2-7: Admission of International Students – Procedures

These procedures describe the steps that citizens of other nations seeking admission to Santa Fe Community College must follow to be considered for admission, and if approved, the process to enroll.

1. Citizens of other nations seeking admission to SFCC must comply with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in addition to meeting the SFCC admission requirements for degree-seeking students (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers – Adviser’s Manual).
2. Only a Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official may approve citizens of other nations seeking admission to SFCC and sign the Form I-20 and other documents representing the approved school in matters dealing with students with F-1 visas (National Association of Foreign Student Advisers -Adviser’s Manual).
3. Only students attending SFCC on an F-1 student visa are classified as international students.
4. Upon receipt of an inquiry from an international applicant, the Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official acknowledges the student’s request via e-mail and refers the prospective student to the SFCC website for detailed information on applying to SFCC. Prospective students are advised to follow up with the Primary Designated School Official or a Designated School Official with additional questions or concerns.
5. The prospective student is responsible for submitting to the Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official the following documents (refer to SFCC International Applicants webpage for additional guidelines for applicants, including deadlines):
   1. SFCC International Application Form (International Student Application)
   2. Official school records. Official copy of high school transcript and/or certificate of high school completion, translated to English (if necessary) and notarized.
   3. Proof of English language competency. Prospective students must submit proof of English proficiency via TOEFL (Testing of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or the Duolingo English Test.
      1. Applicants may alternatively show completion of college-level English composition (with a grade of C or higher) from a U.S. college or university.
      2. Applicants who graduated from a U.S. high school or GED program, as well as students who attended school in a country where English is a primary language, are not required to submit additional proof of English language competency (however, these applicants must receive approval from the Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official).
   4. A letter from the prospective student, in English, in which the student states their educational goals and describes in detail how the program selected will help them fulfill their goals. The selected program of study must allow for students to meet F-1 regulations for study (refer to SFCC website for eligible programs of study).
   5. A completed financial eligibility form and recent bank statement (dated within 30 days) sent to the Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official showing ability to meet financial responsibilities for one year while studying at SFCC (refer to the SFCC International Applicants webpage for the minimum amount required).
   6. Admission status will be determined once the above requirements have been met.
   7. If admitted, the Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official provides the student with an admissions letter and Form I-20.
   8. Once the prospective student has obtained their F-1 student visa from the appropriate agency, the student then reports to the SFCC Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official to complete the final admissions process.
   9. The Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official and the student determine the student’s schedule of classes for the semester.
   10. International students must abide by federal enrollment and registration regulations, including being enrolled as a full time student, to maintain F-1 status.
   11. The Principal Designated School Official or a Designated School Official will review federal regulations regarding maintenance of F-1 student status.
   12. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by federal regulations in maintaining F-1 status.

Contact:          Nicole Ferreira, Ph.D., Academic Advisor
International Coordinator, Principal Designated School Official

nicole.ferreira@sfcc.edu  |  (505) 428-1842

Updated:         03/15/2024