International Admissions
I-20 Students
Shenandoah Valley Academy welcomes boarding students from around the world!
SVA is authorized to enroll international students, to issue Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), and to assist students in applying for F-1 Visas.

Apply
To begin with the application process, create an account by clicking on this link: Create An Account
Note: remember your username and password to access your account in the future.
If you already created one, log in to your account by clicking here: Application Log In
We invite you to take a closer look at what SVA has to offer by clicking here: SVA Student Handbook
Log in to your account using the username and password you created.
Create a new student application for your child. You will be able to log in and out of your account as often as you like, but remember to SAVE your changes.
Important: double-check the Recommendation emails for accuracy as they are automatically sent upon submission of the Online Application.
If you have questions, please contact us at registrar@svasda.org or call +1 540-333-6769. We will assist you as soon as we can.
In order to finish the Online Application, it is necessary to submit a payment fee of $100. This fee is non-refundable.
After submitting the Online Application, you will be able to track your admissions status at the school by logging in to your account.
Complete the steps in the Admission Process found at https://www.shenandoahvalleyacademy.org/admissions/
A Duolingo English Test is required of applicants who are English Language Learners.
Our Admissions Committee will review your application file once all required documents are received. You will receive official communication from SVA after a decision has been made.
Financial Plan & I-20
Bank Statements
In order for SVA to create your I-20, you must provide us with proof of financial capability. This can be your most recent bank statement showing history of withdrawals and deposits or proof of yearly income. This document can be complemented with a Verification of Employment letter that declares years of service including annual income.
Send these documents to student.accounts@svasda.org and include your child’s name in the email.
Aid Applications
An Application for Student Aid is required to request Student Aid.
Our Student Accounts Manager will help you submit short video clips via WhatsApp to be reviewed for music and/or sports scholarship opportunities! Check out our scholarship opportunities here.
Usually, an acceptance letter and I-20 are issued at the same time from our Admissions Office. Once acceptance is granted, a financial plan is signed by your family, and the $500 deposit is paid, an I-20 will be created.
A Designed School Official (DSO) will email the official I-20 to the student’s email address provided in the Online Enrollment. Review it carefully and make sure the information is accurate. Print the I-20 in color and sign and date the first page.
You will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before you can schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy. Keep your I-20, your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt, and your passport together as you will need these for your visa interview.
Important: all visa expenses must be covered by the applicant.
Schedule an appointment at the U.S. Consulate in your country.
- Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online
- Gather the required documents: DS-160 confirmation page, valid passport, Form I-20, proof of financial capability, and the SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, acceptance letter from SVA
- Follow any further instructions given by the U.S. Consulate.
Attend Visa Interview
- Be prepared to explain why you chose the U.S. school and your educational goals. If approved, the F-1 visa will be stamped in your passport.
Congratulations! You are all set.
Now it’s time to start your travel plans to SVA. Make sure you have all the documents you need to enter the US:
- Valid passport with F-1 visa (make sure you use this visa when passing through immigration)
- Signed and dated I-20
- I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
Let us know your flight information and estimated time of arrival on campus. Book travel to the U.S., ensuring arrival no more than 30 days before your program start date (as per visa rules).
Online Enrollment & Medical Forms
After your application is approved, there are several forms that will need to be completed prior to your arrival on campus.
- Log In using the username and password you created.
- The District Code is SVA.
- On the left menu, click on the Apply/Enroll button, and choose the Enrollment/Re-enrollment from the two options listed.
- Click the link provided and select the appropriate package for your child.
- Once you have selected it, complete the fields with the requested information in each section. Remember to SAVE your changes.
- If you do not carry medical insurance, please enter “n/a” or “none” in those fields.
If you have questions, please contact us at registrar@svasda.org, or call/text via WhatsApp at +1 540-333-6769. We will assist you as soon as we can.
The following documentation is required in order to successfully submit the Online Enrollment package:
Full Immunization Records since childhood or notarized medical exemption form. (See requirements here.)
School Entrance Health Form signed and dated by your doctor (within 12 months of the first day of school)
Sports Physical Form (p. 3), if playing interscholastic sports.
Click on the Enrollment Packet Review section.
You will receive an email confirming that your Online Enrollment was submitted.
If we need additional information, we will communicate with you by email.