If you’re dreaming of an acting career in Hollywood, one city usually comes to mind before any other. Los Angeles draws in actors from all over, from student film hopefuls to those who land big-screen roles. It’s not just about being close to movie studios. LA is the spot where you can learn from others, keep your focus on performing, and build your network every time you step outside.
Every year, students from around the world head to Los Angeles to study acting full-time. For most international students, this means getting an F1 visa. This student visa makes it possible to go to school in the U.S. and work toward your goals in acting. If you’re considering an acting school in LA but live outside the country, here’s a simple guide to help you see the steps and know what to expect along the way.
What to Know About the F1 Visa
The F1 visa is the most common type for international students who want to attend full-time schools in the United States. Acting schools, film colleges, and other performing arts programs fall under this category, as long as the school is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
To get started, you’ll need to be accepted by your chosen acting program. Only after that happens will you get something called the I-20 form. You need this form since it’s required to apply for your visa.
The F1 visa lets you live in the United States while you study full-time at school. After you finish your program, you may qualify for Optional Practical Training, or OPT. This is a time when you can gain work experience in your field. Many acting students choose to use OPT to get hands-on practice in films, theater, or other creative jobs. It’s a way to build your resume while getting real-world skills before returning to your home country or exploring more options in the U.S.
The F1 visa gives performing arts students a legal path to stay in the U.S. as they prepare for future auditions and acting opportunities.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your F1 Visa for Acting School
Getting your F1 visa to study acting in Los Angeles involves a few main steps. Here’s an easy-to-follow path:
1. Apply and Get Accepted
First, pick your acting school in Los Angeles and apply. Once you’ve been accepted, the school will send you an I-20 form. This form proves you’ll be a full-time student and is the key to everything that comes next.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee
You’ll have to pay the SEVIS fee, which goes toward the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. After you pay, save your proof of payment since you’ll need to show it at your interview.
3. Complete Your DS-160
This is an online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Once filled out, print the confirmation and keep it safe.
4. Schedule Your Visa Interview
Find your closest U.S. embassy or consulate and set up your interview. It’s smart to set this early, since appointment slots can fill up.
5. Collect Your Documents
Before your interview, gather these items:
– Passport that’s valid through your stay
– I-20 from your chosen acting school
– DS-160 confirmation page
– SEVIS fee payment receipt
– Proof that you can pay for your studies and living costs (like bank statements or letters from sponsors)
– Academic records, such as diplomas or transcripts
6. Go to Your Interview
During this meeting, you’ll answer questions about your studies and plans in the U.S. Be honest and clear about why you chose your acting program. The officer will look at your documents and make sure everything matches up.
7. Get Your Visa and Plan Your Trip
If your visa is approved, you’ll get a stamp in your passport letting you travel to the U.S. You’re allowed to arrive up to 30 days before your program begins in Los Angeles.
Visa Transfers: Switching Schools as an Acting Student
If you’re already studying in the U.S. on an F1 visa and want to transfer to a new acting school, you’re not alone. Many students want to try new programs or move to a school that fits them better.
The steps for transferring your F1 visa are pretty clear. First, tell your current school that you plan to leave. Next, apply and get admitted to your new acting school in Los Angeles. Wait for your acceptance, then look for your new I-20 from the new school. After that, share a copy of your new I-20 with your current school so they can update the government’s student system with your new details.
Here’s what matters most: You need to keep up your F1 status the whole time. Don’t stop showing up for class, and don’t work without permission. As long as you follow the basic rules, your transfer can go smoothly and you can keep studying in the U.S. without having to leave the country between schools.
One helpful thing about many top acting programs in Los Angeles is that they have a dedicated admissions office. You can often get help with F1 transfer paperwork right from the school, helping you handle the change without stress.
What It’s Like to Study Acting in LA
Being an acting student in LA isn’t just about classroom time. You’re surrounded by the entertainment industry, where everyday life includes castings, rehearsals, and on-set learning. The right school provides both training and plenty of ways to get involved so you’re not just studying—you’re doing.
Many acting schools in Los Angeles have in-person and online options. You’ll find associate degrees, two-year acting programs, filmmaking classes, and even workshops in commercial acting. Whether you want to act on stage or learn the basics of directing or screenwriting, there’s a program that lines up with your goals.
During your courses, you’ll study famous acting techniques like Meisner, Adler, and Stanislavski. Each method gives you tools for breaking down scripts, finding a character’s motivation, or delivering lines. These lessons go far beyond the basics, and you’ll get a taste of the different approaches used in major Hollywood productions.
Here are some of the experiences you can expect as a full-time acting student in Los Angeles:
– Participate in scene study, improv, and script analysis classes
– Audition for student films, small productions, or web series on campus
– Take part in table reads led by teachers who have professional experience
– Visit live showcases and industry panels to meet guest speakers from film and TV
Students may even get the chance to use the school’s on-site soundstage and audition room. This gives you rehearsal space that matches what you’ll face during real industry tryouts.
Launching Your Acting Future in LA
Stepping into an acting program in Los Angeles is more than just a class schedule—it’s about getting true access to Hollywood opportunities. The city keeps you close to casting calls, indie film shoots, and networking events, letting you grow your experience while you’re still a student.
Studying acting in LA with an F1 visa puts you right at the heart of the action. Your time in school can include hands-on training, regular auditions, and opportunities to attend industry events. All these experiences help you understand how acting careers begin and what steps to take after graduation.
Starting your story in Los Angeles means you get support and training in the real entertainment world, not just the classroom. With world-class instructors and a spot in a city full of creative energy, your path to a future in stage and film can truly begin once you have your visa and settle into your school.
Thinking about studying acting in Los Angeles and unsure which visa to apply for? We guide international performers through every step so they can focus on growing their careers. Whether you’re transferring schools or just getting started, we’re ready to help you apply with an F1 student visa and get everything in place before you arrive.