F-1 International Students: SEVIS I-20 Issuance and Visa Information

International F-1 students are highly recommended to submit an application as soon as possible. International F-1 students seeking readmission will be required to apply for a new I-20 from Otis College after they have been readmitted and may be required to apply for a new F-1 Visa overseas. The One Stop will provide complete instruction regarding I-20 issuance process after you have been readmitted to Otis College.  

Visit the Travel.State.Gov website to learn more about how to request a U.S. Visa and the current visa appointment wait times for your country.

Please Note:  Students who did not leave Otis College in good academic standing require further evaluation from the Academic Standing Committee and will not receive a decision by the notification timeline, but are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline. Additional documentation may be requested in some cases, including (but not limited) to the following: 

Academic Probation - Students who left the College while on academic probation (term or cumulative grade point average below 2.0)

• Essay/Letter stating academic growth, reasons for reconsideration of readmission to Otis College, and how they will maintain academic excellence upon return to the College required. 

Academic Dismissal - Students who were academically dismissed with the possibility of returning

• Essay/Letter stating academic growth, reasons for reconsideration of readmission to Otis College, and how they will maintain academic excellence upon return to the College required. 
• Completion of conditions outlined in the Dismissal Letter. Transcript showing courses completed, grades, and credit hours required. 

Dean of Students Conduct Sanctions - Students who were given conduct sanctions by the Dean of Students and did not complete conduct sanctions prior to leaving Otis College, have pending unresolved conduct cases, or who left Otis College due to suspension.

• Contact the Dean of Student Affairs at studentaffairs@otis.edu
  
• Complete all additional requirements by Dean of Student to clear conduct sanctions.  

Submit Official Transcripts:

If you attended other college(s) since your time away from Otis College, please arrange to have your official transcripts with final grades sent to Otis College of Art and Design.

Paper Transcripts: Must be received in an envelope officially sealed by the school. If the envelope has been opened, it will not be accepted.

Have the transcript(s) mailed to our office at the following address:

Otis College of Art and Design
ATTN: One Stop
9045 Lincoln Blvd, AHM 204
Los Angeles, California 90045

Electronic Transcripts: Must be received through the National Student Clearinghouse Electronic Transcript Exchange. 

Electronic transcripts will not be accepted through email or by fax.

Note: Part-Time Status for F-1 Students

Otis College cannot issue an I-20 for part-time students. Embassies and Consulate will not issue a student visa for part-time studies. Minimum of 12 credits, full-time enrollment is required for I-20 and visa issuance.

Please Note: Students who change their major, class level, or are enrolled part-time are at risk of not completing all degree requirements in time for graduation. If a student is requesting a different class standing or major, a review of transcripts by the Liberal Arts and Sciences department and the relevant studio department may be necessary to assess transferable credits. A portfolio review by the studio department may also be required to evaluate preparedness for advanced class standing or entrance to the new major.

This can impact a students ability to participate in the commencement ceremony along with their graduating class and/or students might also be required to come back for an additional semester and/or year in order to complete all degree requirements. 

Contact Academic Advising at advising@otis.edu to discuss  changes to degree progress and timeline for degree completion or if you plan to change your major from when you last attended.

A limited amount of housing spaces are available for students. If interested, please see below to apply:

• New Otis College Housing Resident (never previous lived in Otis College Housing):  New Residents Otis Housing Application 
• Previous Otis College Housing Resident (previously lived in Otis College Housing prior to being away from Otis College): Continuing Residents Otis Housing Application

For more information regarding housing options and how to apply, please visit the Housing and Residence Life Website.