International Students
Study with us!
The Camphill Academy is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students at The Camphill School, Camphill Village USA, Camphill Communities California, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, Plowshare Farm and Heartbeet Lifesharing locations.
Camphill communities are highly diverse and welcome people from around the world. Likewise, international students contribute to the diversity of the Camphill Academy’s programs and we welcome applications from qualified candidates. The items below provide information for prospective and current students.
Reminder to international students: you are responsible for remaining in compliance with all rules and regulations related to your student status. If you have any questions, emergencies, or changes in your program of study or life situation, contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately. For up to date and reliable information regarding the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), visit Study in the States.
Once you have been accepted to a participating Camphill community, awarded a Community Fellowship, and formally admitted to the Camphill Academy, you will receive the following forms and documents from your Designated School Official (DSO). These are necessary for your visa application and must be presented during your visa interview:
- Initial I-20 Form
- Acceptance Letter
- Community Fellowship Letter
- I-901 Fee Receipt
- Any other information or documentation indicated by the U.S. Consulate website
Follow these steps to apply for your visa. You can apply up to one year in advance of your program start date:
- Complete form DS-160 on-line: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
- Schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Please apply at the earliest available time, interview slots are limited and fill up fast. Check appointment wait times here.
At the Embassy or Consulate, you will receive the visa page in your passport (processing times can vary). Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the length of your intended stay. If you have any questions, contact your DSO immediately.
You can enter the United States 30 days or less, prior to your program start date. You should have all the following documents available for inspection at Immigration:
- I-20 Form
- Acceptance Letter
- Community Fellowship Letter
- I-901 Fee Receipt
- Passport and Visa
You are required to report to your campus by your program start date. You will receive an appointment time and meet with your DSO (Designated School Official) who will help you register and provide you with an updated I-20 form. Please come prepared to show all your visa and passport documents. If your travel plans change or you are delayed, notify your DSO immediately.
The D/S stamp in your passport, the date on your I-94 form, and the program end date on your I-20 determine your length of stay. Print an I-94 here.
- You must maintain a full course of study each term
- You must attend all your classes, and maintain normal academic progress
- If you need to take a Leave of Absence please contact your DSO immediately
- You must notify your DSO within 2 weeks if your address changes
- If your visa expires prior to the end of your program, you can still continue your studies. However you must apply for a new visa if you plan to travel internationally.
International travel for F1 students (please notify your DSO of your travel plans):
- You must have a valid visa (valid on the date of return) and passport (six months beyond travel dates)
- Make sure you have a current travel authorization signature by the DSO on page 2 of the I-20. The signature date must be within 12 months of your planned return date.
- Carry your acceptance, and fellowship letters and current I-20 form. It is also recommended to have a copy of your transcripts and schedule.
Regardless of any dates on your I-20, I-94, or visa, your Camphill Academy program ends when you leave or complete it.
If you complete the program in which you are enrolled, you have 60 days to leave the country. If you exit the U.S. before this 60-day grace period expires you forfeit the reminder of this time.
If you are approved to withdraw from Camphill Academy before completing the program in which you are enrolled in, you have 15 days to leave the U.S. If you exit the U.S. before this 15-day grace period expires you forfeit the reminder of this time.
If you are deemed an unauthorized early withdrawal, you must leave the U.S. immediately.
During the grace period, you are required to advise your DSO of your location/address and the exact date of your departure.
If you intend to transfer to another school, work with your DSO to complete the transfer process. Please communicate this with your DSO as soon as possible.
