Admission for New International Students
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in Houston Community College. You have made an excellent choice of colleges to further your education, and we look forward to serving you and your educational needs.
Students planning to attend HCC must submit a complete application to the Office of International Student Services (OISS) by the following dates (incomplete applications will NOT be accepted for processing):
Application Deadlines for New International Students
Fall Semester ..................... July 1
Spring Semester ................ November 18
Summer Semester ............. April 1
There are 6 steps that new international students need to follow when applying to HCC:
1.___ Complete the Web Application for Admissions to HCC
2.___ Complete the HCC SEVIS I-20 Application Form
(please type the information online and then print and sign it)
3.___ Submit a copy of the passport (biometric page only)
4.___ Submit Original Financial Documentation
These documents will not be returned. Therefore, the student must be prepared to submit a second original set to the U.S. Embassy at the time of the visa interview.
If there is a sponsor, the following items are needed:
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- Affidavit of support (I-134) or a personal, notarized statement of support (all sponsors)
- Bank letter stating balance of account and date account opened OR last 3 months of statements (all sponsors)
- Letter from sponsor's employer stating length of employment and salary (for U.S. sponsors only) OR for self-employed sponsors, a copy of the most recent income tax return
If a government agency or company sponsors, the following item is needed:
- An official sponsorship letter
If the student is to be considered self-supporting, the following item is needed:
- A bank letter validating at least US $22,980 (plus $ 4,400 for each dependent added)
5. ___ Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75
The preferred payment method for the application fee is an
online payment using a credit card. You must have completed
the online application (step 1) before you can make a payment online.
Please review this tutorial on how to make the online payment.
You must print the receipt at the end of the transaction and submit it as
proof of payment with your application.
Alternatively, money orders payable to Houston Community College
can be mailed to OISS or submitted in person at the HCC cashier office.
6. ___ Submit the application to:
Office of International Student Services
Houston Community College
3100 Main Street, MC 1138
Houston, Texas 77002
OR In person:
Office of International Student Services
3100 Main St. - 1st floor of the garage
Houston TX 77002
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What happens after you send your application to us?
1. Once the Office of International Student Services (OISS) receives the application, we will send you an e-mail confirmation of receipt, and we will forward the application for review to assess the information. The standard processing time for all new applications received is 10 business days.
NEW: You must check the status of your application by reviewing and monitoring the "To Do List" in your HCC student self-service account. Please use this link to access the HCC student log-in site and follow the instructions for first-time users or use your own log-in information if you have used the system before. The "To Do List" is located on the right hand side on the screen. Click on "details" to access more information on the items posted on your list.
2. If you meet all college requirements for admission as an F-1 international student, we will send you an acceptance letter and the SEVIS I-20 Form to prepare for your visa interview. You will receive an e-mail notification once the application is processed. If you elected to have the SEVIS I-20 Form mailed, please be advised that ALL mail is sent by regular (unregistered) U.S. Post; therefore, please allow for standard mailing time.
3. Review your acceptance package carefully when it arrives. Read all materials sent to you for important guidelines and information in preparing your arrival in the United States.
4. Submit the I-901 SEVIS payment. Be sure to print out the receipt at the end of the transaction. You will need to submit it as proof of payment at the U.S. Embassy.
5. In order to obtain a student visa (F-1), you will need schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy in your country. Please follow their appropriate instructions. If there is not a U.S. Embassy in your country, please contact the embassy most convenient to your location.
6. Plan your arrival to the United States. According to regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security, you are prohibited from entering the United States. more than 30 days prior to the program start date listed on your SEVIS I-20 Form.
7. Preview the check-in schedule for new arriving students posted on OISS website prior to your arrival in Houston.
8. Upon your arrival in Houston, report to the Office of International Student Services at 3100 Main Street, 11th floor, Houston, TX 77002 to meet the Designated School Official (DSO) as required by the Department of Homeland Security.
9. Upon completing the initial advising session, you must complete all required placement tests and register and pay for your courses immediately to secure full time status.
10. All new incoming students must attend a Mandatory International Student Orientation. A non-refundable orientation fee of US $50.00 will apply upon reporting to the Office of International Student Services.
11. You are required to purchase Health Insurance through HCC. You will be automatically enrolled in the HCC Student Health Insurance Plan. For more information click here.
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If you have questions regarding this application process, please contact the Office of International Student Services by e-mail at: int_student_svcs@hccs.edu or call 713/718-8521.
We look forward to welcoming you as a student here at Houston Community College.
