Information for International MFA Applicants

We welcome international students and the diversity they bring to our program. Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States are considered international students.  Immigration requirements place certain limitations and responsibilities on international students, as outlined below.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Arts | Low Residency Fine Arts Program

International students participating in the low residency MFA in Visual Arts program may stay in the United States for the duration of the 10-day residency only. Students will be permitted to enter the United States a few days before the residency begins and will be able to leave the United States a few days after the residency ends, but it is important to note that international students in this program will not be able to remain in the country for the entire semester; it is also significant to note that, according to US regulations, international students enrolled in this program are not permitted to work off campus.

Once you are accepted into the program, you must submit specific documentation to the Admissions Office (sent with the acceptance letter) in order to receive a Form I-20. This is the form you will use to pay the SEVIS fee, as well as to apply for an F-1 visa. (Exception: Canadian students do not need to obtain an F-1 visa). Receipt of the Form I-20, paying the SEVIS fee, and obtaining the F-1 visa (for all international students except Canadians) are required in order for you to be able to seek entry in to the United States to study in the low residency program. This process is repeated with every residency.

Please note that the entire process can take several weeks. You are advised to allow at least two months from the day you submit your immigration materials to the Admissions Office for all processes to be completed.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography | Full Residency Program

International Applicants to the full residency program are advised to submit their application materials early to ensure adequate time to complete immigration documents if accepted.  Once accepted to the MFA in Photography program, you will need to complete the enrollment contract and submit your deposit to reserve your place in the program.  Shortly after you deposit, your contact information will be passed on to our International Student Services (ISS) office.  They will contact you closer to the start of the program with directions for submitting your immigration documents (approximately 3 months prior to the start term). 

Please visit Lesley's site for full-time International Applicants for more detailed information and forms.

You may also contact the office of International Graduate and Adult Bachelor’s Admissions at IntlAdmissions@lesley.edu or by phone at 617.369.8646.