General Information
What is an I-20?
An I-20 is a “Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status for Academic and Language Students.” I-20 forms are issued by “Designated School Officials,” who are usually your International Student Coordinators. The completed form verifies that an international student has been admitted to a vocational program for full-time enrollment and has shown evidence of financial support. The form is used by international students to request student visas (M-1) and student immigration status.
What is M-1 Immigration Status?
M-1 immigration status allows an individual to be enrolled in a vocational school or certificate program in the United States.
(For additional information on immigration status, or to make an appointment, if required, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for a visa.)
I-20 additional information
Evidence of financial support
To obtain an I-20 form an M-1 prospective student must submit evidence of financial support adequate to permit the student to study full time without working. Note: The estimated annual educational cost including both living and school expenses is USD $24,600, or USD 8,200 per Hotyoga USA Academy program period.
- If self-supporting.
- The student should submit an original letter from the student’s bank (personal saving or checking accounts ONLY) that indicates the current available balance in United States dollars.
- If sponsored by a private Non-US citizen/U.S. permanent resident.
- Affidevit (1 or 2)
- If your sponsor is a United States citizen or resident, he or she must complete USCIS form I-134 and submit it to Hotyoga USA Academy.
- If your sponsor is not a United States resident, he or she must complete the Affidavit of Financial Support form and submit it to Hotyoga USA Academy.
- Sponsor Responsibility Document
The Affidavit must be accompanied by documents showing that the sponsor is financially capable of fulfilling the commitment. The documents most used as evidence of a sponsor’s financial resources are:
Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institution in which the sponsor has deposits giving the following details regarding the account.
- Date account opened.
- Total amount deposited for the past year or average balance.
- Present balance.
- Evidence of Income; may be either:
- Date and nature of employment.
- Salary paid.
- Whether position is temporary or permanent.
Or
- Income taxes showing individual persons income on which tax was calculated.
- If self-employed:
- Copy of last income tax return filed
Or
- Report of commercial rating concern.
*Note:*
Financial resources shown must be personal funds and readily available. Evidence of funds held in retirement or business accounts may not be used. Company funds may be shown only if the company itself is the actual sponsor. The financial documents must be no older than six months at the time the I-20 is signed. Additional documentation may be required.
English Language Proficiency
English is the language of administration and instruction at Hotyoga USA Academy, and students must show mastery of English in all courses and programs. To prove mastery in English, you must show evidence of one of the following:
- TOEFL 575 or higher (paper and pencil test)
- TOEFL 231 or higher (computer-based test)
- TOEFL 91 or higher (internet-based test)
- SAT 550 or higher on the verbal section
Students who have passed high school-level English with a C or better from an accredited educational institution.
SEVIS Fee Q&A
Estimated Annual College Costs
The following is a statement of estimated expenses for non-resident students who enroll at Hotyoga USA Academy for a period of one vocational program. Students requesting M-1 immigration status are required to show personal funds or sponsorship adequate to permit full-time study without working off-campus. The estimate includes living costs based on a 4-months program.
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.
M-1 students generally are INELIGIBLE for U.S. federal, state, and local government financial assistance.
Samples of High School Diplomas and Secondary School
The following is a partial listing of national secondary school credentials. Official high school diplomas - secondary school certificates of completion MUST BE presented in the native language with a certified English translation.
LATIN AMERICA
Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, or Venezuela Bachillerato
Brazil Diploma de 2 grau
Chile Licencia de Education Media
Peru Certificado de Education Secundaria
CARIBBEAN, BELIZE, GUYANA
Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Guyana, Jamaica,or Trinidad & Tobago CXC or GCSE “O” level-5 academic subjects.
Haiti Baccalaureat Partie II
EUROPE
France Baccalaureat
Germany Abitur
Greece Apolytirion from Lyceum
Italy, Switzerland, or Sweden Maturity Certificate/Diploma
Netherlands VWO or HAVO
Norway Leaving Certificate from Upper Secondary School
Spain COU
United Kingdom GCSE “O” level-5 academic subjects
Newly Independent States Atestat
MIDDLE EAST
Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, or Saudi Arabia General Secondary Certificate of Education
Iraq, Lebanon, or Morocco Baccalaureat
Israel Bagrut
U.A.E Secondary School Certificate
AFRICA
Cameroon Baccalaureat/GSSCE “O” level 5 academic subjects
Ethiopia School Leaving Certificate
Nigeria or Ghana GCSE “O” level-5 academic subjects/ WAEC / SSSC
South Africa Senior Certificate with Matriculation
ASIA
Hong Kong HKCE - 5 academic subject
India or Pakistan Higher Secondary School Certificate
Indonesia Idazah S.M.A. Diploma
Japan, Korea, or Taiwan High School Graduation
Malaysia Certificate of Education - 5 academic subjects
Singapore GCSE “O” level-5 academic subjects
Thailand Matayom Suksa VI | 
