International Students

Colleges must comply with federal law to enroll international students as provided FBA (LOCAL). An international student seeking appropriate F-1 or M-1 visa status to attend a college must:

1. Contact the college to request international student admission information;
2. Provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 530 or higher on the paper and pencil version, a TOEFL score of 197 or higher on the computerized version or a TOEFL score of 71 or higher on the internet-based version to meet the English proficiency requirement for college level classes or provide International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) scores of 6.0 or higher. A college may waive the above TOEFL requirement if the student enrolls in an intensive English program at the College or present scores from an assessment test approved by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under TSI unless otherwise exempt;
3. Show documented evidence of sufficient financial support for the academic year;
4. Provide official written medical proof of freedom from tuberculosis through either a negative Mantoux tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray that was given in the United States within the last year. An international student must undergo testing for freedom from tuberculosis upon arrival in the United States before registration in classes is allowed. The District recommends that all prospective students have adequate immunization for bacterial meningitis, diphtheria; rubeola, rubella, mumps, tetanus and poliomyelitis (see Department of Health and Human Services Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule);
5. Submit an official transcript from each U.S. college or university previously attended with a minimum of 2.0 GPA; and
6. Fulfill all admission requirements before the deadline designated by the college for international students and receive approval for admission from international admissions advisor.

College may exempt an international student from the TOEFL or IELTS requirements if the student satisfies one of the following criteria:

1. Graduate of an accredited U.S. college or university.
2. Native speaker of English from a country in which English is the primary language of the majority as documented by the Cambridge Encyclopedia of Languages, as revised.
3. A TOEFL score of 530 or higher on the paper and pencil version, a TOEFL score of 197 or higher on the computerized version or a TOEFL score of 71 or higher on the internet-based version of an Institutional TOEFL given in a college in the University of Texas System, University of North Texas, or University of Dallas.
4. Complete successfully the final level of an intensive English program of the District.
5. Complete successfully the final level of an intensive English language program that is approved by the college through an established agreement.
6. Complete successfully, English 1301 or its equivalent from an accredited college as determined under the Texas Success Initiative (TSI).

In addition to the requirements stated above, an international student who wishes to transfer from another U.S. institution of higher education must present documentation indicating valid international student status, including pursuit of a full course of study during the term immediately preceding transfer from the institution last authorized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Upon admission, students must present all original immigration documents including a valid I-94 (arrival/departure record) and an unexpired passport to be copied and kept on file. All colleges are authorized to issue I-20s. An international student must obtain an I-20 from the college that admits the student. If a student wishes to take courses at another college, the student must receive prior written permission from the admitting college unless the student is withdrawing completely from the admitting college. In the event of a complete withdrawal to attend another college, a student must complete a transfer under the SEVIS program prior to enrollment. The college shall charge international students tuition as appropriate.

An international student must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintain full-time student status during each regular semester in order to maintain visa status. An international student who pursues an Associate Degree in Nursing, Vocational Nursing, or Associate Degree in one of the allied health fields of study, is considered a full-time student when the student's lecture, laboratory assignment and clinical work in clock hours are determined by the college to equal or exceed 12 credit hours. A college may also determine whether an international student who is enrolled in an intensive English program is a full-time student based upon the student's clock hours in this program.

After admission, international students must present scores from an assessment test approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under the TSI unless otherwise exempt. If adequate scores are not demonstrated through assessment, the college shall require placement in any or all of the following courses: additional reading, English language or mathematic courses to meet course prerequisites.

The college shall take all the following steps regarding out-of-status international students:

1. Advise each student, in writing, to seek reinstatement with the USCIS. Visit the USCIS Web sit at http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm for more information.
2. The college will report the student's status to the USCIS. The student's status and continued enrollment is the responsibility of the student.

For tuition purposes out of the status students may not claim undocumented out of status for any reason. Students who enter this country with visas, other than F-1 or M-1 visas, shall submit an application for admissions and provide documentation of immigration status. The college recommends that all prospective students have adequate immunization for bacterial meningitis, diphtheria; rubeola, rubella, mumps, tetanus and poliomyelitis (see Department of Health and Human Services Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule); and submit an official transcript from each college or university previously attended in the Unitied States as well as any assessments if required by a college. For tuition purposes, colleges shall classify these students based upon their visas and appropriate documentation. Like international students, these students may not claim undocumented status for any reason.

It is strongly recommended that international students obtain health insurance for the duration of their studies in the college.