International Students

Introduction

Only international students seeking support with processing their I-20 who have already applied to and been accepted by The Mary Louis Academy may complete this form.

If you have not applied yet, please go here.

Foreign-born students with Permanent Resident Alien, Resident Alien Permit Holder, or Green Card status do not need an I-20 and should follow standard enrollment.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident:

• You must obtain a Form I-20 from TMLA to apply for an F-1 student visa.

• The I-20 is not a visa — it is a Certificate of Eligibility confirming your admission to a SEVP-certified school. You use it to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

• To remain enrolled and graduate, you must maintain lawful student status for your entire program.

TMLA partners with the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens to process I-20 applications in accordance with federal guidelines.

Timeline Guidance

• Rolling submissions accepted, but we recommend:

  • For September start: Apply by June 30

  • For January start: Apply by September 30

• Process may take about 4 months start-to-finish, but can be shorter or longer.

Process & Fees

1. Academic Approval – Admission is conditional upon I-20 and F-1 visa approval. TMLA is not responsible for processing times.

2. $500 Enrollment Fee – Paid to TMLA per acceptance letter; refundable only if I-20 is denied.

3. Submit Form + $200 Processing Fee – Paid to TMLA; forwarded to the Diocese for SEVP processing; non-refundable.

4. Pay $350 SEVIS I-901 Fee – Paid directly to DHS at fmjfee.com; non-refundable.

5. Apply for F-1 Visa – After paying the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov/ceac, schedule your interview, pay the visa application fee (about $185), and bring required documents:

   • Valid passport

   • Signed I-20

   • SEVIS fee receipt

   • DS-160 confirmation page

   • Visa fee receipt

   • TMLA acceptance letter

   • Financial proof & academic records

6. Final Enrollment – After visa approval, pay annual fee + first tuition installment to be considered fully enrolled.

Financial Eligibility

Before starting the I-20 process, you must have:

• A notarized letter of financial support from your U.S. guardian (translated into English if needed)

• U.S. bank statement showing funds for at least one year’s tuition and fees (TMLA does not provide room/board).

Example SY 2024–2025, Grade 11 transfer in September:

• $500 enrollment fee + $2,800 international fee + $600 annual fee + $11,500 tuition = $15,400 in proof-of-funds.

• Does not include $200 processing fee or $350 SEVIS fee.

Eligibility Notes

• TMLA only accepts and enrolls female students. 

• If English is not your country’s national language and you have not attended an international school, you’ll need to show English proficiency at the level of a TOEFL score of 70 or higher to be successful at TMLA.

• New Grade 12 students not accepted in September. Grades 9–11 only. Grades 6-8 not currently eligible. 

• Mid-year transfers accepted if paperwork is approved by December.

• No need-based financial aid for international students.

• Grade 9 applicants by Dec. 31 may be considered for merit scholarships.

• Does not include $200 processing fee or $350 SEVIS fee.