International Students
International Students
Welcome! We’re thrilled that you’re interested in studying at our college, a two-year institution that offers associate’s degrees and certificates in various fields. Our campus spans 68 acres and includes the Academic Building, Fine Arts Building, Student Union, Cessna Learning Center, Field House, Administration Building, 18-hole Frisbee Golf Course, Athletic Practice Fields and on-Campus Student Housing.
At ICC, we strive to create a welcoming environment for international students. With our small campus, you’ll feel right at home and our dedicated instructors provide personalized attention. We have around 800 students and a student to teacher ratio of 14:1. As an international student at ICC, you’ll be assigned an Academic Advisor who will guide you through the admissions and enrollment process. Your Academic Advisor will is also able to address any questions or concerns before and after your arrival on campus. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition to the United States and ICC.
We understand that moving to a new country and college can be challenging. That's why we're committed to making your journey to ICC as seamless as possible. We offer resources and assistance to help you succeed academically, socially, and personally.
We look forward to welcoming you to the ICC family and supporting you throughout your educational journey. For any inquiries or to begin the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Admission Requirements
International students are welcome at Independence Community College. Applications will be evaluated by the Primary Designated School Official and/or the Designated School Official. College staff designated to assist international students can be found on the ICC website. The following specific conditions must be completed before an I-20 form will be issued:
- Candidates must submit an application form to the Admissions Office.
- Candidates must submit a copy of their passport.
- Candidates must submit a bank statement indicating they have adequate funds to pay for one year of college ($17,000 or more) and sign the official ICC form agreeing to payment of balance.
- Candidates must submit an official high school transcript translated into English mailed in with the official seal.
- Candidates must submit a non-refundable application/processing fee of $60.00. Candidates will pay this amount once all documents have been received.
- Candidates must submit proof of health insurance. (must be functional for 10-12 months
- Deadlines: Candidates must submit all application materials prior to admission deadlines. See the Academic Calendar for dates:
- English Proficiency: Please see below for English Proficiency Requirements.
- Acceptance: Qualified candidates will receive an official acceptance letter and I-20 form from the Principal Designated School Official and/or Designated School Official.
English Proficiency: If you are NOT a citizen of one of the following countries, you will need documentation of your English proficiency:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands (Anguilla, St. Kitts, and Nevis)
- Canada (all provinces except Quebec)
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grand Turks and Caicos Islands
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
If you are not a citizen of one of the countries listed above, you must submit original documentation of English proficiency from one of the options below:
- Provide Duolingo score of 85 or above or
- Provide official TOEFL scores of: 61 or above on the internet-based test or
- Provide an official IELTS score of 4.5 or
- Provide an official PTE score of 70, or
- Provide an official TOEIC score of 525 or
- Submit official transcripts from a U.S. College or university documenting you have completed the equivalent of ICC English composition 1, one with a grade of “C” or better, or
- Submit official transcripts from a U.S. College or university documenting the completion of a minimum of 12 credit hours of general education with a grade of “C” or better, or
- Submit official high school transcripts documenting the completion of one academic year of study in the U.S. with an equivalent GPA of 2.5 or better or
- Official transcript documenting at least 24 credit hours of English as a second language (ESL) coursework with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
NON-RESIDENT CLASSIFICATION
International students will be classified as non-residents and will be required to pay international tuition and fees.
TB TESTING
International students will also be required to take a TB skin test within one week of arrival. The cost of the TB skin test will be the student’s responsibility.
PLACEMENT
All new students are required to take the ACCUPLACER before enrolling in courses unless
they have transferred from another American institution. Depending on the results
of the placement test, international students will be required
to enroll in the appropriate courses according to the Placement policy.
TRANSFER CREDIT
International students wanting to transfer credit to ICC from a foreign college are
required to provide the Registrar's office with a certified English translation of
their transcript. This evaluation must be completed on a course,
by course basis through an organization recognized by NAFSA. Students are responsible
for all fees involved in having the evaluation completed. Additional transfer credit
requirements apply. Please see “Transferring credits to ICC” in the college catalog.
INTERNATIONAL ADVISOR POLICY
All international students are required to have their schedule approved by their academic
advisor. The Primary Designated School Official and/or Designated School Official
will work with the academic advisor to ensure that the student
is ready to enroll in classes and reviews all enrolled classes. All international
students will need to consult with their academic advisor to review any changes being
made to their academic schedule (add, drop, withdraw and more).
ADDRESS CHANGE
Submit any changes to the Admissions Office.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DISTANCE LEARNING RESTRICTIONS
There are restrictions on F-1 students who wish to take online courses. Under federal
regulations, only three credit hours of online or distance learning courses may count
toward the number of credit hours required for full-time
enrollment. Violation of this policy will constitute under enrollment, which is a
violation of F-1 status.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
International students who have a valid, current F-1 visa are eligible for part-time
(9 hours per week) employment on campus. F-1 students must maintain good Dept. Of
Homeland Security status to be eligible for on-campus employment.
If you are interested in on-campus employment, please contact Financial Aid.
RETENTION OF RECORDS
Credential of applicants who do not register for the term to which they have been
admitted are normally retained by the Admissions Office for one year. Students registering
after one year will be required to resubmit application
information.
I-20 Form & I-901 SEVIS Fee
All F and M students that study in the United States need a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Once accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, international students will receive a Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO).
You must also obtain a Form I-20 for any eligible dependents you plan to bring to the United States with you. However, please note that the name (i.e., Academic and Language students vs. Vocational Students) on the Form I-20 an SEVP-certified school issues you will dictate the type of student visa you may obtain from the U.S. Department of State and the status you will need to maintain in the United States. You and your DSO must both sign the Form I-20. If you are under age 18, your parents must sign the Form I-20 for you.
Form I-20 Uses
The Form I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe, as you will need it throughout the international student life cycle.
I-901 SEVIS Fee
Before you pay the I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee, you must receive the Form I-20 from a DSO at the school you plan to attend. You will need information from the Form I-20 to pay the fee. The I-901 SEVIS Fee is mandatory and must be paid before you enter the United States.
In order to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, all prospective F and M students will need to provide their:
- Name, address, date of birth and email address.
- Country of birth and country of citizenship.
- School Code as listed on the Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
- SEVIS Identification Number as listed on the Form I-20.
The payment website for this fee is at www.fmjfee.com. Continuing students and exchange visitors are not required to pay the fee except under certain circumstances.
For complete information on who needs to pay the fee (or does not need to) see the SEVP website at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq.htm. There is a complete list of questions and answers on all aspects of SEVIS I-901 fee payment.
For more information about applying for a student visa, visit this website: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/students-and-the-form-i-20
Studying Abroad Resources
Helpful Links
Study in the States – https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/
EducationUSA - https://educationusa.state.gov/
International Student USA - https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/
U.S. Bureau of Counselor Affairs - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
Maintaining Active Student Status
It is essential to remember that you must take full responsibility for maintaining
your status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). That
is, you are responsible for finding out, knowing, and following pertinent regulations.
If you take time early on to familiarize yourself with your obligations to USCIS,
you should find it easy to maintain your legal status. If, however, you allow yourself
to fall "out of status", it may be extraordinarily difficult to reinstate your F-1
status with USCIS.
Full Course of Study
International students must be registered for a full course of study (a minimum of 12 credit hours) during fall and spring semesters. Registration is not required in summer or winter semesters. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours of on-ground classes before they’re permitted to take online classes, they can’t take a full course load of online classes.
Employment
On-Campus Employment
Abide by U.S. Federal Employment Regulations.
F-1 students may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in
session and 40 hours per week during official college breaks [8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)]. They
cannot work off-campus (including credit-bearing internships off-campus) without PRIOR
authorization from the college and U.S. Immigration.
Off-Campus Employment
In order for international students to work off-campus, they must obtain the proper work authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and/or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS).
For F-1 students, off-campus work authorization options are:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Off-Campus Employment based on Economic Hardship
Maintaining Valid Immigration Documents
I-20: International students must be aware of the expiration date on their I-20. If it is not possible to complete their academic program by that date, students must request a program extension before the expiration date on the I-20. Students who do not file a program extension in a timely manner will be considered out of status.
Passport: Students should keep their passport valid at all times. If the passport will expire soon, student must renew it through the embassy or consulate of their home country.
Change of Local Address
Students who change their local address must report the change to DSO/International Student Advisor within 10 days of moving.
Grace Periods
International students have a set of grace period regulations that are appropriate to their visa status.
- F-1 students who complete an academic program or OPT have a 60-day grace period.
- F-1 students who have received prior authorization to withdraw from classes have 15 days to depart the U.S. after the withdrawal date. Students who withdraw from classes without prior authorization are not eligible for a grace period.
Reduced Course Load (RCL)
International students who plan to be enrolled for part-time studies must submit the Reduced Course Load request to the DSO/International Student Advisor in a timely manner. There are only a few exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement for the fall and spring semesters. Each exception has its own criteria, which are outlined below. The deadline for submitting the Reduced Course Load request is the last day to add/drop for that semester and must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.
F-1 students should not drop below full-time enrollment until they have received authorization from the DSO. Students who drop below full-time enrollment without the proper authorization will be considered out of status.
Academic Difficulty RCL
Students may request an RCL due to academic difficulty only once per degree level. Academic difficulty could be due to the following reasons:
- Difficulty with English language or reading requirements
- Unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods or
- Improper course placement
Students who receive an academic difficulty RCL must resume a full course of study in the next available semester in order to maintain status.
Medical RCL
Student may be authorized for a medical RCL due to a temporary medical condition with an appropriate doctor’s letter recommending the RCL for medical reasons. Students must receive prior approval from the DSO for the medical RCL. To submit a medical RCL, F-1 students must meet with an International Advisor.
Requirements of Medical RCL:
- Letter from licensed physician, medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist that recommends student to take less than the minimum units required for full time enrollment
- Receive prior approval from the International Student Advisor.
- No more than 12 months (3 semesters) total of Medical RCL is permitted per degree level
- Must take a minimum of:
- 6 credit hours for undergraduate students
If a doctor believes that a student is unable to meet this minimum unit enrollment, then the student should consider a Medical Leave of Absence.
Final Semester RCL
The International Student Advisor may authorize a final semester RCL for students who are in their final semester of study and only have a few units remaining to meet academic program requirements. Students may request an RCL due to final semester only once per degree program.
Leave of Absence
F-1 international students who wish to take a semester off during the academic year (fall and spring semesters) and not enroll in courses must receive authorization for a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the International Student Advisor.
Students considering an LOA must review these requirements:
- Student must be in good academic standing when requesting an LOA
- Student must be outside the U.S. during the LOA
It is the responsibility of the students to meet with their international advisor and complete the LOA process. Students also need to confirm their eligibility to return to their academic program after the LOA.
- All students should receive written approval from their international advisor
Medical Leave of Absence
F-1 students are eligible to take an LOA due to medical reasons. Students have the option to return to their home country or remain in the U.S. to receive medical treatment.
Students who wish to remain in the U.S. must obtain a doctor’s letter recommending the LOA for medical reasons. Students who remain in the U.S. without obtaining advance approval for medical LOA from the Office of International Student Services will be considered out of status.
Requirements and Limitations of Medical LOA:
- Must have a letter from a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or licensed clinical psychologist recommending leave for a specific semester
- Must have PRIOR approval from the Office of International Student Services and academic department before withdrawing from courses
- No more than 12 months total leave are allowed per degree level
Students considering a LOA due to medical reasons must meet with the International Student Advisor.
Leave of Absence Exceeding 5 Months
Students who will be outside the U.S. for longer than 5 months for an LOA must obtain a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number in order to re-enter the U.S. and return. The current I-20 will be invalid after being outside of the U.S. for more than 5 months.
It is the student’s responsibility to inform the Office of International Student Services at least two months prior to returning to request the new I-20.
Students will need to use the new I-20 to pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a new F-1 visa, even though they may possess an unexpired visa associated with their previous I-20 SEVIS ID number.
Leave of Absence and Employment Benefits Eligibility
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations state that an F-1 international student must be in status for a full academic year (9 months) in order to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training. This regulation is especially important to note for students who are considering a LOA of over 5 months in the final year of studies.
Returning to Full-Time Enrollment after a Leave of Absence
All students returning from an LOA must validate their return to the Office of International Student Services by reporting within 21 days of the start of the new semester. Students must meet with their international advisor.
Students must bring the following documents to the appointment:
- Stamped I-20
- I-94 form
- Passport and visa
Program Extension
F-1 students are given a specific period of time to complete the academic program requirements. For F-1 students, this period of time is shown on #5 of the I-20.
Please note the expiration date on the I-20. Students who are unable to meet the academic program requirements by that date must request a program extension from the Office of International Student Services before the expiration date.
If the expiration date on the I-20 has passed, students must meet with an international advisor immediately, as the student is considered to be out of status.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a program extension, F-1 students must meet the following requirements:
- The expiration date of the I-20 has not yet passed
- Continuously maintained the F-1 student status
- The delay in completion of program must be due to one of the following reasons:
- Compelling academic reason (change of major, unexpected academic problems, etc.)
- Compelling medical reason (documentation is required from a U.S. licensed medical physician)
- Must have sufficient funds to cover the additional time needed to complete program requirements
NOTE: Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for a program extension.
Completion of Academic Program
After successfully completing an academic program, F-1 students are given a grace period allowing them to remain in the U.S. for a specified time after program of study, OPT or Academic Training. Travel and re-entry to the U.S. as an F-1 student during the grace period is not possible.
Please review the following guidelines regarding the grace period pertinent to F-1 student status:
F-1 Students
F-1 students have a 60-day grace period in which they are permitted to do one of the following:
- Begin a new program of study: Students must apply to the new program, be admitted and be issued a new I-20 from the Office of International Student Services before the end of the grace period. Proof of funding is required to issue the new I-20. Please email the DSO with questions on I-20 issuance.
- Transfer to another institution: Student must apply to another institution, be admitted, have the SEVIS records transferred out to that institution and be issued their new I-20 before the end of the grace period. In order to transfer out the SEVIS record, student will need to meet with the International Student Advisor and submit the SEVIS Form.
- Apply for a change of status: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must receive the application to change the immigration status before the end of the grace period.
- Depart the U.S. before the end of the grace period
F-2 Dependents:
The immigration status of an F-2 is dependent upon the F-1 student and they cannot remain in the U.S. under the F-2 status after the F-1 student has departed the U.S. during the grace period.
Optional Practical Training and 60-Day Grace Period
F-1 students who plan to work in the U.S. after graduation but have not yet applied for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must do so immediately. The OPT application must be received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) before the end of the grace period. However, ICC recommends that students apply for OPT as soon as possible.
Please keep in mind that it takes 3-4 months to process the OPT application and students cannot begin working until they receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
Clubs & Activities
In addition to ICC’s clubs and organizations on campus, international students also have the opportunity to participate in various activities throughout the semester, on and off campus, organized by the International Student Advisor. Below are some of the cultural and educational activities and events that ICC students have participated in in the past.
Transfer to ICC From Another College/University
To transfer from another U.S. college or university to ICC please contact the International Student Adviser at ICC and follow the below steps:
- You must submit the required admissions documents to be accepted at ICC.
- You and the International Student Advisor/DSO at your current institution must fill out and submit ICC’s Transfer Eligibility Form
Transfer to Another College/University From ICC
Students may transfer to a different institution to pursue a new degree or continue in the same degree level or higher degree level by doing the following:
- Inform the DSO/International Student Advisor of your intention to transfer and transfer date.
- Provide proof of acceptance and a completed transfer form from the new school to ICC’s DSO/International Student Advisor.
- One of ICC’s DSO’s will transfer your record to the new school if you have maintained status.
About Independence
Independence is a small town of approximately 9,000 residents located in the beautiful grasslands of Southeast Kansas. We are proud to have a variety of small unique shops, as well as local and chain restaurants, along the streets of our historic downtown district and scattered throughout our community.
Independence is also home to a beautiful park and zoo, golf courses, lakes, aquatic center, hiking trails, museums and historic sites including Little House on The Prairie Museum and homesite. Turn of the century homes, tree lined streets and a historic downtown makes our community a one-of-a-kind experience.
We invite you to visit Independence, Kansas and experience all we have to offer.
For more information about the town of Independence please visit the following websites:
Town of Independence - https://www.independenceks.gov/
Independence Chamber of Commerce - https://indkschamber.org/
Airports
Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Tulsa, Oklahoma - located 1 and ½ hours from Independence.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Kansas City, Missouri - located 3 hours from Independence.
ICC will provide transportation to pick up new international students and bring them to campus if they arrive to the Tulsa International Airport only, as it is the closest airport to Independence. Please be sure to discuss your travel arrangements with the international student advisor before purchasing your ticket for your flight so that transportation may be arranged.
Fall semester: mid-August to mid-December
Spring semester: mid-January to mid-May
Summer term: Beginning of June to end of July (enrolling in summer classes is optional)
No, international students can’t study part time. U.S. immigration law requires that all international students on F1 student visas maintain full-time enrollment. To be considered full-time, undergraduate students must be registered in a minimum of 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Students do not have to enroll in a full-time course load during college breaks (summer and winter sessions).
No, international students are not required to take the SAT or ACT, but it is recommended, if available. If students haven’t taken either test upon arriving to ICC they will be required to take the ACCUPLACER college placement exam on campus.
No, in addition to TOEFL scores, ICC accepts the following proof of English proficiency: high school and college transcripts from U.S. institutions, IELTS, PTE, TOEIC, and Duolingo exam scores. For more information please read ICC’s admission requirements.
The TOEFL/IELTS score is valid for three years.
Yes, if the original documents weren't issued in English, they must be translated to English by a certified translation service. Students may use any certified translation service that they like (whether based in their country or the U.S.), but ICC has a partnership with SpanTran, a document translation and evaluation service. If a student decides to use SpanTran and apply through ICC's pathway, they will receive a discounted rate. ICC's pathway with SpanTran can be located at this link: https://spanside.secure.force.com/SpantranApplication?Id=eda05719-30b6-48e8-a222-6f50cfc238e2
Please review our most current course catalog for more information about the majors and programs that ICC offers.
Applications are generally processed within three to five business days; at that point you will receive an email from ICC’s International Student Advisor with information on how to submit your required documents and complete the next steps of the admissions process.
No, international students are not required to pay an advance tuition deposit. However, students need to arrive to campus prepared to pay for their semester charges in full or to set up a payment plan to make monthly payments. Students’ bills for tuition/fees and housing must be $200 or less in order to enroll for the next semester.
International students are not eligible for federal and state funded financial aid options (such as grants and loans), therefore they are required to show proof of funding for tuition/fees and living expenses for a minimum of one year with the expectation that students will continue to have access to that funding throughout their education. Although international students can’t apply for federal aid, they are eligible for athletic, academic, co-curricular, and Foundation scholarships. For more information please visit the Scholarships page of our website.
If you haven’t already been in contact with a coach, please visit the Athletics page of our website. There you can find information about the sports we offer, as well as locate the coach’s contact information on the staff directory.
Yes, according to U.S. law on-campus employment is the only legal employment for international students, who can work a maximum of 20 hours a week on campus. Employment at ICC is not a guarantee, but positions do occasionally become available in the library, bookstore, tutoring center, dorms (resident assistants), and some offices on campus. For more information about on-campus employment please contact the Business Office upon arrival to campus.
For more information about ICC’s dorms please visit the Residence Halls page and fill out the housing application.
- ISO Insurance - www.isoa.org
- Compass Benefit Group - http://www.compassstudenthealthinsurance.com
- International Student Insurance - www.internationalstudentsinsurance.com
- BETiNS - www.betins.com
Contact
David Adams
Vice President for Student Affairs
dadams@indycc.edu