Steps International Student Visa Program

Application Process Items to be included in your application packet: Completed application form Dance resume in English Letter of introduction in English, stating your reasons for choosing Steps on Broadway and your plans for your future in dance. Letter of recommendation in English from a dance instructor or mentor. Copy of your current passport (your original must be presented upon admission to Steps) Videotape or DVD showing dance technique (only VHS tapes in NTSC format will be accepted) AND two photos of yourself, showing a first arabesque position and tendu a la second arms in fifth. One passport size photo Non-refundable $200 application fee payable by credit card (Visa or MC), money order or travelers checks in U.S. dollars. Health Form signed by a physician (download from Steps website www.stepsnyc.com) Current personal bank statement (or bank statement and letter from a financial supporter or sponsor) showing funds sufficient to cover living expenses and tuition while studying at Steps on Broadway. Documents must be written in English and must have currency in US dollars. Mail all of the above to: Steps on Broadway International Student Visa Program 2121 Broadway Third Floor New York, NY 10023 USA Incomplete application packets will not be accepted. Bank Proof Information The following are acceptable forms of Financial Documentation: Official Bank Statement-a bank statement must indicate an amount greater than or equal to the required amount indicated. $13,000 for a 6 month period and $26,000 for a 12 month period. The amount must be indicated in U.S. Dollars, or, if in foreign currency, the bank must also provide written verification of the conversion rate for the date the statement was issued. The statement must be in the name of the applicant, parent or sponsor. Official Bank Letter-an official bank letter should confirm a balance equal to or in excess of the tuition or living expenses for the expected length of studies. If the statement is in a sponsor's name, then the statement must be accompanied by a notarized, sworn Affidavit of Support (INS Form I-134 available from the U.S. Consulate). An affidavit of support specifies the types and amount of support being pledged and the length of time that support would continue. An example: $1294.00 per month living expenses and $8,424.00 per year for tuition cost, for the period of... An example: "...Mr. Smith is maintaining an account with us with a balance currently exceeding $18,390..." This letter must be dated and signed by a bank officer, i.e. branch manager, operations officer, etc. Official Award Letter-If the applicant is receiving a government or institutional scholarship, grant or loan, please submit the award letter. The award letter must state the amount and duration of the scholarship, grant or loan and must specify if the funds are renewable on an annual basis. It must be written in English or accompanied by a certified translation. If the award does not cover the total cost of tuition, fees and living expenses, additional financial documentation must be enclosed. Official Proof of income or employment of family member-If you are being funded by your family, a letter, paycheck stub, annual income tax return, etc. proving that they are gainfully employed and will be able to provide for your tuition and living expenses should be included among your documentation. Health Insurance Documentation A letter from the applicant's health insurance company or a copy of the insurance policy must be sent upon acceptance. It must indicate coverage for the expected period of enrollment and specify coverage outside the student's home country. Students who cannot provide this information will be required to purchase insurance prior to starting the program. (click on Travel Insurance Information for a listing of travel insurance websites). Insurance must be purchased directly through the health insurance company. Steps on Broadway is not responsible for any personal injuries, illness or loss. Acceptance Steps on Broadway will notify you of your acceptance within two weeks after receiving your completed application. You will be notified by email or postal service. Payment Upon acceptance, send one half of tuition payment within 10 days in order to guarantee a place in the selected enrollment period. Enrollment days are the first Monday of each month. Once Steps has received this payment, I-20 Certificate of Eligibility will be issued and mailed to you. Tuition Cost and Schedule 3 month course of study (12 weeks with no vacation)  $2,100.00     1/2 due upon acceptance-$1,050.00 6 month course of study (26 weeks including 1 week vacation)  $4,195.00     1/2 due upon acceptance-$2,097.50 12 month course of study (52 weeks including 2 weeks vacation)  $8,390.00     1/2 due upon acceptance-$4,195.00 Tuition Balance and Proof of Health Insurance (see below) is due one week before expected start date. Non payment will result in delay or loss of position within the program. All rates are subject to change. Vacations are mandatory and may be taken after 3 months of continuous enrollment Methods of Payment for Tuition: Wire directly to Steps on Broadway bank account: Chase Manhattan, 2099 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 Account # 016501439765 Routing # 021000021 After your deposit is made, fax a copy of the transaction papers to Steps on Broadway, 212-579-1479. The student is responsible for all bank fees incurred. Credit cards - MasterCard and Visa only. Traveler's checks made out in US dollars. Money orders in US dollars Cash upon arrival-do not mail cash. NO PERSONAL CHECKS PLEASE I-20'swill be issued only after all the required documentation has been submitted to Steps on Broadway and 1/2 tuition has been received. Upon receipt of the I-20, the prospective student should take the I-20, the letter of acceptance from Steps on Broadway, and their financial documentation to the U.S. Consulate in their respective city to apply for an M-1 Visa. Remember an I-20 is not a visa! It is an application for a visa and does not authorize entry to the U.S. alone.The U.S. Consulate reserves the right to deny a student's application for a visa should they be unable to prove their intention to return to their country of origin after the completion of their studies, or if their financial documentation is insufficient. Refunds All application fees are non-refundable. A student whose application is refused by immigration will receive a refund for all tuition paid with the exception of a 10% processing fee. A student requesting a refund must submit their original I-20 and a copy of the letter from the U.S. Embassy stating reason of denial. No refund will be given for any absences not made up during period of study. A student wishing to withdraw or transfer must notify Steps on Broadway in writing. No refunds will be given for early withdrawal or transfer. Dismissal from the program will not constitute a reason for any refund. Contact Program Director