International Students

USCIS Visa Processing Information

Visa Process

Once Gnomon receives the Confirmation of Acceptance and $75 registration fee, a USCIS Form I-20 will be issued. The physical I-20 will be sent via FedEx. A digital copy will be sent via email

The I-20 form issued by Gnomon will be registered online with SEVIS in order for applicants to proceed with the following steps:

  1. Submit Certificate of Eligibility form (I – 901) to US Customs and Immigration online and pay the associated fee. Submission of this form is required prior to scheduling an appointment to apply for an M-1 student visa. This form must be completed at least three days prior to the scheduled visa appointment.

    All personal information provided on visa documentation must match the information found on the applicant’s passport.

    Upon payment, applicants must maintain copy of a receipt, which is required at time of the visa appointment.

  2. Contact a US Embassy to schedule an appointment to apply for an M-1 student visa.* The physical I-20 form will be required at the visa appointment.
  3. When scheduling the appointment, verify with the representative what further documentation may be required. Other visa forms may include:
  4. Arrive on time and prepared to the scheduled visa appointment. Make sure that the visa issued is labeled M1 before leaving the embassy or consulate office.

*Please note that visa processing times vary by country. To get an estimate of how long it will take to get an appointment and to receive a visa, reference travel.state.gov. Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. It is recommended to start this process as early as possible to ensure adequate processing time is allowed.

Transfer and Change of Visa Status from Other Institutions

Some nonimmigrant visa holders, while present in the U.S may be able to file a request which must be approved by USCIS to change to another nonimmigrant category. For detailed information, please contact Gnomon: admissions@gnomonschool.com.

Spouses and Children

Applicants with dependents must also provide:

  • Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.)
  • It is preferred that families apply for M-1 and M-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

Visa Duration and Status

M-1 student immigration status is only valid for one (1) year. While Gnomon will assist in all visa issues pertaining to the program, please be advised that we strongly encourage students to utilize International legal counsel. Please be aware that Gnomon cannot guarantee the outcome or decision rendered by SEVIS, the Department of Homeland Securities or the Justice Department.

Below are details on how to extend your immigration student status. International students must file USCIS Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) for visa extensions. The fee required to file this form is not included in your tuition and will be an additional cost to you.

  1. You should apply to extend your stay in the United States if your studies will take longer than the date listed on your I-20 or your vocational program lasts longer than a year.
  2. The Form I-539 must be sent to USCIS at least 15 days, but not more than 60 days, before your authorized stay in the country expires. You should also submit your USCIS Form I-20 ID to the USCIS at the same time. For more information, please see the following:

Immigration Documents