States. If students require an extension to complete the program, students must file before end date. Students must submit an I-901 form with fees to change status. An I-539 form may also be required to extend students’ stay.

Note : DSO must maintain student records and report immediate termination of students or of any other changes in status.

Students who would like to bring dependents see “M-2 Requirements”
Students who would like to work see “M-1 Permission to Work”
Students who would like to transfer IN to International College of Cosmetology see “Instructions for Transfer Students”

Course tuition for Iternational Students

Proof/Documentation of Ability to Pay  

International College of Cosmetology and the United States Immigration Law, Requires that students must have sufficient funds to pay for student's studies and expenses during the duration of their stay in the United States. Student must show proof in their bank statement of sufficient funds:

Note: Students with spouse or dependents must have an additional $2000 for each additional person for every three months students are planned to stay for course program.

Students may also show documentation of sufficient scholarship funds as a substitute.

Tuition Breakdown

Note: Students must be full time in order to qualify for M-1 VISA. Student Kit, Equipment and Textbook fees are included in the Tuition Fee.

Accommodations/Meals:

Students must have sufficient funds to pay for place of residence and meals. International College of Cosmetology provides housing information for residence in Oakland and San Francisco starting at $435 (U.S. dollars) per month; plans including rooming with others, single rooms, suites, maid services, and meal accommodations. Students may choose to seek housing elsewhere, and there are many nice restaurants and markets within walking distance.

Please see attached “Spaulding Hotel “ for sample of hotel accommodations. Once you have decided to attend International College of Cosmetology, detailed information and assistance will be provided for you.

Personal Expenses:

Students should have sufficient funds to cover other expenses such as personal supplies and amusement expenses.

1. Contact the institution you would like to transfer OUT of to receive a pending transfer I-20

2. Contact the institution you would like to transfer IN to (International College of Cosmetology), and receive an admission application form.

3. Fill out the Application for Admission and have the following documents prepared:

a. Completed Application
b. Non-Refundable / Non-Transferable application fee of $200 U.S. dollars.
c. 5 Passport size photograph for applicant and each dependent
d. Passport I.D. page for applicant and dependent
e. Original bank verification letter and/or scholarship letter
f. Health insurance verification
e. Personal Essay

4. Bring all of the documents listed above to International College of Cosmetology and receive an I-20.

5. Download form I-539 from http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/i-539.pdf and fill out the form. (Vietnamese and Spanish instruction available)

6. Send both I-20s from transfer OUT and IN school, completed I-539 form, and filing fee of $200 USD to DHS service center.

Make Checks Payable to:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service(USCIS)

Mail to:
DHS California Service Center
P.O Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053

Note: This address is used for only I-539 cases. For other specific activities, ask for school service or customer service at 1-800-375-5283. You will receive a receipt after form I-539 is filed. Please keep it carefully. You will need it whenever you write to us about your case.

Note: You DO NOT need to pay additional I-901 fees as long as you have maintained status in your transfer OUT school.

7. If you are approved prior to release date:

a. SEVIS automatically updates your record to show ”transfer request has been approved”
b. SEVIS changes the active record at the transfer OUT school to “deactivate” on the release date.
c. You can enroll to International College of Cosmetology.

If you have filed a timely request but approval to transfer is still pending at the release date:

• SEVIS automatically deactivates your record at your transfer OUT school.
• Students must report to the transfer-in school to begin classes upon the program start date at the new school
• Student’s SEVIS record at the transfer IN school still shows transfer pending
• The DSO at the transfer IN school must activate the record upon the student’s enrollment.

If you are denied approval after release date:

a. SEVIS automatically terminates the student’s record at the transfer IN school for denied transfer.
b. SEVIS automatically moves your record back to the transfer OUT school.
c. USCIS notifies the student of the denial. If you wish to continue studies, you must apply for re-instatement through the transfer OUT school; otherwise you must leave the country immediately.

Permission for Foreign Students to Work

M-1 students may not work. However, they may apply for optional practical training (OPT) from INS.

Requirements and rules governing OPT for M-1 students are strict because M-1 visas are not initially approved without proof that the potential student can provide for themselves and their education without the need to work during their stay in the United States.

M-1 students must use recommendations by the designated school official on Form I-20, along with Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to apply for employment authorization from the INS. The instructions on the Form I-765 should answer any of your questions about the student employment, and filing fees required, and where to file the application.

Note: Students who apply for OPT must be in the Esthetician or Cosmetology course program. For every four full months in the course program, students are allowed one full month in the OPT.

Note: You are barred from accepting any off-campus or OPT employment unless, and until, you receive authorization by the department of homeland security. If you are found working without permission, you are subject to deportation.

Visas for the Spouse and Dependent Children of Foreign Students

Note that if there has been any major change in the information on your I-20A-B or I-20M-N, a new form will need to be obtained and submitted by the foreign student.

When the family members enter the United States, they will present their passport and form I-20A-B or I-20M-N to the immigration inspector. The inspector will issue each person a form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, which notes the authorized period of stay. This period of stay will match that of the foreign student. Please note that F-2 or M-2 visa holders are barred from accepting employment or engaging in business under any circumstances while in the United States. To do so will subject the individual to deportation.

The American consulate in your native country would determine whether the above requirements are met and qualifies as a spouse or dependent child for an F-2 or M-2 visa. In addition, form I-20A-B or I-20M-N from the school which the foreign student is either going to attend or is currently attending must be submitted to the American consular officer in order to support the application for the F-2 or M-2 visas.

If the spouse and or dependent child are going to accompany the foreign student to the United States, the foreign students' form I-20A-B or I-20M-n may be used as the basis to request the F-2 or M-2 visas.

If the spouse and or dependent child are joining the student later, they will need to submit to the United States consular officer a properly endorsed form I-20A-B or I-20M-N from the school the foreign student is attending.

For a spouse and/or dependent children to enter the United States with an F-1 or M-1 student, or to join them later, the spouse and/or dependant children must meet certain requirements. These requirements are:

1. They each must hold a valid passport, unless they are citizens of Canada or exempt from passport requirements.
2. They must prove they have sufficient funds to meet all their expenses while in the United States.
3. They must agree to depart the United States upon the termination of the foreign student's F-1 or M-1 visa.

What is a resident hotel?

A Resident Hotel is a hotel characterized by long term stay. Resident Hotels provide furnished rooms, meal service, coin operated laundry, and have rooms available for students to share. Basically, a Resident Hotel is exactly like a dormitory at any other university in the United States. However, it is off campus, and residence is not exclusive to students only.

Most of them are located at very convenient locations within walking distance of International College of Cosmetology. These resident hotels have 24 hours security.

Student stay can be based on a daily, weekly, or monthly rate and is reasonable compared to hotel or apartments nearby. Since the resident hotels have furniture, laundry rooms, internet connection and so on, it is good for the new and short term student (a couple of months to a year).

Terms Used

- Security Deposit: A certain amount of money that you have to provide up front, to ensure that the resident hotel may be refunded for any damages or missing furniture in the room when you move out. If there are none, your full security deposit will be returned to you.

- Key Deposit: A small amount of money that you provide up front. In the case that you lose your room key, the hotel will charge you from this deposit. Once you return the room key at the end of your stay, the key deposit will be returned to you.

-Reservation Deposit: This will be charged when you have to move out earlier than your contract.

-Room Cleaning: Room cleaning is usually once or twice a week. The room keeper will change all of your linens and clean your room. Room cleaning charge is usually one time pay only no matter how long you will stay.

-Telephone: Call from outside is normally connected to the front desk first, and will be transferred to your room by the operator or automatic answering system. Incoming call to your room is free, but there usually is connection fee per call (25-45cent) and sometime minutes charge also for outgoing call. Long distance or international call is expensive, so residence is suggested to use a prepaid phone card. Some hotels have phone card for sale at the front desk.

-Breakfast: The breakfast is usually served in the residence hotel (normally included in the price) is continental style (bread, bagel, cereal and coffee or tea only). Some places serve the American style breakfast (plus eggs, beacon, ham and so on) but there is normally an extra charge for this.

-Parking: Since San Francisco has very limited land, most of the resident hotel does not have parking for the guest. If you own the car, you may have to find monthly parking near by, or park on the street.

-Single room: Small private room for only one person use. It is too small to share with anyone.

- Double room: This is also private room but bigger than single room. You can use either by yourself or with your room mate. If you have room mate, you had better check in and out together. This is good for couple or best friends.

-Room to share: You will have a room mate arranged by the hotel. You can sometimes find by your own, but some places don’t allow you to do so. Please ask the front desk.