International Visa Information

As an international student, you will need to attain specific documentation to enter the United States for this duration of time. Below you’ll find information to help you with this process. Please be sure to read these details in full if you are traveling internationally. 

The best way to enter the US is applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This is a way to travel to the US visa-free, under a Visa-Waiver Program, and it allows you to remain in the states for 90 days. It’s only available to some nationalities.

You can learn more about it here:  https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/.  If you are from one of these countries, this is the VISA waiver you need to apply for.  If applying for an ESTA, you will need to include a contact person’s name, phone number, and address.  You can include these details:

Name - Jonathan MacSorley (a member of staff overseeing international affairs) 

Phone Number - (336) 861-1407 (our office phone number)

Address - 4228 Beckerdite Road, Sophia, NC 27350 USA (our campus address) 

If you are from a nation that is not eligible for an ESTA, you should enter the US with a B2 tourist visa, which includes an interview at your closest US Embassy/Consulate. Part of the conditions for the B2 includes visiting the States for a “recreational program”, which applies to this school. You should not apply for a student visa for the 18 Inch Journey, because our school is not officially accredited. Here is a link where you can apply for the B2 VISA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

*Whether you are applying for a VISA or an ESTA, we are asking that you obtain your necessary documents by February 3rd.*  This provides assurance that you have what is needed in place two months before the school start date, and gives some room for problem solving if any delays or issues emerge.