International Students (F-1 Visa) – How to Apply & What to Expect

Welcome
New Vista School (NVS) is a WASC accredited school that serves students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and others with similar learning differences in grades 6–12, and also offers a 12+ Adult Transition Program for students up to 22 years of age.

New Vista School is authorized by the U.S. government to enroll international students on F-1 visas. We welcome students from around the world and are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.

Programs & Eligibility
International students may apply to eligible full-time programs and must maintain full-time enrollment while meeting all academic and attendance requirements.

Academics
Students must be able to participate in instruction aligned with California Content Standards, whether pursuing a diploma or certificate track. All students considered for enrollment must complete STAR testing to determine academic levels. Academic programs are generally offered at or above a 3rd-grade level, with certain exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.

Classroom Ready
Students considered for enrollment at New Vista School must be classroom-ready. This means they must be prepared academically, socially, and behaviorally, and able to access classroom instruction for 50 minutes at a time throughout the day.

Behavior Expectations
Students are expected to meet school-wide behavior expectations within the established positive behavior-support system. Continued enrollment depends on maintaining appropriate behavior and adhering to school policies.

Additional Support
In some cases, acceptance may require additional support. If applicable, this will be outlined in the acceptance email and formal acceptance letter. Support may include a probationary period, a support plan, or an aide. These measures help ensure a smooth transition and provide students with the resources needed for success at New Vista School.

Application Requirements
Submit a completed application, passport biographic page, academic records (with English translations if applicable), and any English proficiency documentation required by the program.

Financial Requirements
Students must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for one academic year. Acceptable documents include bank statements and sponsor letters.

Form I-20 & Visa Process
Once admitted and financially approved, the school will issue Form I-20. Students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160, and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Arrival & Check-In
Students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date. Upon arrival, students must check in with the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) and enroll full-time.

F-1 Student Responsibilities
Students must maintain full-time enrollment, attend classes regularly, keep their contact information current, and follow all employment and immigration regulations.

Support Services
Our school provides academic advising and ongoing support for international students. The DSO is available to assist with immigration-related questions.

Housing
New Vista School does not offer housing or housing assistance Contact Information

International Student Office
Email: billberm@newvistaschool.org
Phone: 949-455-1270

English Language Proficiency Requirement for F-1 Students

Instruction at New Vista School is conducted in English. International applicants seeking F-1 student status must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to participate meaningfully in the academic program.

English proficiency may be demonstrated through prior education conducted in English, school-based assessments, interviews, writing samples, or other indicators of functional academic English as determined by the school. The specific method of evaluation may vary by program.

Students who do not yet meet the English proficiency expectation may be considered for conditional admission or placed in English language development support, if available. Admission decisions are based on academic readiness and the student’s ability to access the curriculum, and are applied consistently to all applicants.