International Students
Ballet Academy East is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.
The M-1 visa is a type of student visa in the U.S. reserved for international students attending vocational schools, such as pre-professional ballet schools.
International students who have auditioned and been accepted to the school may then apply to BAE, an SEVP-Certified School, for a Form I-20. Students use this document to apply for an M-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The I-20 proves acceptance into the program, financial capacity, and SEVIS registration.
Your application and video will be reviewed by the faculty, and you will receive notification within one week of your submission. If the faculty requires any additional information or video, we will let you know within two days of your submission.
If accepted to the program, please complete this form, and BAE will issue you a Form I-20. Once the Form I-20 is submitted, you will receive a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System ID# (SEVIS ID). The signed Form I-20 will be sent to you via email.
Complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160), and print it to bring to your visa interview.
Upload your photo while completing the DS-160 (making sure to format according to the Photograph Requirements).
Schedule a visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Gather all required documentation for your interview:
• Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended period of stay in the U.S.)
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt
• Signed Form I-20
Review the application instructions on the embassy or consulate website; additional documents may be requested (e.g., transcripts, bank statements).
Attend your interview, making sure to bring all necessary documentation.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (if applicable).
Until you have had your interview and your Visa status is approved, do not make any travel plans. Once your Visa has been approved, you are ready to make your travel plans.
Be sure to have the following on your person when arriving and passing through U.S. Customs:
• Passport
• Form I-20
• Customs Declaration Form (you will receive this on the plane)
• All required documents from your visa application interview
We require that you have health insurance upon arrival. Once you have secured your policy, please email us proof of insurance.
Here is one suggested option. You may choose your own plan, of course. This is completely your choice.
https://www.isoa.org/Ballet_Academy_East
Housing: BAE is fortunate to have several housing options. Our top four are listed below. We are also happy to share that BAE has male dancer housing available through the 92NY Residence. Male dancers who would like to apply for housing should first go through BAE’s audition process. Once accepted into the Program, you may apply for housing by contacting us at info@baenyc.com.
- The 92Y Residence is just one block from BAE. It has 24-hour security, a large gym, a pool, and many other amenities. The Residence is part of the 92nd Street Y and is home to many students from colleges and performing arts schools in the area.
- Found Study offers beautiful, fully furnished dorms with private bathrooms and full kitchens.
- Student Housing Associates has furnished dorms with several convenient NYC locations.
- St. Mary’s Residence is another excellent option (female students only 18 years and older), located a short distance from BAE.
Academics: Students are expected to make their own arrangements to continue their academic studies while at BAE. Programs that we recommend are:
Once you arrive in New York, please report to BAE with all documents. We will make copies of your visa, passport, and I-20 for our records.
If you have not done so already, please provide us with the following:
• Local telephone number
• Local address
• Local health insurance information
• Local emergency contact information
