Accreditation and Academic Recognition of Mi-Academy Through LAVI and International American University

1. LAVI (Los Angeles Vocational Institute)

• Approval

  LAVI is legally approved by the necessary state and federal agencies to operate as an educational institution—meaning it’s authorized to deliver vocational programs within regulatory standards.  

• SEVP Certification for M‑1 Visa Students

  LAVI is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), enabling it to sponsor M‑1 vocational visa students—while simultaneously allowing IAU’s F‑1 students to take courses there when enrolled at IAU.  

• On Remote vs. In‑Person Learning

  There’s no explicit detail provided about LAVI offering remote or online learning. Given its role as a vocational center, it’s likely focused on in‑person, hands‑on learning—typical in allied health scenarios—but that would need confirmation directly from their offerings.

2. International American University (IAU)

IAU has multiple layers of recognition—both institutional and programmatic—covering remote and on‑campus learning.

Accreditation & Recognition

• TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools)

  IAU gained Category IV accredited status from TRACS in October 2020—effective for five years—and more recently had that accreditation reaffirmed in April 2025 after a successful review. TRACS is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.  

• CHEA & DAPIP Listings

  IAU is listed with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education’s DAPIP database, reflecting the accrediting bodies it works with.  

• ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs)

  IAU holds candidacy status with ACBSP for its business and accounting programs—signaling that it’s in the process of meeting their standards.  

• BPPE Approval (California State)

  The university is approved by California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) to operate and has maintained its status through accreditation.  

• Veterans Affairs (GI Bill) Eligibility

  IAU is recognized by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education, making students eligible for GI Bill benefits.  

• SEVP Certification for International Students (I‑20)

  Since March 2009, IAU is SEVP‑certified to issue Form I‑20 to international F‑1 students.  

• International Recognitions

  IAU has recognition or approval in several countries:

  • UAE (Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge) — approval to operate since November 2024

  • Mongolia (Ministry of Education and Science) — recognition from December 2023

  • Nepal (Ministry of Education, Science and Technology) — recognition from September 2023

  • Australia — the Department of Education recognizes IAU master’s degrees on a case‑by‑case basis

  • Hong Kong (HKCAAVQ) — IAU’s degrees are recognized as equivalent

  • Jordan (Ministry of Education & Scientific Research) — official recognition of IAU’s online business programs

• Degree Recognition via Other Institutions

  IAU students may, in some instances, have transcripts issued through Fairfield University (accredited by New England Commission)—helpful if their home institution prefers that route.

• Medicine-specific Accreditations (IAU College of Medicine, St. Lucia)

  The medical school branch is chartered in St. Lucia, recognized by relevant authorities there, listed in global directories (like WDMS), and its graduates are eligible for medical licensure pathways in the U.S., Canada, UK, India, and more.

Remote vs. In‑Person Learning at IAU

• Remote / Distance Education

  TRACS explicitly acknowledges that IAU offers distance education courses.

  IAU also offers online business programs recognized in Jordan, suggesting a structured, remote delivery framework.

• In‑Person / Campus-based Learning

  IAU maintains multiple physical campuses—including Los Angeles main campus and satellite campuses domestically and internationally—to support in-person instruction.

Accreditation Overview: LAVI & IAU (International American University)

LAVI (Los Angeles Vocational Institute)

LAVI holds proper state and federal approvals, meaning it’s legally sound and authorized as a vocational education provider. It’s also SEVP‑certified for M‑1 vocational visa students, which lets IAU’s F‑1 students enroll in LAVI courses alongside their IAU studies. As a vocational institution, LAVI likely focuses on in‑person training—but for a full remote learning option, contacting LAVI directly would be best.

International American University (IAU)

IAU has a strong multi-layered accreditation portfolio:

• It’s institutionally accredited by TRACS, reaffirmed in April 2025, and recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.

• It holds candidacy status with ACBSP for its business/accounting programs and is fully approved by California’s BPPE.

• It’s SEVP-certified (F‑1 students), eligible for GI Bill benefits, and listed in the CHEA and DAPIP databases.

• IAU has received formal recognition and operational registration in UAE, Mongolia, Nepal, Hong Kong, Jordan, and—on a case-by-case basis—from Australia.

IAU delivers education through both remote (online) and in‑person (campus‑based) formats. Courses delivered online are backed by accreditation, and physical campuses are located in California and abroad.

For its medical school in St. Lucia, IAU holds professional recognition from the St. Lucia government and relevant medical councils. Medical graduates are eligible to pursue licensure in the U.S., Canada, UK, and India.