Visa & Arrival Information for Summer Programs in Miami
If you are planning to attend a summer language program in Miami, it is important to familiarize yourself with the visa and arrival information. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Passports and Visas
As a summer program student, you may be eligible to take a language course of less than 18 hours per week during your tourism visit to the USA, if you are a resident of the US or entering on a visa waiver, tourist visa, or business visa.
TLA is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
ESTA Applications
ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, for
pleasure or business, for 90 days or less.
ESTA applications may be completed online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. The ESTA Web site, including the help section, is currently available in 16 languages, though all application responses must be provided in English.
ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. Once approved, an ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. DHS recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans. If you need assistance completing an application, a friend, relative, personnel in the travel industry, or other third parties may file an application on your behalf.
F1 STUDENT VISA
To qualify for a student visa, students must be enrolled in a full-time course of studies (18 hours per week or more) or must be traveling to the US for the sole purpose of studying.
Eligible students must provide a proof of financial responsibility (a bank statement or a sponsor’s letter) and pay for the registration fee and 6 weeks of tuition.
The school will issue the form I-20 after receiving the adequate documents and payments.
The maximum total amount of F1 language studies at TLA cannot exceed 36 months.
Students are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable SEVIS fee,directly to SEVIS at https://www.ice.gov/sevis
It is the applicant’s sole responsibility to ensure they have the proper identity document and to arrange for the appropriate visa to travel to the US.
TLA may not be held responsible for the applicant’s choice of VISA or travel document.
Transfer Service
If you wish, we can arrange for you to be met at the Miami or Fort Lauderdale airport upon arrival. Our transfer service will take you to your accommodation. Please complete the enrollment form if you need information about this service. We will only provide this service upon confirmation of your full flight information at least 7 days prior to your arrival.
Car Rental
We recommend that you book your car rental before arriving in the US and arrange for pick-up of the rental car at the airport upon arrival. Area maps are supplied at the car rental counters for your convenience.
Miami & Fort Lauderdale International Airports
From Miami International (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale international (FLL) Airport, services such as UBER, LIFT or a Taxi will take you to your destination.
Insurance
We advise you to insure your personal possessions and to arrange insurance against accident and loss, before you come to America.
Health
Medical treatment can be very expensive in the United States. Insurance can be arranged through the school for doctor’s visits or urgent hospital treatment for a nominal amount per month. The Administrator of the Academy will assist you in making appointments with doctors or dentists if you need treatment during your stay. If you have any problems during your stay, please discuss them with us.
Upon arrival at TLA, F1 student visa holders must provide proof of medical insurance.
By keeping these visa and arrival guidelines in mind, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience as you embark on your summer programs in Miami.