FKCC INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS PACKET

Transcription

1 FKCC INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS PACKET Section # 1. Letter to Prospective Student 2. Directions for applying for an International Student VISA 3. FKCC Application Link 4. Statement of Financial Ability 5. Proof of Medical Insurance 6. International Student Agreement 7. Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee Information (after you receive your I-20) 8. Checklist for Submission Academic Year: Term IC (Fall) August 19 - December 9, 2016 Term 1A (Fall) August 19 - October 11, 2016 Term 1B (Fall) October 12 - December 9, 2016 Term IIC (Spring) January 6 - May 1, 2017 Term 2A (Spring) January 6 - February 28, 2017 Term 2B (Spring) March 1 - May 1, 2017 Term IIIC (Summer) May 15 - August 7, 2017 Term IIIA (Summer) May 15 - June 26, 2017 SUBMISSION DEADLINES: June 1: October 1: March 1: Fall term Spring term Summer term Check out our website at for up-to-date information regarding: ACADEMIC CALENDAR COURSE CATALOG COURSE SCHEDULE DEGREES and PROGRAMS Page 1 of 13

2 Section 1 Dear Prospective Student: Thank you for your interest in Florida Keys Community College (FKCC) in Key West, Florida. Our college is a small, twoyear institution located approximately 150 miles from the nearest large city of Miami. Currently FKCC is pleased to offer Associate in Arts (transfer), Associate in Science (vocational), or Associate in Applied Science degrees. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. FKCC has one dormitory for on-campus housing. There is a separate application for housing located on FKCC s web site at International students are required to complete the admissions packet and pay the application fee of $30 US and the International Student Fee of $50 US. Application materials (enclosed) must be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services, International Admissions, at least two months prior to the start of the term in which the student wishes to enroll. You may scan documents and to internationalstudents@fkcc.edu, or US Postal Service mail to the address at the end of this letter. For those students who are out of the country, once we have received and processed all of your required documents, an I-20 form will be prepared and sent to you. The I-20 acts as proof of acceptance and contains the information needed to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee; apply for a visa or change of status and provide admission to the US. You must pay your SEVIS fee of $200 US. Be sure to print your receipt before closing the screen. You need the receipt to apply for your F-1 visa. You will need to take the form to the US Embassy nearest to you to apply for the F-1 visa. The date you will start school is indicated on item 5 on your I-20. However, you are required to complete testing, advising and registration prior to that date. For transfer students from schools in the U.S., you are required to complete the admissions packet and pay the application fee of $30 US and the International Student Fee of $50 US. Also, please bring your current I-20 form and passport, and arrange for your official transcript from your previous school(s) to be sent to FKCC. Inform your current college that you are transferring and request an I-20 transfer form from FKCC. A new I-20 may not be issued until that transfer is completed. Individuals currently in the US with a non-immigrant visa status other than an F-1 student visa may be eligible to apply for a Change of Status from within the US to enroll at FKCC. Required documents will vary depending on your current status. General instructions can be found on the USCIS I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Tuition costs for are $ per credit hour for all first and second year courses. The minimum tuition and fee average per semester is $10, and must be paid in full prior to the beginning of the session. You must register for and complete 12 credit hours each semester and be degree seeking to maintain your F-1 student visa status. Tuition for students on F-1 visas will always be calculated at the cost of out-of-state tuition rates. Medical insurance is a requirement for international students. Proof of insurance will be required before you enter the United States and should remain in effect from the time you leave home until you return. Private medical services in the United States are very expensive, so you should be certain you are adequately covered for basic medical expenses and major medical expenses including accidental death and dismemberment. The policy must also include repatriation and medical evacuation. FKCC does not have health service facilities and FKCC is not responsible for providing any medical care for any student, including care required as a result of injuries sustained on campus or while the student is participating in a college activity. Insurance may be obtained in your own country if it is effective in the United States. If your policy is not in English, an English translation of the policy must be provided. You may search the internet for International Health Insurance for appropriate and competitive policies and coverage. Page 2 of 13

3 Work is not permitted without prior authorization from the International Admissions Advisor and/or Immigration. If you work without authorization, you will violate your non-immigrant (F-1) status. You must arrive in Key West two to four weeks prior to the given date in Item #5 on the I-20 in order to arrange for housing, transportation, and other living arrangements. The student should not arrive in the US more than one month prior to the report date given in Item #5 on the I-20 form. Students arriving more than one month in advance of that date may be denied entrance to the US. The student should also plan to contact Student Advisement at or to arrange for placement testing and registration advisement for college courses. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions. We look forward to seeing you at FKCC! Sincerely, International Student Advisor Florida Keys Community College 5901 College Road Key West, FL Phone: # Fax: # Florida Keys Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, marital status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity Officer: Kathleen Daniel, Director, Human Resources (305) or Title IX Coordinator: Naomi Walsh, Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement (305) or Disability Services: John Rouge, Assistant Director of Student Success (305) or Mailing Address: Florida Keys Community College, 5901 College Road, Key West, FL Page 3 of 13

4 Section 2 APPLYING FOR AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA According to Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations, qualified, non-immigrant foreign students may be issued F-1 student visas to come to the United States to pursue an education at Florida Keys Community College. All international students on student visas must be full-time and degree seeking. To be considered as an applicant for an F-1 student visa, non-immigrant foreign students must be accepted by FKCC by submitting the following documents and fees. See Section 8 for the complete checklist of all required documents in addition to below list required for FKCC acceptance. Application for Admission along with an application fee of $30.00 US International Student processing fee of $50.00 US Passport (and I 94 if you have one - issued when you arrive in the US) University/College transcript(s), if you have attended college - Arrange for any and all previous university or college transcript(s) to be course-by-course translated and evaluated by World Education Services (WES) Ensure that the provider sends the evaluation and translation results directly to FKCC, not to you, so that we can accept as official. High School Transcript, if you have not attended college - Arrange for your official High School transcript to be document-to-document evaluated and translated by World Education Services (WES) Ensure that the provider sends the evaluation and translation results directly to FKCC, not to you, so that we can accept as official. All students must provide proof of high school graduation OR evidence of completed post-secondary course work to be eligible for admission. If you have graduated from a university in your country, FKCC may accept those credits after the transcript has been translated and evaluated by an evaluation service. Proof of proficiency in English. (Instruction at FKCC is conducted in English. If English is not your native language, you must submit the following document of English proficiency.) An official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report received by the FKCC Office of Enrollment Services at the address below (received directly from the Educational Testing Service). A minimum TOEFL score 61 (Internet-based), 500 (paper-based) or 173 (computer-based) is required for admission. Scores must be no more than two years old. For information on the TOEFL, visit their website at FKCC s TOEFL ETS code number is STN10870A. A TOEFL score that meets the above requirements does not guarantee placement into college-level coursework. All new students, unless determined by Student Advisement as exempt, are required to take the placement test to determine course placement. Please submit all documents and fees to: Florida Keys Community College Office of Enrollment Services International Student Advisor 5901 College Road Key West, FL Page 4 of 13

5 Section 3 FKCC Application You may apply online or access the hard copy application available at the below link. Enter your name on the application and on all required admissions documents exactly as it appears in your passport. The FKCC application fee is $30.00 US. You must pay an additional $50.00 US for international student processing. Page 5 of 13

6 Section 4 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ABILITY STUDENT NAME Last First Middle As a non-immigrant international student accepted for admission to FKCC, you will be classified as a non-florida student and assessed out-of-state fees for the duration of your enrollment since an F-1 Student visa is considered a temporary status. Each international student is expected to have sufficient funds to meet all personal and college expenses. Tuition payment will be due at the time of registration before the first day of class. Florida Keys Community College requires you to have an equivalent yearly stipend of $25, for school year August 19, 2016 May 1, 2017 which is itemized with approximate figures as follows: Tuition and Fees for 24 hours (two semesters) in an Associate Degree Program $10, (Summer sessions optional. Per credit hour for F-1 students is $ lab fees, if applicable) Medical Insurance (mandatory) cost approximate per year (minimum) 1, Books and supplies 1, Room and Board 11, Personal Expenses 1, TOTAL $25, NOTE: $5,000 must be added for each F-2 dependent student (spouse or child). AFFIDAVIT I, (Student s Name), affirm that: (print name) 1. I have sufficient funds to cover all college and living expenses (estimated to be $25, US for school year) while named student is attending Florida Keys Community College. 2. I understand that if I plan to bring a spouse and/or children I must certify and provide documentation for an additional amount of $5,000 US per F-2 dependent per year and will notify FKCC of my intent to do so. 3. I understand that I am required to pay all tuition and fees by the designated payment deadline each term or I will not be able to start my classes. 4. I am responsible to pay a non-refundable $30 US application fee and $50 US international student processing fee to be considered for admissions. 5. I must provide proof of health insurance for one year prior to beginning classes and must keep my insurance valid for the duration of my studies. 6. I understand that I must provide an official bank statement and the completed and signed Affidavit of Financial Support as proof of financial support Please indicate your source of funding: Self Sponsor: Relationship: Sponsor s Address: Amount of funds available per year, in dollars: (must be a minimum of ($25,589.00) I hereby certify that the information I have provided is complete and accurate: Applicant s Signature: Date: Page 6 of 13

7 Affidavit of Financial Support (to be completed by each sponsor, if you have one or more): (If your sponsor is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, sponsor must complete form I-134) Please note: It is the student s responsibility to demonstrate that sufficient funding is available to meet all academic and living expenses for the duration of your studies at FKCC. If you will provide your own funding (self-sponsored student applicant), a completed and signed Financial Declaration and supporting bank documents will suffice. If you have one or more sponsors, each sponsor must provide a completed and signed Affidavit of Financial Support along with financial proof. I,, hereby affirm and state as follows: I am the of who has applied for admission to FKCC. (relationship) (name of student) I will meet all educational (including, but not limited to tuition, fees and books), living, health insurance and miscellaneous expenses of the applicant for the duration of his/her academic studies at FKCC. I have attached an official bank statement or a bank letter (in English, on official bank letterhead, bearing the sponsor s name and dated within six months of the start term) reflecting a current balance of $ US dollars in liquid assets (at a minimum $25, US) to cover the first year of study in support of this affidavit. Please note that proof of additional funds must be provided for any dependents accompanying the student (see previous page). AFFIRMATION OF SPONSOR I make this affidavit for the purpose of assuring the United States Government that I am willing and able to support the student mentioned above, and that the information on this form is complete and accurate. I am fully aware that any false or misleading statements may result in the denial of admission or cancellation of registration and loss of immigration benefits following enrollment. Sponsor Signature: Date: Address: City: State/Province: Postal Code: Country: Telephone: Page 7 of 13

8 Section 5 PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE This form has been designed to assist international students in complying with FKCC rules requiring all international students to have health insurance to register at the college. Instructions to students: Ask your insurance company to complete this form and mail, fax or using the following information: Florida Keys Community College / Enrollment 5901 College Road, Key West, FL FAX: InternationalStudents@fkcc.edu The insurance company must verify that the basic benefits listed below are covered. If not, you will not be able to register. Release of Information: I hereby authorize my insurance company to release the following information to FKCC. I further understand that I must have my policy reviewed and renewed at the end of the coverage period as below indicated. Student Name (last/family) (first/given) Dependent(s) Name (last/family) (first/given) Insurance Company Name Policy Number Medical insurance coverage must include, but is not limited to, illness, accidental injury, medical evacuation and repatriation. It is recommended that students purchase insurance with no gap in coverage between terms. Please enter YES (meets or exceeds minimum requirements) or NO for each of the below items: 1. Coverage period is for a minimum of one year. 2. The policy provides coverage of major medical expenses including, but not limited to, hospital room and board, hospital miscellaneous, physician visits, surgery, anesthesia and other related expenses. 3. Medical evacuation and medical repatriation coverage are included. TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE: Please read and sign the following: I have verified the information on this form and completed each of the above items. If the above-noted policy is terminated, I will notify FKCC Enrollment at immediately. NAME: TITLE: SIGNATURE: DATE: Telephone: Fax: Page 8 of 13

9 The following lists the minimum required medical insurance coverage as mandated by the State of Florida Board of Governors regulations (Section 7(d), Art. IX, FL Const; formerly 6C-6.09). 1) Coverage Period: The policy must provide, at minimum, continuous coverage for the entire period the insured is enrolled as an eligible student, including annual break during that period. Payment of benefits must be renewable. 2) Basic Benefits: Room, board, hospital services, physician fees, surgeon fees, ambulance, outpatient services, and outpatient customary fees must be paid at 80% or more of usual, customary, reasonable charge per accident or illness, after deductible is met, for in-network, and 70% or more of usual, customary, and reasonable charge for out-of-network providers per accident or illness. 3) Inpatient Mental Health Care: Must be paid at 80% in-network or 60% out-of-network of the usual and customary fees with a minimum 30-day cap per benefit period. 4) Outpatient Mental Health Care: Must be paid at 80% in-network or 60% out-of-network of the usual and customary fees for a minimum of 30 (preferably 40) sessions per year. 5) Maternity Benefits: Must be treated as any other temporary medical condition and paid at no less than 80% of usual and customary fees in-network or 60% out-of-network. 6) Inpatient/Outpatient Prescription Medication: Must include coverage of $1,000 or more per policy year. 7) Repatriation: $10,000 (coverage to return the student's remains to his/her native country). 8) Medical Evacuation: $25,000 (to permit the patient to be transported to his/her home country and to be accompanied by a provider or escort, if directed by the physician in charge). 9) Exclusion for Pre-Existing Conditions: First six months of policy period, at most. 10) Deductible: Maximum of $100 per occurrence if treatment or services are rendered at an ambulatory care or hospital emergency department facility. 11) Minimum coverage: $200,000 for covered injuries/illnesses per policy year. Health Insurance - Carrier Minimum Requirements 1) Insurance Carrier must at a minimum, meet the rating requirements specified in Part 62.14(c)(1) of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 2) Policy must not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the student's program of study. 3) Claims must be paid in U.S. dollars payable on a U.S. financial institution. 4) Policy provisions must be available from the insurer in English. Page 9 of 13

10 Section 6 Please read, sign and date: INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AGREEMENT As an international student attending Florida Keys Community College (FKCC) on an F-1 student visa, I understand that I will be classified as a non-florida resident for tuition purposes. I also understand that I am not eligible for need-based financial aid, not permitted to work unauthorized in the US, subject to the college payment deadlines else be dropped from classes, required to maintain full-time status in 12 credits per term (only one independent study course or one virtual course per term is permitted), required to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, required to maintain a valid passport (maintain as valid 6 months into the future), and required to notify the college s International Student Advisor of: An address change within ten days of the change A change in program of study Any plans to travel outside of the US I understand that this application is for admission to FKCC and is for the term indicated on my FKCC application. I also understand and agree that I will be bound by the College s regulations concerning application deadline dates and admissions requirements. I further agree to the release of any transcript, student record or test scores to FKCC. I certify that all the information given in this application is complete and accurate, and I understand that to make false or fraudulent statements within this application or residency statement may result in disciplinary action, denial of admission, invalidation of credits or degrees earned, and/or dismissal from FKCC. I understand, with my signature, that while attending FKCC, I agree to uphold all federal and state laws; county and municipality ordinances and rules; and the regulations, policies and procedures of FKCC. I also certify that I have answered all questions on this application accurately and that all documentation provided is accurate. FKCC may consider the past actions of any person applying for admission or enrollment to FKCC and may deny admission or enrollment to any applicant because of misconduct, if determined to be in the best interest of the College. FKCC reserves the right to refuse admission to re-enrollment or to place conditions on admission or reenrollment of applicants and students that FKCC determines would be disruptive to the orderly process of the College s programs, would interfere with the rights and privileges of other students or employees, and/or would represent a safety risk to FKCC students, employees or property. Applicants/students have the right to appeal any decision to the campus Dean of Student Affairs within seven (7) calendar days of the date the notice was received. I understand that an F-1 visa student who violates a term or condition of status is considered out-of-status, will be granted 72 hours to leave the country and is subject to a 5-year ban to re-entry to the US in any category. The ban applies until the person has been outside of the US for a continuous period of five years after the date of the violation. Applicant s Printed Name Applicant s Signature (required) Date Required for applicants under the age of 18: Parent s Printed Name Parent s Signature (required) Date Page 10 of 13

11 Section 7 STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR SYSTEM (SEVIS) I-901 FEE (initiate after your receive your I-20 from FKCC) Initial F-1 Students: If you are applying to become an F-1 visa student and coming to the US directly from your home country, the US Embassy/Consulate will make the final decision in granting you entry into the US. You will need to pay the SEVIS fee I-901 and apply for a visa at your local US Embassy or Consulate. Transfer Students: If you are a continuing F-1 student who has maintained status and is transferring to FKCC from another institution in the US, you do not pay the SEVIS fee. 1. Pay the SEVIS fee I-901: Your form I-20 acts as proof of acceptance and contains the information that is needed to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, to apply for a visa or change of status, and to enter the US. Pay your SEVIS fee at Be sure to print your receipt before closing the screen! You will need the receipt to apply for your F-1 visa. 2. Make a visa appointment with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. F-1 student visas are issued by US Embassies and Consulates located outside the US. Non-immigrant students may apply for a visa at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence up to 120 days prior to the program start date on their I-20 form. APPLY EARLY! The local Embassy or Consulate will provide you with specific application instructions including which documents you will need to bring for your interview. Check for specific requirements in your home country. If you don t, you may be required to return for a second time thereby delaying your visa for several weeks. The application process typically includes an in-person interview with a consular official to determine the applicant s purpose of travel to the US. The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary from country to country, so be sure to allow adequate time to schedule your visa interview. Commonly asked visa interview questions and helpful tips: Why do you want to study at FKCC in the US? Have a clear plan. Describe why, where and what you plan to study in the US. Do you have any family members or relatives in the US? If you have relatives in the US, identify who they are, what their relationship is to you, and where they live. What ties do you have in your home country that will draw you home? Establish a strong personal motive to return to your country after you complete your course of study. Who is funding your educational expenses? Show documents proving there is a valid source of funds and explain clearly how they were obtained and/or will be obtained in the future. Other Resources: Education USA at is a US Department of State-supported network of hundreds of advising centers around the world. Each year, Education USA advisors at Advising Centers respond to millions of inquiries from international students. Visit an Education USA Advising Center to help prepare your visa interview. Study in the States at by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a comprehensive information hub for international students with blog posts, news articles and videos on how to study in the US and hot to maintain status. 3. Arrive in Key West as early as legally possible. After you have secured your F-1 student visa, make the proper arrangements to fly to the US. Remember: You may enter the US up to 30 days Page 11 of 13

12 before the term start date listed in Section 5 of your I-20. You MUST arrive in the US before or on that day, or you risk losing your F-1 visa status. Allow enough time to find housing, familiarize yourself with the city and the campus, and to complete check-in, academic assessment and orientation activities before your classes begin. We strongly recommend that you arrive at least two weeks prior to the start date on your I-20 to complete academic assessment testing and check-in activities. Carry your important immigration documents (I-20, FKCC Admissions Letter, valid passport with F-1 visa and financial documentation) with you in your carry-on luggage because you will be required to show these documents to the Immigration Officer at your port of entry. Your passport will be stamped with an entry date. Put these documents in a safe place. You will need to present them to FKCC upon your arrival. PLEASE NOTE: Students who were previously approved for an I-901 fee transfer should contact SEVP if they require an updated I-797 receipt reflecting the fee transfer. They may contact SEVP by ing fmjfee.sevis@dhs.gov. All s regarding this issue should specify Transfer Receipt in the subject line of the . Students must provide their name, date of birth, original SEVIS ID number utilized for payment, as well as the SEVIS ID number to which the payment was transferred. For all students who require an I-901 fee payment transfer in the future, please go to the SEVP website at: The website provides information on those persons eligible for an I-901 fee transfer as well as instructions on requesting a fee transfer. Page 12 of 13

13 Section 8 CHECKLIST FOR SUBMISSION Submit the following documentation. An I-20 will only be issued after all documents and fees have been received. 1 FKCC Application for Admission along with payments as follows: $30 US application fee $50 US international student processing fee 2 Copy of your passport s biography page. The passport must be valid at least six months into the future. If you are already in the US, provide a copy of your I 94, all previous I-20s, and F-1 student visa. These documents can 3 be provided to International Student Services via . 4 Proof of English Proficiency Applicants from non-english speaking countries must provide a TOEFL score of 61 (Internet-based), 500 (paper-based) or 173 (computer-based). 5 Official high school or college transcripts (if foreign school, evaluated and translated by an approved vendor) 6 Statement of Financial Ability Affidavit must be dated within six months of the term you plan to enroll at FKCC. Financial document/bank letter must be in English, on official institution letterhead and bear the sponsor s name. It must show at least USD $25,589 for one year of study at FKCC (two semesters). It must be issued within six months of the term you plan to enroll. 7 Proof of Medical Insurance. All international F-1 visa students must submit proof of health insurance valid for a minimum of one year. Coverage must include any and all F-2 visa family members (spouse and children). 8 International Student Agreement TRANSFER STUDENTS CHANGE OF STATUS STUDENTS Students transferring from another US institution must also submit a copy of their F-1 visa, a copy of their current Form I-20, the Transfer Clearance Form completed by their current International Student Advisor and FKCC s Transfer In form. If you are applying for a change of visa status, you must submit copies of your current visa, form I-797, and other documentation as requested. AFTER YOUR HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AND HAVE RECEIVED YOUR I-20 FROM FKCC 9 SEVIS I-901 $200 US (after you receive your I-20 from FKCC) OPTIONAL Residence Hall required forms and fees. Download forms from F-2 Visa Dependents: Effective May 29, 2015, an F-2 dependent (spouse or minor child) of an F-1 student in the US may study parttime in an certified program at an SEVP-certified school at the postsecondary level, provided the student does not enroll full-time (must enroll in fewer than 12 credits). F-2 applicants must submit the following documents by the given admission deadlines to the International Student Advisor: FKCC Application with $30 US application fee and $50 US international student processing fee Official transcript evaluations and translations (if student is degree-seeking) Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL score that meets FKCC s minimum requirements) Copy of passport biography page F-2 visa Current I-20 if you have one from a previous school All checks or money orders must be drawn on a bank or other institution located in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency and made payable to Florida Keys Community College. Page 13 of 13