International Students

VCFA has a rich tradition of attracting and welcoming international students to our programs. Many of VCFA distinguished faculty are also international, adding to the artistic and academic diversity of our community.

International Applicants:

If you studied at a college level institution outside the United States of America, you must  submit your transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation by a professional credential evaluation service.

Here are the required steps:

  1. First email an unofficial copy (for example, a PDF scan) of your undergraduate level transcript, with an English language translation if applicable, to [email protected]. Ensure that you scan all pages, both front and back. 
  2. Submit your transcripts to one of the professional credential evaluation services listed below for a course by course evaluation. They should then email the report directly to VCFA via [email protected]. 

All records submitted must clearly state the date of completion (or the anticipated date of completion) and the level of education received.

Admitted International Students:

As a low-residency college, VCFA is certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Additional international student requirements for residency attendance:

I-20 Certificate of Eligibility

  • VCFA must issue an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility to each international student in advance of every on-campus residency.
  • There is a required $350 SEVIS fee for the I-20, which must be paid each time an I-20 is issued.
  • Upon receipt of the required documentation, VCFA will issue the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility and mail it, along with a receipt for the fee payment, to the student.
  • Each I-20 is valid only for the duration of the on-campus residency period.
  • The I-20 Certificate of Eligibility does not allow international students in the low-residency programs to reside in the US for the remainder of the semester. International students must leave the US after the residency, and a new I-20 must be issued (and the fee paid) in advance of the following residency period.

F-1 Student Visas

  • All international students other than Canadian citizens (or those that qualify for certain other exceptions) must obtain an F-1 Student Visa.
  • Each student must first complete a Student Information-Certification Form which includes documentation of financial resources sufficient to cover the cost of the residency period (including prorated tuition, room and board, travel, and personal expenses).
  • Students should allow plenty of time for the Student Visa process. More information about the Student Visa process is available here.

Canadian citizens

Canadian citizens will need the following to attend residency:

  • I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
  • Receipt for the fee payment
  • Valid passport in hand when arriving at the US Port of Entry

Canadian citizens do not need to obtain a Student Visa to attend VCFA.

Legal Permanent Residents (aka Permanent Resident Aliens)

Legal Permanent Residents* do not need to go through the I-20 process but should provide the registrar’s office with a copy of their Permanent Resident Card for our records.

*Legal Permanent Residents are students that have immigrated legally, been admitted to the US by the Department of Homeland Security as permanent residents of the US, or have a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551, also known as a green card).

VCFA’s Registrar serves as the international student coordinator
Jody Maunsell, Registrar
802-828-8724
866-934-8232, ext. 8724
[email protected]

Important Links

Student Information-Certification Form »
Important Information for Canadian Students »
Important Information for All Other International Students »