International Student Program (ISP)
International students planning to apply for admission with an F-1 student visa must provide official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score unless English is the student’s native language, received a high school diploma from the United States, or has completed English 101 at an accepted and accredited institution (transcript articulation and confirmation required). A TOEFL score of 45 on the internet-based (iBT) testing or 450 on the paper based testing is required. In addition, a sponsor or the student must submit an original bank statement proving financial capability. No financial aid is available for international students with the exception of scholarships. Deadlines for scholarship applications are available from Financial Aid. Health insurance is mandatory for all international students prior to the start of your first term at Antelope Valley College.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED):
- AVC Admission Application.
- International Student Information Form.
- TOEFL Score to be sent directly from the ETS (AVC DI Code: 4005), with a minimum score of 45 (Internet-based testing) or 450 (paper test). For information on TOEFL go to their website at www.ets.org/toefl.
- High school diploma and an official transcript in a sealed envelope.
- Official transcripts from prior college(s) work in a sealed envelope, including an official English translated transcript. (A list of acceptable translation organizations is attached).
- Recommendation letter on official letterhead verifying your character, background and abilities. (Family and friends are not acceptable).
- Copy of a valid and current passport (valid at least 2 years).
- Current bank statement(s) of the student or local sponsor showing a minimum balance of US $18,000.
- Medical Insurance from a US agency showing full medical coverage with a minimum of $250,000 in lifetime medical coverage. (Travel insurance not accepted). Medical coverage must be maintained the entire time you are here as a student.
- Affidavit of Sponsor, notarized
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)
- Affidavit of Sponsor for Free Room and Board, and a copy of a Deed or Lease Agreement.
If you are transferring from another college under an F-1 visa, you must also submit:
- AVC Transfer Form
- Copies of all the I-20s issued by previous college(s) you have attended.
Upon approval of all documents required, AVC will issue an I-20.
Other Information
- You should have a local sponsor who will be able to show proof of your support while attending AVC. (If you are not being sponsored, you must be able to show proof of at least 2 years of US funds (currently $36,000) available).
- Antelope Valley College only accepts F-1 visa status international students.
- Must be enrolled as a full-time student (12 or more units) for the fall and/or spring semester(s).
- Must maintain a minimum GPA of a 2.00 at all times.
- As a student, you must report a change of address and/or phone number within 10 calendar days to Admission and Records.
- You are not authorized to work off campus. You are eligible to work on-campus after completing your first year in good standing. You must receive permission to work prior to finding work on-campus, and you can not work more than 20 hours a week.
For more information on requirements for admission of international students, or if you would like to receive an AVC international student application packet please call (661) 722-6300, Ext. 6342, or email Ed Arndt your address and request to earndt@avc.edu .
Application Deadline
Fall Semester: July 1st
Spring Semester: December 1st
Summer Session: May 1st
Helpful Links
- TOEFL information
www.ets.org/toefl - Non-citizen scholarships
http://www.maldef.org/pdf/Scholarships.pdf - Loans for International Students
http://www.edupass.org/finaid/loans.phtml - Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
http://usembassy.state.gov/ - Foreign Consular Offices in the United States
http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/ - Student Visas
http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_types_students2.html - How to Get a Visa
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa/index.html - SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment
https://www.fmjfee.com/index.jhtml - SEVIS I-901 Fee Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq3.htm - Fees for Visa Services
http://travel.state.gov/visa/vofees.html - Visa Wait Time
http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php - Maintaining your F-1 Status
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/sevisfactsheet.htm - Finding the Status of Your Case
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp - Processing Dates for Applications and Petitions
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp - Visa Photo Requirements
http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/index.html - Visa Denials
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_denials.html - Glossary of Visa Terms
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/glossary/glossary_1363.html