International Students
The SDCCD Colleges welcome applications from Nonimmigrant F-1 Visa Students.
Acceptance into the program is necessary before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) Form I-20 (certificate of eligibility) is issued by the International Student Admissions Office. The decision to grant an acceptance will be based on all evidence received prior to the deadlines.
Visit the International Students website for the college you wish to attend for more information and the forms required to apply for enrollment.
Announcement: Important immigration information for students
CITY COLLEGE | MESA COLLEGE | MIRAMAR COLLEGE |
International Students Admissions Office 619-388-3475 Office A-112 International Students website |
International Students Admissions Office 619-388-2682 Office I4-102 International Students website |
International Students Admissions Office 619-388-7844 Office K-207 International Students website |
GENERAL INFORMATION
- An international student must register for and maintain a minimum of 12 units each semester while enrolled at the college of acceptance. Part-time F-1 status will not be approved. The registration status and academic performance of all international students will be monitored by the college.
- A recent photograph must be submitted with an application (passport size is acceptable).
- Prospective international students are advised that they must comply with all requirements of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and of the San Diego Community College District to be admitted as international students.
- Restriction on Aviation Program. The Federal government prohibits all F-visa (F-1, F-2 and F-3) students from enrolling in any Aviation Maintenance Technology (AVIM) and/or Aviation Operations (AVIA) classes and programs. No exceptions will be made. Student enrollment is monitored and students will be administratively dropped.
- A transfer student from another accredited United States college or university must:
- Follow set transfer procedures of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; and
- Have pursued a full-time course of study with a minimum GPA of 2.0 ("C") at the college the student was last authorized to attend (an official transcript must be filed).
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Admission For Fall Semester
Students must complete all admissions requirements no later than May 1 to be admitted for the fall semester. Since the processing of an application normally requires a minimum of three to five months, students are strongly encouraged to file an application by March 1 of the current year. Students who meet the May 1 deadline will be notified as soon as possible of their admission status.
Admission For Spring Semester
Students must complete all admissions requirements no later than October 1 to be admitted for the Spring semester. Students who meet the October 1 deadline will be notified as soon as possible of their admission status.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
- An international student must have graduated from high school (or its equivalent) with a GPA of 2.0 ("C") or better, or have obtained a GED certificate (General Education Development).
- Official transcripts of all previous secondary and college/university education must be submitted, including an English translation of the transcript, before an application will be considered.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for admission, an international student whose native language is not English must take an International Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score a minimum of 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computerized version, or 61 on the internet-based test. For questions regarding the TOFEL test, please visit the Educational Testing Service website at: www.ets.org/toefl/. Institutional reports or photocopies will not be accepted. Students may petition to waive the TOEFL requirement under one of the following conditions:
- completion of a transfer level college English composition course at an accredited United States institution with a grade of "C" or higher;
- completion of ESL assessment and placement at a level of English 40 (formerly English 62) or higher; in addition, the student must take the prescribed course work at the level of assessment; or
- minimum ACT English score of 19 or SAT verbal score of 450.
Advanced Degrees
An international student in possession of an associate degree or its equivalent (completion of about 60 semester units) may be determined to be beyond the course offerings of the college and is encouraged to apply to a four-year college or university.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
- Each international student must submit verification of sufficient financial resources. The verification must indicate the ability of the student to finance each year's education and living expenses to the satisfaction of the International Student Advisor (normally $18,000 a school year for two semesters).
- An international student attending the college must pay all mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, enrollment fees and health services fees.
- Financial aid is not available to F-1 visa international students.
- An international student may not accept off-campus employment while attending college unless approval is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and the International Student Advisor.
HEALTH CLEARaNCE
- Students must be in good health and free of communicable diseases. The "Report of Health Examination" form or a medical examination report by a physician must be submitted prior to admission. The medical examination must certify immunization against polio, diphtheria, measles, rubella, and tetanus, and must provide tuberculosis clearance.
- Mandatory Health Insurance: Each student is required to provide a notarized letter (in English) certifying that he/she has secured a health insurance coverage in the United States for the duration of their studies.
HOUSING
The college is located near public transportation and housing. The college does not provide or assist with housing. Housing is the responsibility of the student.
VISA STUDENTS (OTHER THAN F-1)
All other visa categories or immigrant classifications must see the Residency Office. Students who are residing in the United States on other than F-1 student visas must comply with all restrictions on total units enrolled as specified by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.