International Student Handbook

Below are the steps to follow as part of the admission process to the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music.
Specific information regarding the repertoire to be presented at auditions and other specific requirements for each program can be found in the following links:

Baccalaureate Repertoire

Master's Repertoire

Graduate Diploma Repertoire

All documents required below must be sent to the email: Admissions
and/or to the following postal address, within the dates established in the academic calendar.

Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music
Admissions Office
951 Ave. Ponce de Leon
San Juan, PR 00907-3373

Admission request -
This document is available on our page: Admission Application
It is important that an email address be included. The application involves the payment of a fee of $125 US. Payment can be made by credit card or by electronic transfer. Instructions for making payments are below.

Note:
You should check with your banking institution if they or another intermediary institution will charge you any additional charges for the electronic transfer service. If so, you should make sure to add the appropriate amount to your payment to cover the transaction costs. The Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music will only credit your account with the amount. An additional $25.00 will be charged if you apply outside the established admission date.

Recording with audition repertoire –
Candidates who request admission for the specialties in Education, Composition, Instrumental Performance or Singing, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, may present their audition with the required repertoire, by recording, sending a link under the digital platform YouTube, Google drive or similar and accessible platforms. This recording must be made with a video resolution no greater than 720p (standard HD) and must be sent to the email: admissions@cmpr.edu, two or three days before the audition date.

Credit transcript –
Official copy of the transcript of high school or university credits, validated (apostilled) by the Ministry of Education of your country, certifying the equivalence of the degree obtained and evidencing a general average of 2.00 points or more on a scale of 4.00 points for the Bachelor's Degrees in Composition and Performance. The concentration in Music Education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as the Master of Music in Performance require a 3.00 GPA for admission. The Graduate Diploma requires an average of 2.50 for admission. If admitted, the student will be required to provide a degree certification in addition to the transcript.

Meet the other requirements established for the program to which you are applying for admission. These may include essay, portfolio of compositions, annotated list of studied repertoire, letters of recommendation, etc. Please refer to the Admissions Manual to ensure you meet all requirements.

Once the recording and all the required documents are received, they will be evaluated by the jury and a letter will be sent to you with the response to your request. Information about results will not be provided over the phone.

Note:
If admitted, all international students must take the placement exams corresponding to their study program during the week before the start of classes in the month of August (theory and dictation for Baccalaureate or theory and history for Master's).

Remedial and/or preparatory courses

If you are admitted, you must pay attention to the level assigned for the instrument, composition and/or music theory course. Students who pass the audition for the Bachelor's Degree in Music in Performance and Composition, as the faculty considers they need to strengthen the level of skills required for admission, will be conditionally accepted and placed in remedial and/or preparatory courses in these branches for one or two semesters, so they can promote to the first-year level.

If, as a result of the theory and dictation exam, it is determined that the student does not have the minimum skills to be placed at the first-year level, he or she will be placed in the remedial Preparatory Solfeggio course to strengthen his or her deficiencies.

All students who take remedial and/or preparatory courses will have to pass the exams within a maximum period of two semesters and move on to the first year of the degree to which they were conditionally admitted.
AFTER THE ESTABLISHED TIME LIMIT, THE STUDENT WHO CANNOT ENTER THE HIGH SCHOOL AT THE FIRST YEAR LEVEL WILL BE DISMISSED FROM THE INSTITUTION.
Students may be placed in the preparatory and/or remedial level only once. Students who have been dropped and wish to return to the institution must request readmission for the next academic year, and in this case they must be admitted at the first-year level in both their specialty and music theory. For international students, this means that they will also have to start all the procedures again to obtain the F-1 visa.

International students who wish to study in American territory must apply for a Student Visa. The Conservatory accepts international students who have applied for and obtained the F-1 visa type. This visa is for students who have been officially accepted to a full-time academic program in the United States. Below are the steps to follow to obtain the F-1 visa if admitted.

1. Once you receive the official admission letter, you must send the following documents to the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music:
to. $125 US Attendance and Payment Commitment Form. Of this amount, $75 US will be credited to the student's account. Instructions for making payment are below.

b. Application for Form I-20 along with the necessary documents:
Yo. Financial Certification completed by your sponsor and notarized affidavit of financial support.
ii. Contact information for your sponsor. (Name, Contact Phone Number, Postal Address, Email Address)
iii. Original bank statements from your sponsor (checking or savings account).
IV. Copy of valid passport, valid visa, I-94 card (if applicable) and previous I-20 forms.
v. Copy of birth certificate.

c. Final transcript validated (apostilled) by the Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs Office of your country or its diplomatic equivalent evidencing equivalency of the degree obtained and a general average of 2.00 or more on a scale of 4.00 for the Bachelor's Degree in Performance or Composition. The minimum GPA required for the Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Education, as well as the Master's Degree in Music in Performance is 3.00. The minimum GPA required for the Graduate Diploma is 2.50. Candidates who have sent copies of the transcript with their application must include the original document. Certified copies will not be accepted.

d. Copy of high school or college diploma. This copy must be validated (apostilled) by the Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs Office of your country or its diplomatic equivalent.

For students coming from other universities:

Degree Certification – Students with university studies must submit a credential evaluation conducted by a specialized agency.

Convergence of academic grades, validation of diploma and/or degree certification for high school students and/or those from other universities:
If they cannot be validated on a scale of 0 to 4 (GPA) by the Ministry of Education or Office of Foreign Affairs, you must use a United States accrediting agency that can process them. To do so, you must send your original documents and request that the convergence and degree certification be sent to us officially. Either by mail to:

Admissions Office
Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music
951 Ponce De Leon Ave.
San Juan PR 00907-3373

and/or to the email address: admissions@cmpr.edu

e. In cases where the language of the academic records is not English or Spanish, the candidate must submit a translation duly certified by the institution of origin. All academic records must be apostilled by the Ministry of Education of their country or by the American Consulate. In addition, they must send official information on the grading system used in the evaluation of academic achievement and evidence of the degrees and diplomas received.

f. Upon receipt of all the aforementioned documents, the Conservatory of Music will send you Form I-20 by return mail.
This document serves as verification that the student is expected to enroll full-time at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music. If the Conservatory has to send more than one mailing, the cost will be added to the student's account (second shipment onwards).

g. If this is your first time applying for a visa, you will be responsible for registering with the Student and Visitor Tracking System (SEVIS) and paying the applicable fee. This fee must be paid to the Department of Homeland Security (I 901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee), either by mail or online. For additional information on how to pay this fee or to find out if you are exempt, visit the SEVIS website at www.fmjfee.com.

h. To obtain your visa you must visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country with the following documents:
1. Passport
2. Form I-20
3. Your SEVIS charge payment receipt
4. Proof of financial aid (e.g. financial certification, affidavit, account statement, etc.).

If everything is in order, the immigration officer will issue you your visa and stamp your passport. Once you have received your visa, you are legally authorized to enter the United States as a student.

i. International students must make arrangements so that upon their arrival in Puerto Rico they have lodging or a place to live, where they will be permanently located. The Conservatory of Music does not have residences for students. It does not offer or supervise lodging services. The Student Counseling Office prepares a list with information on hotels and guest houses that can be used by students while they locate lodging to live in. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with these hotels or guest houses. For more information on this matter, you may contact the following email address: ibhajan@cmpr.pr.gov.

j. All international students must arrive in the United States no more than 30 days before the start date of their study program.

STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND AFTER THE START DATE OF CLASSES.

Once the student is admitted, he or she will try to obtain a sponsor who will be responsible for the expenses related to his or her studies. He/she must complete the Certification and Financial Declaration. This Certification, along with the required documents, must be sent to the Admissions Office. If the Certification and documents meet the sponsorship requirements, the I-20 immigration form will be issued and sent to the student. These documents appear later. An international student cannot have debt at the Institution. You will not be able to finish a semester with debt or start the next semester with debt. Any debt at the beginning of the semester will be referred to your sponsor - "Sponsor" - to be collected immediately. International Students cannot make payment plans or deferred payment.

Because international students cannot work to earn money to pay for their education and personal expenses, they must arrange to have a sponsor who has the money available for their expenses. The sponsor has the obligation to financially support the student while studying in the United States. To do this, you will be asked to sign a document where the sponsor agrees to pay for the student's studies.

The sponsor must provide evidence of income by submitting the following documents:
1. Contact information.
2. Certification and Financial Declaration (notarized document), accompanied by one of the following documents, as applicable:
to. If it is a sponsor in the United States:
Yo. Letter from the company or institution where you work, indicating your annual salary.
ii. Copy of the income tax return.
iii. Annual salary receipt.
b. If it is a sponsor in your home country:
Yo. Guarantee letter and bank statement on official stamped paper from a banking or financial institution, indicating the amount of money available in the account. The minimum amount of money that the sponsor must have is the total indicated in the Estimate of Annual Study Expenses included in the following pages of this manual. The sponsor's name must be the same as what appears on the bank statement.
ii. If the international student has a promise that an institution in their country will pay for their studies, they must provide a letter from the organization indicating the commitment to pay in full for their studies according to the amount indicated in the Estimated Annual Study Expenses. .
c. If the student is going to cover his or her own expenses:
Yo. Original bank statement indicating that you have enough money in an account in your name to cover the costs of your studies until you complete your university degree. The minimum amount of money you must have available is the total indicated in the Estimated Annual Study Expenses.

Important: The student must have a bank account, money or credit cards so that they can cover the expenses involved in being located outside their country, as well as tuition costs.
An international student cannot have debt at the Institution. You will not be able to finish a semester with debt or start the next semester with debt. Any debt at the beginning of the semester will be referred to your sponsor - "Sponsor" - to be collected immediately. International Students cannot make payment plans or deferred payment.

1. Every student under 21 years of age must present their immunization certificate or official record with information on all vaccines received in their country of origin, at the Public Health Center closest to the area where they reside in Puerto Rico to validate it according to the Law 25 of the Puerto Rico Department of Health. If you are missing any vaccinations, or do not have this immunization certificate, you must undergo a physical examination to obtain the required vaccinations. These exams carry a cost that must be borne by the student. Once you complete this process, you will receive the vaccination certificate (green form P-VAC-3), which you must deliver to the Admissions Office before you can be enrolled. Expired certificates will not be allowed. At the end of this manual there is a directory with suggested places near the Conservatory to carry out this procedure. Please look: Center for Diagnosis and Treatment (CDT).

2. Report to the Designated Principal Officer of the institution, the Registrar, Mrs. Waleska Martínez on or before the first day of classes with the following documents: passport, form I-94 and residential address in Puerto Rico.

3. Go to the Counseling Office of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, where the Student Counselor will assist you and help you, if necessary, with any situations or concerns you may have, whether personal or academic.

4. Attend the orientation for new students and placement exams that apply on the corresponding dates.

Every international student should familiarize themselves with the most common terms used by the United States Department of Homeland Security. The most common terms are the following:

1. SEVIS = SEVIS Student Exchange Visitors Information System
Information System for International Students – is the electronic system that maintains the information of all people who request a student visa to complete their studies in American territory. It is the student's responsibility to keep the United States Department of Homeland Security informed of any changes in status. Beginning September 1, 2004, international students will pay a fee to cover the operational costs of SEVIS. This money must be paid to the Department of Homeland Security (I 901 Student/Exchange Visitor Processing Fee), either by mail or Internet). You can obtain more information on the SEVIS website: www.fmjfee.com.

2. DSO = Designated School Official
Designated Institutional Official – is in charge of offering the Department of Homeland Security through SEVIS, any information you provide about your international student status. In addition, it is responsible for informing the Department of Homeland Security of any changes in non-compliance or violations of any federal, state or institutional rule.

3. F1 = Visa for international students

4. F2 = It is the visa for dependents of international students

Most of our students have no difficulty obtaining their visa. However, there are times when even if the student has all the documentation, the visa is denied. The most common reason for visa denial is that the immigration officer is not convinced that the student plans to return to his or her home country. In that sense, it is necessary to remember that the student visa is not a step to obtain permanent residence in the US. The best way to prove that you plan to return to your country is to demonstrate that you have strong family ties. If you experience any difficulty, you must request in writing the reasons for the denial and then contact the Designated Institutional Official immediately.

The moment you prepare to move to the United States, you must go through the immigration area where your passport, visa and other documents will be officially reviewed. You will need to have the following documents on hand:
1. Passport
2. Visa
3. Form I-20
4. Evidence of financial resources

As a result of the “USA Patriot Act” enacted by Congress in October 2001, all international students must provide updated and accurate information to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

The student must report to the Principal Designated Official of the institution, in this case, the Registrar, (DSO) at the beginning of each semester and present a copy of the following documents:

1. Valid Form I-20
2. Copy of passport
3. I-94 Entry/Departure Form
4. Local address (USA)
5. Address of your country (foreign)

Additionally, you are responsible for updating the Registrar (DSO) when there is a change in any of the above documents or when you make the change to your academic program. Failure to notify these changes may have serious consequences for your eligibility to remain in the US.

The student must also have the following documents up to date:

1. Passport: The passport, issued by the government of your country, allows you to leave and return to your country. Your passport must be valid for at least the next 6 months. If it is necessary to renew it, you will need to go to your country's consulate to do so 6 months before it expires. You can complete this process in the US by mailing your passport to your country's embassy.

2. F-1 stamp to validate your visa (student): This validation stamp allows the student to travel to the US. The date stamped on your visa indicates the last day you can enter the US. If the visa expires while you are studying in the US, you do not have to get the validation stamp again until you leave the US, however, you must have it renewed before re-entering American territory. You can only obtain a visa outside the US at an American Embassy or Consulate office. To qualify for the F-1 visa you must have your I-20 form updated by the Conservatory.

3. Form I-94 (record of admission to the United States). It can be printed on the page: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home.

Every international student has the responsibility during their years of study to maintain their F-1 status, for which they must meet the following requirements:

1. Maintain a minimum load of twelve credits in your class program at the undergraduate level, six credits at the Master's level or nine credits at the Graduate Diploma level.
2. Thesis registration is accepted as a full academic load for Master of Music in Music Education students.
3. Report to the institution's Principal Designated Official (DSO), the Registrar, at the beginning of each semester to be registered as an active full-time student in SEVIS.
4. Have a valid passport, visa and Form I-20.
5. Attend and pass the enrolled classes.
6. Achieve satisfactory academic progress every semester (in accordance with institutional policy). If you have any academic difficulties, you should contact the DSO.
7. Update your personal information if it changes during the semester (including dependents)
to. Residential address in Puerto Rico
b. Address in your country of origin
c. Your email address and phone number
8. Maintain constant communication with the DSO.
9. Report changes in concentration and study level.
10. Inform and obtain the DSO's signature on Form I-20 to be able to travel outside of Puerto Rico.
11. Observe the deadlines for requests for extensions, transfer to another university institution, travel signatures and other processes.
12. Adhere to regulations related to job search.
13. Complete your program of study on or before the date indicated on your I-20 form. If you understand that you will not be able to complete the program on the established date, you should contact your DSO.
14. Depart US territory on designated deadline dates.

Listed below are some actions that constitute violations of your status as an F1 international student.

1. Not applying to the selected university.
2. Not enrolling in the beginning semester.
3. Not attending the enrolled courses.
4. Failure to initiate or complete the transfer processes to another university institution during the indicated time.
5. Not requesting required status changes within the time limit.
6. Do not request program extensions before deadlines.
7. Failure to report address changes (10 days)
8. Failure to leave US territory within the indicated time. Remain in US territory after finishing or interrupting your studies.
9. Being working without authorization.
10. Become inactive as a student.

Every student must maintain a full-time class schedule each semester, as indicated above. However, there are exceptions under which the student may be authorized to enroll in a reduced academic load, such as:
1. Academic difficulties:
to. Difficulties with the English language
b. Little familiarity with US teaching strategies.
c. Inappropriate placement in enrolled course levels.
Authorization for a reduced course load due to academic difficulties is limited to one semester. The reduced load must consist of at least six credits. To maintain their status, the student must enroll in a full-time academic load the next semester.

2. Medical condition evidenced by medical certifications and/or hospitalization. Load reduction for medical reasons may be authorized for up to a maximum of twelve months (two semesters).

3. When the student is in his last year and only needs to have a load of less than twelve credits. In this case the student can take only the courses needed to complete their degree.

International students are admitted to the United States for study purposes. To obtain F-1 status, the student must demonstrate that he or she has the ability to pay all his or her expenses. They could only work in the United States under certain circumstances as long as they obtain the corresponding authorizations. Failure to comply with employment-related regulations constitutes a violation of F-1 status.

Types of employment:
1. Employment on the campus of the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music.
This work must be performed at the institution, or at an educationally affiliated location, as long as it is work that provides direct service to students. International students are permitted to work in certain positions within the institution for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per hour per hour during non-teaching time during academic recess. No special authorization is required to work at the Conservatory. However, they will have to pay state and federal taxes on any money they earn. The Conservatory will publish internally the job offers available to students. The Conservatory cannot guarantee any student the possibility of obtaining employment at the institution.

The conditions of employment at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music are as follows:
to. The contracted services must be directly related to your study program.
b. Full-time students are eligible.
c. They can work only twenty (20) hours per week.
d. They may work forty (40) hours during vacations or breaks.

Aspects to take into account when authorizing work on campus:
to. Type and location of employment
b. Employment cannot displace a United States citizen or permanent resident.

After analyzing the request for work on campus, the DSO is the one who authorizes the student, in compliance with the laws of the Immigration Department. The DSO will give the student the “On Campus Employment Authorization Form.” The student will submit this form to the Office or Department where he or she will be hired, and to the Social Security Administration along with a letter from the employer to obtain a temporary social security number.

2. Off-campus employment
International students are prohibited from working off campus. Students with an F-1 visa may request special authorization to work off campus only if they can demonstrate that they have experienced a new and/or unexpected situation that has caused severe financial hardship. These circumstances may include:
to. Loss of financial aid that is not the responsibility of the student. Unexpected changes in your sponsor's financial situation.
b. Loss of employment on campus that is not the responsibility of the student.
c. Significant increase in study costs.
d. Substantial reduction in the value of your country's currency.
and. Significant and unexpected medical expenses.

To qualify to work outside the Conservatory, the student must maintain a
excellent academic achievement and maintain your F-1 status for a minimum of one
previous academic year. To obtain authorization for off-campus employment, the
student must submit an application to USCIS (form I-765) and make payment
correspondent. Authorization to work is automatically terminated when the
student does not maintain academic achievement

3. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – Term used when the student has to do some type of internship or practical training required as an integral part of the curriculum of their study program. This training allows international students to work outside the institution as part of their studies. To request Curricular Practical Training, the student must have been enrolled in their study program for at least one year. The Department Director or Coordinator and the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs reserve the right to deny authorization for Curricular Practical Training based on the nature of the work assigned.

4. Optional Practical Training (OPT) – This is another practical training alternative available to international students while they are enrolled or once they have completed their study program. Optional Practical Training allows international students to work in the United States so they can gain experience in their field of study at the Conservatory. It must be directly related to your study program. It differs from Curriculum Practical Training in that it is not an integral part of the student's curriculum and in that it must be authorized by the Department of National Security (Homeland Security). To be eligible, the student must have been enrolled in their study program for at least one year, and can participate in training for up to a maximum of 12 months for each grade. To obtain authorization to participate in the Optional Practical Training, the student must submit an application to USCIS (form I-765) and make the corresponding payment.

The Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music requires that all students be enrolled in the Health Plan offered by the institution. The approximate cost of this health plan is $1,280.00 annually. If the student does not wish to take advantage of the institution's health insurance, they must present evidence of having a valid private medical plan (that can be used in Puerto Rico), and must present evidence of coverage on the day of registration.

To process driver's licenses, bank accounts and accommodations, international students are required to bring to the corresponding institutions a certification of studies from the Conservatory that demonstrates that they are a regular student of the institution. This certification is obtained at the Registrar's Office.

DIRECTORY

Below is a directory with the contact information of the different offices or entities to carry out these procedures.

Health Center-CDT Hoare Diagnostic and Treatment Center

(Health Center – Dr. Gualberto Rabell (Hoare Sector) (787) 480-3700
900 Calle Cerra, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico  

Driver's license:
https://dtop.pr.gov/

Education deparment: 
Write and/or send documents according to the instructions to: ueeh@de.pr.gov

The Equivalence Unit of the Department of Education is located at:
Ave. Lieutenant. César González,esq. Juan Calaf Street,
Industrial Urb. Tres Monjitas, Hato Rey, PR 00917

Social Security:
https://www.ssa.gov/espanol/

Bank -
https://www.popular.com/

Mail -
https://www.postallocations.com/pr/san-juan/santurce

Necessary purchases:

Walmart Supercenter in Santurce

Telephones: 787.641.5600

Physical address:
Stop 18, Fernandez Junco Ave Intersection with Roberto H. Todd Ave. • San Juan, PR 00909

Store Hours:
5AM-11PM

Pharmacy:
8AM-7PM Monday to Saturday, 10AM-6PM Sunday and 7AM-8AM Seniors Tuesday

http://www.plazalasamericas.com/

https://www.walgreens.com/locator/walgreens-700+ave+roberto+h+todd-san+juan-pr-00907/id=12599