How to obtain an F1 Visa

• Submit all F1 application materials to Howard Community College by the appropriate deadline (see below).  After verifying that the application is complete, we will prepare the I-20 form for the student.
  
  
• The student will schedule an appointment with the U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.  The appointment must be scheduled in advance, and the student must have the I-20 form and required documents for the appointment.
• • Students are also required to fill out the I-901 form, pay a $100 fee, and obtain a receipt before the appointment with the embassy.  This form is available, and payable, online at www.fmjfee.com.  For more information on the I-901 form and payment, please visit the SEVIS website at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq2.htm.
  • For more information on the visa application forms and instructions, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.
  • For general virtual consulting about studying in the U.S. in English, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, or Arabic, please visit http://vco-edusa.net.
    
    
• If the visa is granted by the embassy, the student can travel to the U.S. no earlier than 30 days prior to the start date listed on the I-20.  Students should arrive in the U.S. by the program start date listed on the I-20.

F1 Application and Instructions

Overseas students must fulfill all application requirements by June 1st for the Fall semester and by October 1st for the Spring semester.  Admission requirements for degree and certificate programs include submission of:

• Application for Admission to Certificate and Degree Programs for International (F1) Students and $50 non-refundable application fee.  A money order is required for overseas students paying this fee.
  
  
• Official transcript of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).  Score requirements for degree and certificate programs are 203+ on the computer version, 537+ on the paper version, or 74-75+ on the internet-based version.  Students already in the United States may take Howard Community College's placement exam instead of the TOEFL.  Placement into ENGL 086 or higher is required for admission.  Howard Community College's institution code is 5308.
  
  
• Certification of Finances form, bank statements, and statements of support must verify that students can pay for their academic and living expenses before they can be admitted.  These costs are currently $23,800* for a year of study (*costs subject to change).
• • tuition: $7,800
  • fees: $500
  • books: $900
  • personal expenses: $2,500
  • room and board: $11,100
  • health insurance: $1,000
    

• Official secondary school transcripts and/or diploma.
  
  
• Official college or university transcripts, if applicable.  Students seeking transfer credit must have their overseas transcripts evaluated by a transcript evaluation agency.
  
  
• Proof of health insurance for care in the United States (students will obtain insurance during their first semester at HCC).