Students come from all over the world to attend The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Lya Redmond, the International Student Advisor and Designated School Official at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, is the key contact for all international students holding visas. The International Student Advisor provides a variety of support services and enrichment activities to meet the needs of these students. Lya Redmond has an office on the First Floor of 1610 Chestnut Street. She can be reached by telephone at 215.405.66344 or by email at lredmond@aii.edu.

The International Student Advisor provides assistance and guidance regarding immigration procedures and policies; serves as one of the designated school officials to issue and sign I-20 forms; and organizes events and activities to assist international students in meeting other students and transitioning into the city of Philadelphia.

Policy for International Student Employment
The type of employment in which an international student can engage is pre-determined by the student’s nonimmigrant status, and in all cases requires completion of formal USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services - formerly INS) procedures prior to beginning any employment.

All F-1 students are required to consult the Designated School Official at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. The Designated School Official is the individual charged with all USCIS responsibility on behalf of the school and its international students.

All of these forms of employment require the authorization of the Designated School Official. The types of employment in which F-1 students can engage are limited to: On-campus employment (maximum 20 hours per week while school is in session or 40 hours per week during school breaks); Curricular Practical Training (academic internships), Pre-Completion Practical Training, Optional Post-Completion Practical Training (OPT), employment based on severe economic hardship and internships with recognized international organizations. Self-employment by F-1 students is prohibited.

An F-1 student may accept employment only under certain conditions, assuming they meet all USCIS application and eligibility requirements. International students who attend The Art Institute of Philadelphia in a status other than F-1 are not eligible for employment of any type, unless previously authorized by the USCIS in conjunction with their present non-immigrant status.