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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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Admissions Office
Phone: (805) 546-3140
Email us:
admit@cuesta.edu
Last modified: March 26, 2008

 

Admissions Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
Certificate of Financial Responsibility Transcripts of International Student Academic Records
Health Certification and Insurance Important Information for Students Entering the U.S. on a F-1 Visa (Concurrent enrollment, Cal Poly students)

Admissions

Cuesta College is approved by the United States Department of Justice as an institution of higher learning for non-immigrant F-1 Visa students.

In addition to completing an Application for Admission to Cuesta College, F-1 Visa students must also submit the following:

  • An International Student Application (PDF), which includes the financial certificate, health and insurance certification, transcript requirement, and the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).

  • Mail the required items to:

    • Cuesta College, Admissions Office, PO Box 8106, San Luis Obispo, CA  93403-8106

  • Deadline for submitting the International Student Application is June 1 for summer session and fall semester, and December 1 for the spring semester. A $25.00 processing fee must accompany the International Student Application.

Certificate of Financial Responsibility      Return to top

Students must show evidence of ability to pay non-resident fees and must maintain 12 units during spring/fall semesters. Completion of the financial certificate is required to verify that the student has sufficient financial resources for physical maintenance, housing, and educational costs. Please be aware that housing is not available at Cuesta College.

All fees are subject to change by the State of California and the Board of Trustees.  Fees must be paid at the time of registration. Unfortunately, financial aid is not available for international students through Cuesta College.  Students holding F-1 visas may work a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus with prior approval from their international student advisor.  F-1 students are not allowed to work off campus, unless they have prior authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)      Return to top

Classes are conducted in English; therefore, it is necessary to be proficient in reading, writing and speaking the language. For this reason, Cuesta College requires all international (F-1) students applying for admission to submit proof of passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) with an Internet based total of 61, computer based score of 173, or a paper based minimum of 500.  For information contact: TOEFL iBT, Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6155, Princeton, NJ 08541-6155, website: www.ets.org/toefl

Transcripts of International Student Academic Records     Return to top

Students must provide certified transcripts of academic records achieved during all prior high school and college attendance. Transcripts must be translated into English and must bear the school seal and be signed by the registrar or another appropriate official. For credits from accredited international colleges or universities to be used toward an associate degree or transfer general education certification, the records must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service (ACEI - Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc.).  ACEI can be reached by phone at 310-275-3530 or review their website at http://www.acei1.com.

Health Certification and Insurance     Return to top

The prospective applicant must provide a certificate of a negative skin test or a chest X-ray for tuberculosis done within one year.

Certification of Current Health Insurance Coverage which covers accident or illness while in the U.S. will be required.

Important Information for Students Entering the U.S. on a F-1 Visa   Return to top

Once you have met all the necessary requirements for admission to Cuesta, allow 7-10 business days for the processing of your I-20.  The I-20 is an important immigration document needed to enter the U.S.   Keep it in a safe place along with your passport. You will need to present your I-20 to your nearest American Embassy to obtain an F-1 student visa. 

Prior to registering for classes, all new F-1 Visa students need to attend  a mandatory new student orientation/registration workshop.  The date of your orientation will be mailed to you along with your welcome letter and I-20.  

F-1 Visa students enrolling in a college in the U.S. must abide by regulations set by Homeland Security.   The following list includes some of the most important ones:  

  • Your I-20 will include the start and end dates of your program.  Federal and school policies require that you report to Cuesta no later than  the start date, but not before 30 days prior to the start date.  Your orientation/registration session will take place prior to the start of the term.  If you are unable to attend the first day of class, or if you find you must change your application to a later term, you must contact Admissions at (805) 546 3140, or email jsiu@cuesta.edu.
     
  • If you plan to leave the country before the end of your program and return to the U.S., you must contact Admissions or your academic advisor for approval.
     
  • Your health insurance card must be current at all times while you are at Cuesta.  Upon each renewal, you will need to submit a copy of your renewed card to the Admissions Office to avoid a Hold.
     
  • Immigration and school policies  require that you report any change of address to Admissions within 10 days of your move.
  • You are required to maintain a full time status (be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per semester) each semester and remain in good academic standing.  If you need to drop below 12 units,  see your academic advisor for approval.

We look forward to welcoming you at Cuesta.  If you have questions and concerns, contact the Admissions Office at admit@cuesta.edu.

Concurrent Enrollment

F-1 Visa students concurrently enrolled at any California State University, University of California, or another community college may enroll in up to six units and must submit written approval from their academic advisor.

 

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Last modified: March 26, 2008