Pursue the Community College Option.
Part 3 of 3Modelled after South Plains College.
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Obtaining VISA:F-1-a temporary visa for studying individuals
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa; you must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa.
New Students – F-1 and M-1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States in F-1 or M-1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.
Continuing Students - May renew their visas at any time, as long as they have maintained student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before their classes’ start.
Information taken from The South Plains College Process.
After receiving the Form I-20 from South Plains College and paying the I-901 fee, the student is required to contact the U.S. Consulate office that has jurisdiction over the students’ place of residence to schedule an appointment to apply for the student visa. Student must take the following documents with them to their appointment:
- SPC Acceptance Letter
- Form I-20 issued by SPC
- I-901 Receipt
- Proof of financial support
- Other items may also be required (student should contact embassy they intend to apply at for further instructions)
Arriving at a U.S. Port of Entry: What to Expect
Student may be refused entry into the U.S if the student attempts to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20. The student should always hand-carry the following documents:
Student may be refused entry into the U.S if the student attempts to arrive more than 30 days before the program start date listed on the Form I-20. The student should always hand-carry the following documents:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Valid F-1 VISA
- Valid Form I-20
- I-901 Receipt
- Evidence of financial support
F-1 students entering the U.S. will have their photograph and ten digital fingerprints taken, as part of the DHS’ Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM). All nonimmigrant visitors holding visas - regardless of race, national origin or religion - participate in the OBIM, a registration system tracking entries to and exits from the United States. For more information, please visit: https://www.dhs.gov/obim
Once the student’s inspection is completed, the inspector will stamp the passport with an admission stamp and an electronic I-94 Form will be created. The Form I-94 serves as evidence of a lawful admission and “alien registration” that is required by law. If student enters by air or sea, student will be given a “tear sheet” that lists the www.cbp.gov/i94 website, where they can access their I-94 record and print a copy. Those traveling by land will have a paper Form I-94A created.
The student is required to report to South Plains College by the registration deadline, and not more than 30 days after entering the U.S., to register for classes.
Vaccination Record
Pursuant to SB 1107 enacted by the State of Texas, all entering students, under the age of 22, and enrolling at South Plains College, must provide proof that the meningitis vaccination was administered at least 10 days prior to the first day of the term. Vaccinations must have been received or renewed within the last 5 years.
Pursuant to SB 1107 enacted by the State of Texas, all entering students, under the age of 22, and enrolling at South Plains College, must provide proof that the meningitis vaccination was administered at least 10 days prior to the first day of the term. Vaccinations must have been received or renewed within the last 5 years.
Check-In
Upon arrival at South Plains College, the student must contact the Admissions and Records-International Student Office in person to check in. Required documents to bring with you are:
Upon arrival at South Plains College, the student must contact the Admissions and Records-International Student Office in person to check in. Required documents to bring with you are:
- Form I-20
- Passport
- F-1 Visa
- Copy of I-94 (student will need to print out before checking in - https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
- Proof of Meningitis, if needed
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Testing
All new students entering Texas colleges are required to take the TSI Assessment prior to enrolling in college-level courses. We encourage students to register as early as possible for the test as space and testing dates are limited. Students will not be allowed to enroll in classes until they have taken the test. For test dates and information, please contact the Testing Center at testing@southplainscollege.edu or by visiting www.southplainscollege.edu/
All new students entering Texas colleges are required to take the TSI Assessment prior to enrolling in college-level courses. We encourage students to register as early as possible for the test as space and testing dates are limited. Students will not be allowed to enroll in classes until they have taken the test. For test dates and information, please contact the Testing Center at testing@southplainscollege.edu or by visiting www.southplainscollege.edu/
Registration for Classes
Once student checks in with the International Student Office and takes the TSI exam, the student will be ready to register for classes. During registration, the student must meet with an advisor and plan their schedule of classes for the semester. Payment of tuition and fees is due at the time of registration.
Once student checks in with the International Student Office and takes the TSI exam, the student will be ready to register for classes. During registration, the student must meet with an advisor and plan their schedule of classes for the semester. Payment of tuition and fees is due at the time of registration.
Student Housing
If student plans to live on-campus in student housing, the student is required to submit the housing application and $100 deposit, as early as possible. SPC housing is only available at the Levelland campus. For more information, contact the housing office at housing@southplainscollege.edu
If student plans to live on-campus in student housing, the student is required to submit the housing application and $100 deposit, as early as possible. SPC housing is only available at the Levelland campus. For more information, contact the housing office at housing@southplainscollege.edu
International Student Club
The purpose of the International Student Club is to promote international and intercultural knowledge, understanding, and connectedness to SPC.
The purpose of the International Student Club is to promote international and intercultural knowledge, understanding, and connectedness to SPC.
For more information, contact:
The Coordinator of the International Club, at South Plains College.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact:
If you have any questions, please contact:
Andrew Ruiz, Registrar/PDSO, at aruiz@southplainscollege.edu
Vanessa Olivo, Administrative Assistant to the Registrar, at volivo@southplainscollege.edu
Vanessa Olivo, Administrative Assistant to the Registrar, at volivo@southplainscollege.edu
Dr. Cliff Bertrand
Olympian
