International Students

Southwestern College encourages the enrollment of students from other countries who have the academic background and potential to succeed at a collegiate institution.

Admission Requirements for F-1 International Students

  • Submit an International Student application by the posted deadline. Deadlines are available on our International Student page. 
  • International students may apply for the spring, summer, or fall terms. Application deadlines can be found on our International Student page. 
  • International students may apply to Associate Degree Programs or the Academic English as a Second Language Program (not certificate programs).
  • All applicants whose native language is not English must meet a minimum score on either: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Duolingo English Test, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For a complete list of accepted English proficiency tests, please visit our International Student page. 
  • Students who have attended college outside the United States must provide an official transcript evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). 
  • Applicants to the Academic English as a Second Language Program are not required to submit verification of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).

  • All applicants must submit proof of high school completion or its equivalent to U.S. standards.

  • All applicants must submit an affidavit of support from a financial sponsor, accompanied by a certified letter or bank statement from the sponsor’s bank, verifying in U.S. dollars that sufficient funds are available to meet all the student’s educational and financial needs. Scholarship recipients must submit an official scholarship award letter from the scholarship agency outlining the amount of the award and scholarship criteria, in lieu of a financial statement. Please refer to our International Student page for current information.

  • SWC does not admit international students who have fallen out of F-1 status and are seeking to apply for reinstatement in the U.S.
  • SWC does not admit international students who are in B-1/B-2 visa status and are seeking to apply for a change of status to an F-1 visa in the U.S.
  • Students with dependents will be required to submit additional documentation, including an additional financial sponsorship statement and evidence of the dependent’s relationship to the student.

Upon acceptance:

  • A letter of acceptance will be issued to the student with all necessary details.
  • An I-20 will be issued to the prospective international student.
  • Students must attend the SWC International Student Orientation before starting the first semester of classes.
  • All students must complete Southwestern College Guided Placement Survey, including English as a Second Language screening questions (if applicable).

Admission Requirements for F-1 Transfer Students (Students transferring from another college or university in the United States).

  • Fulfill all the admissions requirements previously listed.
  • Have a valid F-1 student visa status (currently attending the school specified on the most current I-20 form).
  • Have completed college-level work at the college or university with a minimum 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. International students who are on academic probation or have been disqualified at their last institution attended will not be considered for admission.
  • Obtain transfer clearance from the previous college, university, or language school and submit to Southwestern College.
  • Submit copies of I-20, I-94, passport, and F-1 visa. 

Upon acceptance to SWC, applicants should request that the current institution transfer their SEVIS record to SWC to proceed with I-20 issuance.

Admission Requirements for F-1 Border Commuter Students (Mexican Nationals/Commuting from Mexico to the United States).

  • Review the requirements for F-1 Border Commuter/Fronterizo Students on our International Student page. 
  • Complete and submit an application on our International Student page. 
  • Verify permanent residence in Mexico and provide documentation. International students must maintain residency in Mexico throughout the duration of study at SWC. If a student would like to change to F-1 visa status, the student must fulfill all F-1 visa application requirements.
  • Must declare a major for associate degree.
  • May be enrolled as a full (12 units or more) or part-time (less than 12 units) student.
  • Must determine and verify funds for tuition and other fees per term.

Students must declare part-time or full-time status upon admission, and notify Admissions if there are any subsequent changes to their enrollment status. The student’s SEVIS record will be updated to reflect full-or part-time status, as required by SEVIS compliance.

Admission Requirements for F-1 International Students Seeking Concurrent Enrollment (Students attending another college or institution in the United States).

  • Complete an online application on our International Student page. 
  • Submit an official letter from current school’s international student office, verifying concurrent enrollment at Southwestern College has been authorized. The letter must identify the specific authorized semester and the specific classes.
  • Submit copies of current passport, F-1 visa, I-20, and I-94.
  • Letter of authorization from concurrent college must be submitted every semester.

Requirements to Maintain the F-1 Student Visa

  • Declare a major for the associate degree program.
  • Pay the non-resident tuition fees in addition to enrollment fees.
  • F-1 International Students must complete a minimum of 12 units with a minimum 2.0 grade point average each semester.
  • F-1 Border Commuter Students may be enrolled as a full (12 units or more) or part-time (less than 12 units) student.
  • F-1 International Students are required to provide evidence of health insurance coverage.
  • All international students must meet with the Binational/International Counselor once per semester.
  • All international students must report a change of address or phone number to the Binational and International Programs Office within 10 business days. 
  • All international students must maintain satisfactory progress toward an educational goal and completion of the requirements. Students who do not maintain satisfactory academic progress and/or standards will be placed on a one-semester academic probationary status and after two semesters will be academically dismissed.
  • All international students must become familiar with the regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and assume full responsibility for complying with those regulations and maintaining valid F1 visa status at all times. Southwestern College will report required events into the SEVIS program as mandated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). (AP5012 - International Students).
  • Southwestern College (SWC) may terminate an international student’s SEVIS record if the student fails to comply with USCIS regulations or is subject to disciplinary action.