911爆料网 鈥� One College Drive 鈥� Greenfield, MA 01301 (413) 775-1801 鈥� admission@gcc.mass.edu Print Admission Requirements Complete the Upload a copy of your passport (pages with biographical and visa information). Upload a copy of your I-94 Arrival and Departure Record (if you are in the United States at the time of application). Submit official transcripts (high school, college, university, etc.). All foreign documentation must be translated and evaluated to U.S. standards before being submitted to 911爆料网 from a third party agency such as The Evaluation Company (TEC) or World Education Services (WES). Submit documentation displaying English language proficiency in one of the following ways: Official TOEFL or IELTS results; a minimum score of 71 on the TOEFL iBT or a six (6) on the IELTS is required. English proficiency form for students who have received their schooling in English. Official transcript from an English language-based college or university indicating successful completion of college-level English composition, By taking and receiving an acceptable score on an English proficiency test administered by 911爆料网 (schedule an appointment at gcc.mass.edu/testing; remote/online testing requires reliable internet and access to Zoom, a microphone and camera). Upload financial support documentation. Students must show that adequate money is available to support the student while studying in the United States by submitting any of the following (documents must be dated within 90 days of application): Certified bank letter showing sufficient funds in an account to cover tuition, fees, housing, health insurance, books, supplies and other miscellaneous expenses for a minimum of one academic year. Bank statement in the applicant鈥檚 or sponsor鈥檚 name. Scholarship award letter from a foundation, agency or government. Sponsorship agreement (if support or funds are being provided by anyone other than the student). Upon Acceptance Admitted international students will need to attend a mandatory meeting with an Admitted international students will need to submit: $350 SEVIS fee/I-901 form, paid to to cover the costs for the continued operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) including the administration and maintenance of SEVIS, compliance activities, and the establishment of SEVIS Liaison Officers Documentation of immunization Additional Criteria If you are in the United States at the time of submitting your application for admission, please submit a valid passport, visa and I-94. If not, upon your arrival in the U.S. please submit a valid passport, Visa, and I-94 to the Office of Admission. Upon receipt of the I-20, you will have to obtain the student visa through the US Consulate in your country. If you are transferring from another U.S. institution, please submit a copy of your I-20(s) from the school(s) you previously attended. If you have a SEVIS I-20, your previous school must indicate that you are transferring. Admission into U.S. 鈥� Students are admitted for 鈥渄uration of status鈥� which means that you are authorized to stay in the United States for the length of time during which you are enrolled in a full-time program of study. Extension of Stay 鈥� Students may apply for an extension of stay if they are unable to complete their program of study by the completion date listed on the I-20. Students should notify the Office of Admission at least 30 days prior to the completion date. Travel 鈥� Any students returning to the United States must obtain a SEVIS-issued I-20 and have a valid visa in order to be admitted to the U.S. When you travel outside of the U.S. you will need an I-20 signed by a college official (PDSO/DSO). Transfer 鈥� Immigration transfer is initiated by the school you are currently attending before your last date of classes. You must notify the Office of Admission of your intention to transfer to another school and give us the name of the new school before your last day of classes. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your SEVIS record along with your withdrawal leading to out of status. Release of Information 鈥� 911爆料网 is required to comply with USCIS regulations governing your student status and must submit information as required. Opening a Bank Account 鈥� In order to open a new account, the international student would have to visit a bank and present his or her F-1 visa and passport. The student would then be asked to complete additional forms. An F-1 visa holder does not need to have a Social Security number in order to open an account. Tuition & Fees Print International students will be subject to out-of-state tuition rates while attending 911爆料网 and must be attending a full-time (minimum 12 credits) program of study. International students are required to take in-person class offerings. Federal financial assistance is not available for international students. 911爆料网 does not offer campus housing. Health and accident insurance is mandatory; if you do not have insurance that will cover you while you are in the US, you must purchase insurance through the college (cost of insurance is subject to change annually). Estimated Annual Expenses Based on 15 credits, 2024-25 academic year; all costs subject to change and may vary for each student. Tuition and fees $14,882 Living expenses (housing and food) $10,908 Books and supplies $1,650 Health insurance* $5,960 Personal expenses $2,480 Transportation (after US arrival) $1,840 Total $37,720 * Health insurance is mandatory for international students. The premium varies each year and is generally for coverage from September through August. If you are covered by another comparable policy, please contact Student Financial Services when you arrive and we can remove this charge from your bill. Otherwise, you are required to pay this fee. International students should not purchase health insurance prior to arriving in the US at the risk that such insurance may not be comparable to that required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Obtaining an F-1 Visa Print If you do not have a passport, you must obtain one from the appropriate office of your government. Your passport must be valid at least six (6) months into the future at all times. It is your responsibility to be aware of the expiration date of your passport and to renew it at the appropriate time. We recommend that you schedule an appointment at the nearest US embassy or cnsulate as soon as possible upon receipt of I-20. Processing times for visa issuance vary and may require additional time due to security checks on applications. For the latest information on visa processing, required materials, and current listings of US embassies and consulates abroad, . Read carefully all information on the I-20 form, especially page two (2). This will explain your legal responsibilities as an F-1 student in the United States. Sign the Student Certification on the first page of the I-20 form, and provide the information requested if under the age of 18. With your passport, proof of financial support, I-20 and acceptance letter from 911爆料网, go to (or mail the materials to) the nearest US embassy or consulate. Again, consult for the processing procedures in your region. The US Consular Officer will review your papers and, if all is in order, issue an F-1 student visa permitting you to enter the US for the purpose of studying at 911爆料网. 911爆料网 will be listed on the visa in your passport. Please note that if you have received an I-20 from more than one school, be sure to use the I-20 of the school you plan to attend when applying for your visa; the US Consular Officer will only issue the visa for one I-20 form and will cancel all other I-20s in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). When you apply for an F-1 non-immigrant visa, the US Consular Officer who interviews you assumes that you plan to stay permanently in the US until you prove otherwise. You will not get a visa if you do not prove to the Consular Officer that you plan to return to your home country when you complete your studies in the US In order to demonstrate to the Consular Officer that you will return to your country, you must show that: You have sufficient funds to cover all your expenses for the duration of your stay in the US Be prepared to show bank statements, and proof of your annual salary and/or your total available or anticipated assets or that of your immediate family. If you are receiving a scholarship, be prepared to show a letter of award. At a minimum, you must prove to the satisfaction of the United States Consul that you have sufficient funds for at least one year of study. You have a good reason to return home when you finish your program (e.g., all your family is in your country and not in the US; you have a job awaiting you in your country; all your assets are at home and not in the US, etc.). You must show that you have strong ties (professional, family, financial, etc.) to your country and that you will return home upon completion of your studies. If you cannot prove these points to the Consular Officer, you may be denied a visa. If you are denied a visa, contact the DSO/PDSO IMMEDIATELY. You should be given a reason for your denial and that information would be helpful for the DSO to know as they assist you. Upon Arrival Print When you arrive in the US, you will be required to present your passport with valid F-1 visa, financial documents and your I-20 form to a US Immigration Inspector. Since you must show your documents before you are allowed to claim your luggage, do not pack these documents in suitcases that are checked into the baggage compartment. If you arrive by air, you will show your documents in the airport at your port of entry. You may be interviewed twice; once at the US consulate or embassy when you request a visa, and then again at your port of entry to the US Be prepared each time, otherwise you may be denied entry to the US 2. The Immigration Inspector will review your papers and. Once you arrive at your destination, you will need to print out your I-94 form. You should keep both your I-94 and I-20 in your passport at all times while at 911爆料网. Important note: If your I-94 does not indicate “F-1鈥揇/S,” contact the Office of Admission immediately upon your arrival at 911爆料网. After Arrival at 911爆料网 You are legally required to register your immigration documents (passport, I-20 and I-94) with the DSO (Designated School Official). This is completed at the time of check-in for international students, and will need to be done within the first two weeks of classes. In addition to registering your documents, you should attend an orientation session. More information will be provided to you upon your arrival at Greenfield. We know that you will be extremely busy when you arrive, but you must attend a new student orientation session! The DSO will help you with all immigration-related matters during your studies at 911爆料网, but it is your responsibility to maintain your F-1 visa status. FAQs Print Can I change my major once I am in the US? Yes, you may change your major, but we must issue you a new I-20 form with your new major and completion date.聽 You must request an appointment with a P/DSO before requesting to change your major. Can I drive while in the US? Will I need a US driver鈥檚 license? If you have a valid driver鈥檚 license from your country, you may not need to apply for a license in the US. Each state within the US, however, establishes their own requirements and will accept driver’s licenses only from certain countries. For information on Massachusetts driver鈥檚 license requirements, you can visit the聽. Can I get credit for college courses I took at a college in my country? How? Yes, you may be eligible to receive credit for courses that are equivalent to 911爆料网 courses. You will need to have your transcripts translated to English (if needed) and have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved credential evaluation service. Can I seek employment with a student visa? No. This is why USCIS requires financial documentation that demonstrates sufficient funds available to support your education. Can I submit a change of status form (I-539) if I am in the US on a visitor鈥檚 visa? Applicants entering聽the United States on a visitor鈥檚 visa (B-2) without the 鈥淧rospective Student鈥� classification (which is issued聽only in exceptional circumstances) may find it difficult to change to student classification. You will need to聽apply to the college and provide all the required documentation. Your current visa and I-94 must be valid聽and not expired. Your passport must also remain valid for the intended duration of study. Can I transfer from another college in the US to 911爆料网? What do I need to do? You will need to submit all documentation required for new applicants including a completed 鈥淭ransfer Verification Form鈥� signed by your current college/university and current official transcript indicating completed courses and those in progress. Can I transfer to another college? How do I go about it? You should first notify the P/DSO that you intend to transfer.聽 As long as you are currently in good standing both financially and academically with 911爆料网, we will sign a transfer approval form issued by the school you wish to attend. Additionally, you will want to request an Official Transcript to be sent to the college or university that you intend to transfer to.聽 Please send a copy of your acceptance letter to admission@gcc.mass.edu so we can release your SEVIS record to your new institution. Can I travel outside the US during school breaks? What do I need to do? Yes, you may travel during school breaks. You will need your I-20 form signed by a 911爆料网 official (PDSO/DSO). Do you have on-campus housing? No. 911爆料网 does not provide campus housing. Students will need to make their own聽arrangements for housing. How much does it cost for an international student to attend your college and obtain a degree? The estimated cost provided is based on one academic year. Your degree may be completed in two years; however, additional time is required for students who need to improve their English and/or mathematics skills. When planning your financial needs, it is advised that applicants estimate financial need to be between two and three years. How/where do I have my transcripts translated and evaluated? There are many outside agencies that translate and evaluate international transcripts. You may obtain help from the embassy/consulate or you may find a list of agencies on the internet at . What happens if I do not complete my degree before my I-20 expires? 911爆料网 can file for an extension to your I-20 form so you may complete your degree. What if I am applying to a particular program (Nursing, Paramedic, etc.)? You must meet the criteria for those programs as well as the minimum admission requirements. You may request more information about a particular program by emailing admission@gcc.mass.edu. Please be aware that admission to the 911爆料网聽does not guarantee admission to these programs. Additional coursework may be required before you may apply to some programs. What is the F-1 visa? The F-1 visa is a student visa issued to persons who will be full-time students seeking a degree or certificate at an approved institution. Your F-1 visa is issued by a US embassy or consulate in or near your country and is on one of the pages of your passport with your picture, personal information, and name of the school on it. It is like a ticket to enter the United States. What is the I-94? Form I-94 is the DHS Arrival/Departure Record issued to foreign travelers who are admitted to the US. Foreign visitors to the US arriving via air or sea no longer need to complete paper Customs and Border Protection Form I-94 or I-94W. You can access their CBP arrival/departure record information online. What is the SEVIS I-20 form? The I-20 form is your 鈥渃ertificate of eligibility鈥� issued by the 911爆料网 indicating you are attending (or planning to attend) 911爆料网. It is like a pass to stay in the United States while studying. You need your I-20 to obtain your F-1 visa. When do I make an appointment with the embassy? We recommend you schedule your appointment only upon receipt of your I-20. When will I get my I-20 form? Once we have received all required documentation, your file will be evaluated by the International Admission officer. If you meet the admission requirements, you will be issued your I-20. Please note the I-20 cannot be issued more than 120 days prior to the start of your academic program. Who can I get to sponsor me? Does it have to be someone in the US? You will need to obtain your own sponsors. The sponsors do not need to be in the US. Our only requirement is that the sponsor(s) have sufficient funds to meet your financial responsibilities.