International Students

Applying to become an international student

We’re delighted to let you know that you can apply to study with us as an international student. Abbey Road Institute Miami is authorized under Federal law to enrol non-immigrant alien students with an M-1 visa/status on our Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering.

In order to apply for the M-1 student visa from abroad, you (or your legal guardian if you are under the age of 18) should do the following:
1. Submit your application for our Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering here.
2. Email us your proof of financial support (more information below).
3. If the applicant currently holds legal status in the U.S. and wishes to change his/her status to M-1, s/he should contact us for information. Tourists under the visa waiver program (ESTA) cannot apply for change of status. They must apply for a student visa in their country of origin/residence. Students changing status from B-1 and B-2 visas may not start their course of study until their petition is approved by the USCIS.

how to demonstrate you have financial support

Please send us one of the following
1. A current personal bank statement or a letter in English, Spanish or Portuguese from your bank or any other financial document showing that you have sufficient funds to pay for your course fees, housing, food, and any incidental expenses during your stay in the U.S.; OR
2. Current evidence of financial responsibility such as a tax return, paycheck stubs, rentals or any other financial document that shows you will support yourself in the U.S.; OR
3. Both a sponsorship letter/affidavit of support (in English, Spanish or Portuguese) from your parents (or guardians) or other sources of support (a relative, an employer, etc.) stating they will be responsible for your expenses during your stay in the US, AND evidence of your sponsors financial responsibility (see items 1 or 2 above) OR
4. An official scholarship letter (in English, Spanish or Portuguese) from your employer or other organization that will cover all your course fees and living expenses in the US.

Further guidance

• We require the above documentation for the issuance of the I-20 form.
• As you will need to present the same financial documentation to the American embassy or consulate in your country of origin, we recommend that you only send Abbey Road Institute copies of the above-listed financial documentation and keep the originals yourself.
• If you have a sponsor who is a permanent resident or citizen of the US, they may fill out Form I-134 at Form I-134. Otherwise, a notarized letter stating intent will suffice.
• You should contact the American consular office in your country of origin and inquire about their time frame to set an interview appointment. That information will help you plan accordingly and process your documentation before the program start date.
• If you are applying for an M-1 visa you will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee prior to your interview at the U.S. embassy or consular office. The fee is USD$350 and may be paid online at: Form I-901.
• Unfortunately, Abbey Road Institute will not return any documentation or forms sent to the school for the processing of the I-20 form.

If you need support with your application please contact us.