International Students
All non-US citizens attending The Rock School for the 2025-2026 School Year (Professional Division) or 2026 Ballet Intensive (Summer Programming) MUST have an M-1 visa. Obtaining and maintaining proper status as an international student is the student's responsibility.
All dancers must first audition for The Rock School and be accepted into one of our programs before proceeding with the M-1 visa process.
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
Obtaining and maintaining proper status as an international student is the student's responsibility.
An M-1 student visa is needed for the following programs:
· School Year Professional Division in Philadelphia
· Summer Ballet Intensive in Philadelphia
· Summer Contemporary Intensive in Philadelphia
Click here to learn more about visa requirements for students.
Students in the following programs cannot obtain an M-1 student visa:
· School Year Professional Division in West Chester
· School Year Ballet Division in Philadelphia or West Chester
· School Year Pre-Ballet Division in Philadelphia or West Chester
· Summer Ballet Intensive in West Chester
· Summer Contemporary Intensive in West Chester
· Junior Intensive in Philadelphia or West Chester
· Summer Pre-Ballet in Philadelphia or West Chester
· Open classes in Philadelphia or West Chester
Click here to learn more about alternate visa options for the above programs.
M-1 STUDENT VISA PROCESS
STEP 1: All dancers must first audition for The Rock School and be accepted into one of our qualifying programs before proceeding with the M-1 visa process.
STEP 2: After you have been accepted to a Rock School program, please fill out the International Student Form below. You cannot apply for the M-1 visa until you have submitted the International Student Form and obtained an I-20.
STEP 3: Register for The Rock School programming you were accepted to and place your tuition deposit.
STEP 4: The Rock School provides a draft of your I-20 via email. Approve the draft and return a signed copy.
STEP 5: Apply for your visa and pay the FMJ fee.
NOTE: Health insurance is required for all Professional Division and Ballet/Contemporary Intensive students. Families may purchase travel insurance from the company of their choice. ISO is one option.
Additional resources for international dancers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am a returning student. Does my I-20 automatically renew?
A: No. You need to obtain a new I-20 every year and fill out a new International Student Form here.
Q: English is not my first language, is this acceptable?
A: Yes. Rock students come from all over the world. Some students primarily speak non-English languages. Students tend to learn a lot during their time here both inside and outside of the studio and the classroom. During the school year, Rock Academics offers English as a Second Language (ESL), providing an introduction to the English language for non-English speaking students. For more information regarding ESL classes, please email RockAcademics@therockschool.org.
Q: When should I complete the International Student Form?
A: As soon as you can. An I-20 cannot be issued without the information provided in the International Student Form. The I-20 is required to get a visa and the M-1 visa interview and application process can take several weeks.
Q: I am attending the Ballet Intensive in the summer for just one week. Can I enter the U.S. on a B (tourist) visa?
A: No. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must enter the country with an M-1 visa to attend the Ballet Intensive at The Rock School.
