INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION – NYC CAMPUS

International Student Enrollment at LSTFI New York City

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is proud to be the artistic home of students and alumni from 157 different countries.

We welcome international students and provide assistance throughout the application process and during your studies. We offer guidance and support with obtaining your I-20, applying for a visa, maintaining your F-1 status while you are in the U.S., and applying for OPT.

ADMISSIONS

The admissions process is the same for domestic and international students, with the additional requirement of proof of English proficiency. International applicants should also allow sufficient time for the student visa process when applying.

Study at LSTFI requires a high level of English proficiency. If you are from a country where the official language is not English, then in your application you will submit evidence of English language proficiency such as a test score (TOEFL, Pearsons, IELTS, Cambridge), a transcript from a school where the language of instruction was English, or other evidence may be considered. Options for proof of English proficiency include:

TOEFL ibt score of 85 or equivalent in Cambridge (TOEFL School Code: New York campus: 3753, and no dept. code or dept. name)
Pearsons PTE or Pearsons PTE Academic Online score of 58 or above.
IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or higher
Duolingo English Test (score of 115 or above. Note- we do not provide any code, applicants are responsible to pay any fees for tests)
Transcript from a high school or post-secondary school, college or university where the language of instruction is English.
Other language tests or ESL Certificates will be considered on a case by case basis.

Complete application requirements

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW EARLY TO APPLY: We offer rolling admissions for all programs and accept applications up to one year before your intended start date. Applications are accepted until the program begins, space permitting. However, programs do fill up, so we strongly recommend applying early — ideally 2 to 6 months in advance of your desired start date. If you will need a visa to study in the U.S., be sure to allow extra time for visa processing. Visa wait times vary by country and can impact your ability to arrive on time. Check the U.S. Consulate website in your country for specific information, and review to the U.S. State Department’s estimated visa wait times here: Visa Appointment Wait Times

TUITION: International students pay an additional $100 administrative fee per term, all other fees are the same as domestic students. Tuition and Start Dates

DURATION OF STAY ON F-1 VISA: On the F-1 student visa, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date. You may stay in the U.S. throughout your studies and for up to 60 days (called the “grace period”) after your program ends.

TRANSFERRING FROM AN F-1 SCHOOL: If you are currently in the U.S. on an F-1 visa then you may transfer your SEVIS record to us. Please be sure to pay close attention to the rules for transferring and deadlines so that you don’t fall out of status.

F-1 Student Visa Information (Non U.S. Citizens only)

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.

International students who are admitted to one of our full-time programs (22 hours or more per week) and have provided the required financial documents will be issued an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status which is required to apply for the F-1 student visa.

Full-time programs include: Two Year Conservatory, One Year Conservatory, 12 Week Program (22 hours per week). You may not attend these programs on a tourist visa/visa waiver/ESTA. International students may not study part-time.

Explore all LSTFI programs here: NY Acting Programs

If you will be in the U.S. on another type of visa that allows full-time study (i.e. H-4, O-1, any dependent status visa) then you do not need an I-20 Certificate. You are considered a Domestic student for application purposes.

Step-by-Step: Receiving the I-20 Certificate and Applying for an F-1 Visa

First, you must be fully admitted to a full-time program at LSTFI after submitting a complete application and being interviewed. You will receive an email after admission with instructions on what to submit to receive an I-20 Certificate.
Submit the Affidavit of Support and supporting financial documentation to prove funding is readily available to cover tuition and living costs ($2400 per month) Click here for the Affidavit of Support and Instructions. Note: don’t complete this if your program start date is more then 6 months away.
We will create your I-20 Certificate in the SEVIS system and email you the information you’ll need (SEVIS # and school code) to make a visa interview appointment for the F-1 visa at a US Consulate.
We will email you the signed I-20 Certificate.
You will make a visa interview appointment: View the website of the US Embassy in your country and follow directions to submit an online DS-160 visa application for the F-1 student visa (non-immigrant visa) and schedule a visa interview appointment. You will pay a fee for the visa application and an additional SEVIS I-901 fee.
You will print and sign your I-20 Certificate and bring to your visa interview.
Carry the I-20 with you when you enter the US, along with your visa, SEVIS fee receipt, and financial documents.

Complete the Application for the i-20 certificate

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Please note, there are no work opportunities while you study. We do not offer on-campus employment. You must have the funds to support yourself in the U.S. throughout your studies without needing to work.

One-Year and Two-Year Conservatory students are eligible for up to 12 months of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion of studies. OPT provides work authorization to engage in work that is directly related to the program of studies only. Your stay in the U.S. is automatically extended if you are approved for OPT. You will be assisted with information on how to apply for OPT when you are eligible to do so.