Q & A
Who needs an I-20?
New students - Any non-citizen who wishes to obtain an M-1 (international student) visa or to change an existing immigration status to M-1 must first obtain an I-20 to verify your admission to a qualified school. Most I-20s are requested by students who are outside the U.S. and plan to apply for a student visa. A significant number of I-20s are also requested by individuals already in the U.S. on other kinds of temporary visas - exchange participant, diplomat, employee of an international organization, among others. Generally, applicants with tourist visa may not change to student status while remaining in the U.S.
Transfer students - Students who already have F-1 or M-1 with an I-20 from another school must obtain a new I-20 from Hotyoga USA Academy. Each I-20 is valid only for the school named on the form.
What is an I-94?
Your I-94 is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to indicate the conditions that apply to your stay in the United States. An I-94 issued at a port of entry is usually a white card stapled inside your passport. If you change status within the U.S. your I-94 will be printed on a sheet of paper mailed to you. In all cases the I-94 will indicate your immigration status, "M-1" and either show a fixed expiration date for the status or the letters "D/S."
What is "duration of status" or D/S?
For most students M-1 status continues as long as the holder is a full time student with a valid I-20 and does not violate a condition of the status. At the port of entry the immigration officer will mark your I-20 and I-94 with the notation D/S, indication duration of status.
What is the difference between a visa and immigration status?
A visa is a document or stamp in your passport issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad that permits you to arrive at a port of entry to the U.S. It is your permission to arrive only. Immigration status indicates the specific category of regulations that will apply to you during your stay in the U.S. Visas are issued by American embassies and consulates abroad; immigration status is conferred in the U.S. by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
What is the meaning of the term "in-status?"
The term simply means that you are complying with the conditions for maintaining your M-1 status as stated on your I-20.
Is there more than one kind of I-20 for M-1 status?
Yes. I-20s are designated for specific purposes, including the following:
- Initial attendance: I-20 for students applying for an M-1 visa for the first time.
- Transfer: I-20 for students transferring with M-1 status to Hotyoga USA Academy.
- Change of status: I-20 to request change from current immigration status to M-1 without leaving the U.S.
- Reinstatement: I-20 to request reinstatement to M-1 status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) without leaving the U.S.
- Add dependent(s): I20 to request M-1 visa or status for dependent spouse or minor children.
What documents should I bring when I travel outside the U.S.?
To re-enter the United States after a trip abroad, students will need a valid passport with a valid visa and a valid I-20, endorsed on the back by Hotyoga USA Academy. The signature verifies that the student is in status and is expected to return to the United States to continue study at the school issuing the I-20. Students who have applied for Optional Practical Training should reconsider traveling outside the U.S. while the application is pending.
What if I want to travel abroad, but my visa has expired, or I only have a tourist visa because I changed status in the U.S.?
You must apply for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, preferably in your home country. You need to plan in advance. Check the website of the Department of State, http://www.state.gov, for information. In many countries you will need an appointment several days, or even weeks, in advance. Check very carefully before planning to request a visa in a third country.
What happens if my passport or visa expires while I am in the U.S.?
Renew your passport before it expires. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations require that student visa holder maintain a valid passport at all times.
On the other hand, an expired visa is not a problem as long as you remain in the U.S. However, you will need a new visa to return to the U.S. after a visit to any countries beyond Canada, Mexico, or the nearby Caribbean Islands. Most students are permitted to travel to these adjacent countries and return with a valid I-20, even though the visa has expired visa.
What happens if I fall out of status”?
Students who are out of status forfeit all privileges of the status, such as on-campus work, practical training, or the right to reenter the U.S. with a signed I-20 form. To regain your status you will need to obtain a new I-20 prior to travel abroad or apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for reinstatement. Application for reinstatement by the USCIS requires that the student pay a filing fee. If the reinstatement application is denied, the student will be advised to leave the United States until able to reenter with an appropriate status.
What if I am having difficulty that may cause me to lose status?
See Hotyoga USA Academy immediately. In many cases the loss of status can be avoided by timely action. However, once a student has lost status it can only be regained through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), either by application for reinstatement or by reentry to the U.S. with M-1 status.
How much will it cost to study full time at Hotyoga USA Academy?
The following is the approximate costs determined by the Hotyoga USA Academy to be typical expenses for 4 months (including minimum full-time enrollment for the period):
Tuition and fees 3,200
Living Expenses 5,000
TOTAL: 8,200
Note: Students accompanied by dependent family members must provide an additional $1,600 for their spouse and $1,000 for each child.
What if I cannot complete my program by the expiration date of my I-20?
Students who are unable to complete their program by the date indicated on the I-20 must have a compelling medical reason to apply for an extension of stay. A request for an extension must be discussed with Hotyoga USA Academy at least 60 days before the expiration date on the I-20.
Can I apply for financial aid?
Students with M-1 status do not qualify for federal financial aid. However, limited financial aid might be available for some students through Hotyoga USA Academy. For further information see Hotyoga USA Academy.
Can I work at Hotyoga USA during my program?
Yes. M-1 students may be allowed to work at Hotyoga USA, up to 20 hours/week. Please see Hotyoga USA Academy for further details.
Can I work off campus?
Off campus employment for M-1 students is restricted to the following categories: hardship, curricular practical training, and optional practical training. Each category must comply with a distinct set of regulations. See Hotyoga USA Academy for detailed information. Be extremely careful about working without permission. Some students have received immediate departure orders from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for unauthorized work. Furthermore, reinstatement by USCIS is generally impossible if you have been discovered to be working without authorization.
If I work on campus or off campus do I pay taxes?
Yes. If you work only part- time most of the taxes will be returned to you when you file an annual tax return. Also, note that M-1 students generally are not required to pay for Social Security benefits. All M-1 students with any earned income in the United States are required to file a federal income tax return each year.
How do I obtain a Social Security Number (SSN)?
You are required to have a job offer from Hotyoga USA Academy to be eligible for a Social Security number. We will provide you with a letter to the Social Security Administration verifying your status as a currently enrolled M-1 student once you have been offered an on campus position.
How do I report a change of address?
Contact Hotyoga USA Academy to change your record. Report the change as soon as possible.
Does Hotyoga USA Academy charge a fee for processing the I-20?
No, however, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges a "SEVIS fee" that must be paid prior to requesting a student visa or prior to arriving at the port of entry if an M-1 visa is not required. M-1 visa holders who remain outside the U.S. for five months must also pay the SEVIS fee. Details: http://www.fmjfee.com. | 
