International Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions from F-1 International Students
We estimate that an average F-1 visa student should have at least U.S. $20,000 to cover tuition, college, and living expenses for one academic year (nine months). This is an estimate; many students may need more than this.
See the tuition and fees page for more information related to tuition costs.
International students attending MCC on an F-1 visa are not eligible for financial aid. All international applicants planning to study at MCC on F-1 visas must have proof of sufficient funds to cover academic and living expenses in order to be admitted.
International students attending MCC on an F-1 visa are not eligible for financial aid. All international applicants planning to study at MCC on F-1 visas must have proof of sufficient funds to cover academic and living expenses in order to be admitted.
Once admitted to MCC and eligible for an I-20 from MCC, you will receive an MCC acceptance letter and I-20. Once these items are received you can begin the process of applying for your F-1 visa. Visa application procedures vary from country to country. You can find a basic overview of the process by visiting, the U.S. Department of State website or locate your country’s embassy here.
English Proficiency is required.
Minimum scores on one of the following English language tests. Scores are valid for 2 years.
- TOEFL iBt-61
- IELTS 5.0
- Duolingo 95
You may be exempt from the English proficiency requirements if:
- You graduated from a high school in the U.S.
- You completed an Intensive English Language Program (IEP).
- You passed English 1301 or its equivalent at an accredited institution of higher education located in the U.S.
- You are from a country with English as an official language.
- You are exempt from taking the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment test based on your SAT or ACT scores. See the TSI exemptions list.
- Your TSIA ELAR Scores place you in freshman-level academic coursework.
No. MCC does not offer a fee waiver for International applicants applying for an F-1 visa.
No, but it is strongly recommended.
Health costs in the U.S. are very expensive. The following health insurance companies serve international students. MCC is not associated and/or affiliated with these organizations. This list is to serve as a starting point to students. You can find more options by searching the internet as well.
No. We recommend using Apartments.com to search for apartments near the MCC campus. MCC is not associated/affiliated with Apartments.com or any housing options listed on their site.
Plan to arrive in Waco two to four weeks prior to the program start date listed on the I-20 so you can get settled in before classes begin. You may not enter the U.S. more than 30 days before your program start date.
Yes. International student orientation is mandatory for all F-1 visa international students new to MCC. If you do not attend the orientation, you will have a hold that will prevent you from registering for classes.
While online or distance learning courses are available to F-1 students, keep in mind F-1 students are limited to the number of online or distance learning courses they can take in a fall or spring semester. The majority of classes must be taken face to face and only a minimum number of hours can be taken online in fall and spring semesters.
Examples:
- A student enrolled in 12 hours where 9 hours are taken face to face and 3 hours are taken online is acceptable.
- A student enrolled in 12 hours where 6 hours are taken face to face and 6 hours are taken online is not acceptable.
- A student enrolled in 15 hours where 9 hours are taken face to face and 6 hours are taken online is acceptable.
- A student enrolled in 15 hours where 5 hours are taken face to face and 10 hours are taken online is not acceptable.
All international F-1 visa students must be enrolled full-time. A full-time course load is 12 credits or more in the fall and spring semesters. Enrollment and course load requirements do not apply to the summer semester.
By immigration law you must pursue a “full course of study.” This means you need to be enrolled in 12 semester credit hours to keep your status as an F-1 student. The majority of classes must be taken face to face only a minimum number of hours can be taken online in fall and spring semesters.
Examples:
- A student enrolled in 12 hours where 9 hours are taken face to face and 3 hours are taken online is acceptable.
- A student enrolled in 12 hours where 6 hours are taken face to face and 6 hours are taken online is not acceptable.
- A student enrolled in 15 hours where 9 hours are taken face to face and 6 hours are taken online is acceptable.
- A student enrolled in 15 hours where 5 hours are taken face to face and 10 hours are taken online is not acceptable.
If you cannot enroll in or complete 12 credit hours for ANY reason, you must speak with an international student advisor BEFORE dropping below full-time status! Dropping below full-time status will affect your F-1 status and is only available in certain situations. If you have a legitimate reason (i.e., a medical or academic problem), your request must be approved before you can drop below full time.
If needed, you may apply for a work permit due to severe economic hardship only. This process needs authorization by USCIS. However, you need to be in the U.S. in F-1 student status for at least one academic year (two semesters), be in good academic standing, and prove to USCIS that your reasons for wanting to work were due to circumstances beyond your control (evidence required to support your claim). You cannot begin work off-campus until this authorization is received.
You may need to leave the United States to re-establish student status by re-entering the country with a new I-20 or by filing a reinstatement request. Contact the International Student Office to determine the best course for you.
Students who are denied the F-1 visa need to obtain from the consular officer the precise reason for the denial and contact the International Student Office. Usually there is very little that any college or university can do when a visa is denied since denials are not based on the documents issued by the school but on the applicant’s ability to meet the criteria for a non-immigrant visa.
No. Applicants who are in the U.S. in B status must file a change of status to F-1 student with USCIS. Applicants outside the U.S. should seek the F-1 visa using the MCC I-20.
While it’s possible, the change of status process in the U.S. is lengthy and costly. Applying for an F-1 visa outside the U.S. is recommended because it takes less time. For more information on the change of status process visit USCIS.gov and StudyintheStates.dhs.gov If you have further questions, please contact us at international-admissions@mclennan.edu.
No. MCC does not accept F-1 students in terminated status. We recommend you travel outside the U.S. to make re-entry with a new I-20.
After applying, request your current DSO to complete MCC’s Transfer Clearance Form. Once received we will review the completed form along with your other international application documents and determine eligibility for enrollment and an I-20.
Email international-admissions@Mclennan.edu and include your acceptance letter and date you wish the record to be transferred.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) you can legally work at an off-campus internship while receiving credits that count toward completion of your program of study. Speak with your academic program department about internship opportunities that earn college credit. Once you arrange an internship, submit an application for CPT to the International Student Office. Upon approval, you will receive an updated I-20 with a CPT endorsement. Do not engage in any CPT employment without first receiving the updated I-20.
Optional Practical Training (OPT), you can engage in temporary employment to gain practical experience in your field of study. If approved, you will receive authorization to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months. Contact the International Student Office at least 90 days before your program completion date because OPT applications can take up to three months to process. You can apply for OPT up to 60 days after your program end-date.
Once you have been offered a position, you will need to apply for a Social Security number in order to begin working. To review requirements for a Social Security number review SSA’s International Students and Social Security Numbers information page. SSNs are issued for tax purposes only. You cannot receive a SSN for identification purposes.
While we do offer a few for credit ESOL courses, we do not offer a full ESOL program.
No.
No. Summer courses are optional.
Yes. Although summer courses are not required, if you choose to take them they can be taken in any instructional format you choose.
Prospective students applying from outside the U.S.:
Fall: July 15th
Spring: November 15th
Summer: April 15th
Transfer students applying to transfer from another U.S. college or university:
Fall: August 1st
Spring: December 1st
Summer: May 1st
Questions?